Caio Terra winning the 2013 World Championship. Photo: Ivan Trindade
A large role in sport Jiu-Jitsu is the roosterweight Caio Terra. He got his start in Brazil after his mom noticed that he was getting in fights at school. She brought him to Jiu-Jitsu, sometimes dragging him and even training herself so that she could keep him on the mat. He was introduced to competition as a blue belt and was too small for even the lightest category.
In his first competition he begged his coach to stop because his nerves were overcoming him but he was encouraged to continue. He took first like many tournaments thereafter despite having serious anxiety. His signature move of triangle from closed guard gave him many wins.
Eventually he built mats at his home and along with his brother Kim Terra, Felipe Costa and others he was training day and night sometimes being woken up by training partners. The lifestyle paid off and his technique flourished. In 2006 he received his black belt from Grandmaster Strauch and Reyson Gracie.
Caio is a multiple gi and no-gi world champion and will be making his second debut at the BJJ Pro League on Dec. 8 hoping to win as he did in 2012.
Check out his match at the 2012 BJJ Pro League against Daniel Beleza:
Learn more about the 2013 BJJ Pro League on Dec. 8 at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid at www.bjjproleague.com
