Carlos Vieira BJJ Black Belt Profile - February 2010
Carlos Vieira is one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts in Australia, he has trained and competed all over the world and decided to settle in Australia not long ago. Carlos is currently teaching in Melbourne and he took some time out to answer a few questions for http://www.infinitemma.com
Click full story below to read the interview
How Long have you been Training Brazilian Jiu jitsu?
I begun training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 18 years now.
How long have you been a Black Belt and who gave it to you?
This November will be nine years since I received my black belt. Milton Maximiano gave me my black belt. The certificate was given and signed by the teachers, Waldomiro Junior, Rampage Jackson´s trainer, Milton Maximiano and Eduardo Leitao, who are responsible for the team, Cia Paulista.
Do you work or do you teach full-time?
My work is teaching full-time. I believe that BJJ will grow rapidly in Australia especially after the UFC. I will be dedicating myself to both gi and no gi classes as these are my passions. I also plan to bring some of my
black belts to Australia to expand the team.
Have you trained in other styles of martial arts?
I have a basic knowledge of boxing and I am brown belt in Judo. Of course being Brazilian I have also some knowledge of Capoeira.
Why did you start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
I use to train at a gym and was invited by a few friends who were blue belt to joing them in training. What I was most impressed with was that my friends who were like 10 kilos lighter than me was able to do what they wished of me on the mat and I became fascinated.
Do you or have you competed in either Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or MMA? And what is your record?
Apart from being a teacher what I most enjoy doing is competing. Below is my big titles as a black belt under the Brazilian Confederation of Jiu Jitsu,
• 2005 Brazilian Champion
• 2004 European Champion
• 2002 and 2003 Pan-American Champion
• 2004 Pan-American Vice-Champion
• 2002 and 2004 Brazilian Championship’s 3rd place
• 2006 European Championship’s 3rd place
• 2005 and 2006 Pan-American Championship’s 3rd place
• 2009 European Champion 1st place
What was your biggest competition Achievement?
Every competition gives me butterflies and that is what I most feed on and feel pleasure in when I compete. After winning any of the competitions that I have competed in, the biggest achievement for me is to be able to take my BJJ further, be able to hold seminars and travel.
Who are your influences?
There are many people who I admire and who influence me in BJJ including Roger Gracie, Jacare and Alexandre Ribeiro. Also my family, my wife and the new upcoming champion, my son, who will be born mid this year.
What is your favourite submission or move?
My favourite submission is arm lock and my favourite move is guard sweeps.
Do you specialize in a particular style, ie guard fighting? Or do you have more of a rounded style?
My style is guard fighting which is my stronger style, however, I always have a top game up my sleeve.
Apart from yourself who would you rate as the best Black Belt in Australia or New Zealand and why?
Gustavo Falciroli who is another Brazilian that resides in Perth, he has a different game, half guard style.
Why did you come to Australia?
I came to Australia in November, 2008 and got married. My wife and I planned to move to Spain to live for a couple of years, but when I was here in Australia, I had a great vision of BJJ here and so my wife and I decided to settle here.
What do you think the differences are in the way Australasians train when compared to the Brazilians?
The styles between Australasians and Brazilians are very similar as in the past people from this region have travelled overseas to gain knowledge from Brazilian teachers. Every year there are more competitions occurring here and the level is rising. I believe that in 3 to 5 years the BJJ here in Australia will easily be able to compete at a world level.
What is a typical training session like for you and your class?
I always begin my classes with a warm up and/or stretches, followed by drills/exercises. I plan my classes so that they follow a sequence of movements. This way my students aren´t lost in showing completely different movements all the time. I then always use 20-30 minutes for free roll. Every month I take the time to ask what my students what they need to revise or to improve on so no one is left behind. I am always present during all my students competitions so that I can take special note when they compete so I can see how I can help them in training.
What is your criteria for grading to blue/purple /brown and black belts?
A long time ago I went by the criteria in books or I tested my students, however, now a days I do not use this criteria anymore. Times have changed and so I now use more practical means, people train for different reasons, either to compete, for pleasure, for stress relief or because they love BJJ. Therefore people need to be analysed differently and this can only be done by me always being present during classes and following each of the student´s developments. I grade my students at different times when they are most deserving. I also base my gradings on attendance, discipline and respect.
Why should people do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is good for various reasons such as respect, self esteem, self control, a great physical activity, stress, stretching. I believe that BJJ keeps you younger and helps you live a longer healthier life.
For more information on Carlos or to train with him in Melbourne visit his facebook page, link to page
Thanks to Paul from SinisterStore for making the interview possible