Gregorio Thomaz Acosta Success Story

Gregorio Thomaz Acosta is an athlete.

A short introduction to yourself?

I´m a lawyer and second-degree black belt under Master Eduardo “Brigadeiro” Venancio, who lives and teaches BJJ in the south of Brazil and Uruguay.

How did you develop your fondness for your sport and at what age did you start?

I was 19 years old when I started to learn our art. Soon I stood out in regional white and blue belt championships and so, from an early age, I started teaching.

What is your style and what rank do you currently hold in (your sport)?

I love half guard, but I’m improving as a guard passer. It’s my game. I continue competing and am always well positioned within the state, in my category.

Are you a member of any sports team? if not have you ever been?

I´m the leader of Gorillas, representing Brigadeiro Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy in the south of Brazil and Uruguay.

Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.

I fought from small championships to big championships like the European ones. Also, last year, I took third place in the FBJJ South American Championship.

Are there any short-term goals you’d like to accomplish in the next few months to a couple of years?

I would like to fight the world masters in the next year.

Do you take sports as a profession or is it just a hobby?

I love to teach and I love to practice every day. I don´t know if I am working or having fun. I love this lifestyle.

What challenges have you faced in getting to where you are now? You can also share any injury story.

I can only say “Jiu-jitsu saved my life”. That´s the point.

What motivates you most about your profession as an athlete?

Meet people, help people change their lives with jiu-jitsu.

Do you have anything you want everyone to learn?

Respect, discipline and honour. I want people to take this into their lives off the mat.

What tournament or match you have won are you most proud of and why?

I tried to live and work in Switzerland in 2016, after fighting the European championship, when I had the opportunity to fight Gabriel Arges in Neuchatel. Gabriel had been European adult champion and was named best jiu-jitsu athlete that year. I was 36 years old and I lost that fight. It was a victory for me to get there. I can say that I’ve fought the best in the world.

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