09/06/2026
BLACK BELT
09/05/2026, I received my black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
After years of training, dedication, commitment, and countless challenges, I can honestly say this has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life.
When I first started training, I could have never imagined that I would be where I am today. But that’s what God does. He can take what seems impossible and make it possible.
What a blessing it is to be able to do what He has called me to do.
My journey started in Brazil because of my older brother Lucas Gomes, who was always involved in martial arts since we were kids. Later, Lucas and my friend Xande encouraged me to go back to training when I was an unhealthy young man. From that moment on, I never stopped.
I moved to the United States as a blue belt and no matter what life brought my way, I always found a way to keep training, learning and growing.
We all have different journeys in Jiu Jitsu but one thing is non negotiable for all of us: Perseverance.
Also the people you meet along the way matter. The friendships, the training partners, the people who push you when you don’t feel like showing up. Accountability is a fundamental part of this journey.
Jiu Jitsu has taught me that the mats have a way of revealing who we really are.
I used to be very selfish. I thought everything was about me but Jiu Jitsu taught me that there are days when I need to serve instead of being served. There are days when I need to help someone else grow, even when I need help too.
That lesson has humbled me, shaped me and changed who I am today.
This black belt represents much more than a belt. It represents years of showing up, getting uncomfortable, failing, learning, starting over, opening a business, growing it and refusing to quit.
So, if there’s one thing I would tell anyone on their own journey:
Do hard things.
Take risks.
Serve others.
Never give up.
And trust God.
I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey.
Special thank you to God first, without Him i’m nothing, to my wife Hannah Gomes who supports me and is my biggest encouragement, my brother Lucas Gomes and friend Alexandre Pacheco for never letting me quit, my first professor Gabriel Athanazio for all the lessons on and off the mats, my dear friend and professor today Fabio Leandro for encouraging me, trusting me and taking care of me, my oldest brother in United States Brad Hair for mentoring me, taking care of me since the beginning in this business life and for showing me that it’s worth it taking that leap of faith and then last but not least, every parent, student and friend that Legado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Bellefontaine, Ohio brought me.
Thank you all for believing in me when I didn’t.
I’m beyond blessed to have all of you in my life!
… The journey starts now. Love you all.
