Octavio Couto, also known as “Ratinho,” a respected figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community as a teacher, referee, event organizer, and competitor, tragically passed away in Italy at the age of 52. The news of his untimely death has left the Jiu-Jitsu community in shock.
“Ratinho”, was a highly regarded BJJ and grappling coach and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Romero Cavalcanti. Ratinho was one of the founders of the Brasa Jiu Jitsu Academy, he has been responsible for the development of fighters such as Fernando Terere, the Vieira brothers, Felipe Costa amongst many others.
On Saturday, August 26th, Octavio had an unfortunate accident while visiting Tremezzina in Italy for a wedding. Also in attendance were Roger Gracie, Orlando Neto of RGA Vienna and other black belts.
At around 6:30 am, he accidentally fell into Lake Como. The incident occurred near the Villa Carlotta museum garden, where Octavio had been attending seminars and visiting friendly schools. It is believed that he was sitting on the wall near the Regina state highway when he fell approximately three meters and hit the concrete base of the wall.
According to the Italian press, the local police, known as the carabinieri, suspect that Octavio’s death was a result of the trauma from the fall, rather than drowning in the lake. This tragic incident has deeply saddened the Jiu-Jitsu community, as Octavio Couto was highly regarded and will be greatly missed.
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