Fabricio Bicudo is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Photo: IBJJF/Facebook
Fabricio “Bicudo”, 47 years old, is a true Jiu-Jitsu employee. In addition to teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Florida, the black belt also competes on the IBJJF international circuit. Recently, he was the Pan-American champion in the master 4 division, beating Robert Schuster (Wisconsin 360 Jiu-Jitsu).
Despite having a vast collection of gold medals and a lot of experience with Jiu-Jitsu, Fabricio details that the mind can be a competitor’s biggest challenge.
“Our mind can be what harms us the most in a Jiu-Jitsu competition and, at the same time, it can be what will make you win. It depends on how you handle your thoughts. Despite competing a lot, this was the biggest lesson I learned from this gold medal”, highlights Fabricio, a black belt since 2001.
To get the gold, the champion had to win four fights in a row. In the final dispute, Fabricio had to handle Robert’s guard masterfully.
“The opponent in the final had a very dangerous guard, but I also managed to do well there. I was able to nullify all of his attacks, I really performed nicely. I was very good for this championship. I was good physically and with my weight, plus I ended up being much more aggressive in this competition because of my confidence!”, says Fabricio.
The popular Bicudo says that recent achievements make him excited to take another important gold medal in the Federation.
“When you come from accomplishments like this one, you get confident and excited. You go to the World Masters with good confidence. It’s always good to fight in a big championship after winning. But I handle it all well and I have the experience to deal with these moments. I really like the World Championship because I meet my friends again and it’s great to share the mat with the legends!”, says Fabricio, who will fight the Orlando Open before the Worlds and will also accompany his son in the Pan Kids, the biggest children’s tournament in the world.
Former MMA athlete, Fabricio welcomes the investment of the One Championship in grappling. In recent weeks, the Asian organization has signed Renato Canuto and Tainan Dalpra.
“It’s amazing what One is doing for grappling and Jiu-Jitsu in general. If I get an opportunity of course I would take it, it would be great. But now it’s one goal at a time. I’m happy to see the sport growing and reaching higher levels”, concludes the professor.