Miyao Bros receive the black belt

Paulo and João Miyao now black belts

Idols of lightweights, guard players and admirers of good Jiu-Jitsu, brothers Paulo and João Miyao were graduated to a highly deserved level of black belt on Monday, June 24, at the Cicero Costha academy in São Paulo.

Paulo and João gained fame with their sweeps and playing the berimbolo on opponents at championships around the world. At the last World Championship in Long Beach, they closed out the brown belt light-featherweight division. Paulo did one better and was also crowned in the absolute, defeating the dominant Keenan Cornelius.

With the brothers’ victories at this year’s European Open, Pan, Brasileiro and Worlds, Professor Cicero decided to give the new belts.

“They will have great fights as black belts. João and Paulo will debut in the new division next Saturday in São Paulo, when we will be able to see if they are ready for it,” explained Costha, the Miyaos’ Professor since blue belt. “Last year, Paulo was graduated to brown belt by me before João and now we decided to have their promotions at the same time.

“I’m very happy with that. They are two very skilled kids that train a lot and have a lot of determination. They came from the countryside and they are doing great in what they like to do the most. Now, they travel the world thanks to Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a honor to have them here with us.”

Paulo Miyao talked about his arrival at black belt: “For real, I’m not anxious to compete in the new rank at all. I’ll try to do my best, as usual.”