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Grappling Bulletin: Carlos Gracie Jr, Brasileiros, Lovato Wins Open, & More
TL;DR
Carlos Gracie Jr. was promoted to a ninth-degree red belt at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. The IBJJF Brasileiro has started, featuring over 8,000 competitors, with black belts competing next weekend.
Key points
- Carlos Gracie Jr. promoted to ninth-degree red belt
- Promotion ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro
- IBJJF Brasileiro features over 8,000 competitors
- Black belt competitions scheduled for next weekend
- Gracie was promoted to black belt by Helio Gracie in 1977
Mentioned in this story
Carlos Gracie Jr.IBJJFHelio Gracie
IBJJF Brasileiro 2026
Get a quick rundown of everything happening in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in just a few minutes
What's Happening In Jiu-Jitsu
-IBJJF President Grand Master Carlos Gracie Jr was promoted to ninth-degree red belt at a Gracie Barra 40th anniversary ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, a milestone that reflects his lifetime dedicated to the art of jiu-jitsu. Gracie was originally promoted to black belt by Helio Gracie in 1977.
-The IBJJF Brasileiro has begun, with the colored belts taking the mats throughout the week. Black belts will close the show next weekend, Saturday & Sunday. This will be another recordbreaking event, with over 8,000 competitors taking part. Track ongoing results here.
-Tainan Dalpra, Diego Pato, and Gabrieli Pessanha can all accomplish another IBJJF Grand Slam by winning gold at the event in their weight divisions. The IBJJF calendar officially begins with Worlds, hence why Brasileiros would be the final major in the Grand Slam. This would be Dalpra and Pato's third Grand Slam & a record fifth for Pessanha.
-In black belt Masters action, Megaton Dias was among the champions on the weekend Megaton Dias as he captured another gold medal in the lightweight M7 division.
-Polaris announced the first three men who will be a part of Team Polaris in the upcoming Squads event, namely Eoghan O'Flanaghan, Mateusz SzczeciĆski, and Owen Jones.
-This Sunday will be the Main Character Jiu-Jitsu Invitational, with six title matches headlining one of the best no-gi cards of the year so far. Tune in to watch all of the action going down in Austin, TX.
-Rafael Lovato Jr. won the Masters C -100kg division at the US Open in freestyle wrestling, his first major championship in competitive wrestling. Lovato, 42, grew up without a competitive wrestling background.
Q&A
What is the significance of Carlos Gracie Jr.'s ninth-degree red belt promotion?
Carlos Gracie Jr.'s promotion to ninth-degree red belt signifies his lifetime dedication to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is a prestigious achievement in the sport.
How many competitors are participating in the IBJJF Brasileiro 2026?
The IBJJF Brasileiro 2026 features over 8,000 competitors, making it a record-breaking event.
When will the black belt competitions take place at the IBJJF Brasileiro?
The black belt competitions at the IBJJF Brasileiro will take place next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.
Who originally promoted Carlos Gracie Jr. to black belt?
Carlos Gracie Jr. was originally promoted to black belt by Helio Gracie in 1977.
