Alexander Trans

Alexander Trans began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Denmark, initially training under the guidance of Shimon Mochizuki. In 2009, seeking higher-level instruction and competition, he transitioned to Checkmat Denmark, aligning himself with the internationally respected Checkmat organization. Starting in 2010, Trans regularly traveled to Brazil, immersing himself in elite training environments and sharpening his competitive skills. His relentless dedication and dominant performances at brown belt culminated in receiving his black belt in 2011 from legendary competitor and coach Leo Vieira.

Trans quickly emerged as one of Europe's premier grapplers, capturing the IBJJF European Open title three consecutive times from 2012 to 2014. His international success continued as he secured the prestigious IBJJF Pan Championship in 2015 and claimed gold at the Brazilian Nationals in 2012. In 2018, Trans further solidified his global reputation by winning the UAEJJF King of Mats heavyweight title in Abu Dhabi, showcasing his adaptability and technical prowess against elite competition.

Throughout his competitive career, Alexander Trans has earned significant victories over some of the sport's most respected athletes, including Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu, Bráulio Estima, Yuri Simões, and Keenan Cornelius. His tactical approach, characterized by precise guard passing and relentless pressure, earned him runner-up finishes at prestigious events such as the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Pro and the 2016 Copa Pódio Heavyweight Grand Prix. Additionally, Trans secured medals at the IBJJF World Championship in 2012 and multiple IBJJF Pan Championships, consistently demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest levels.

Beginning in 2015, Trans faced significant setbacks due to severe knee injuries, including torn ACL and MCL ligaments. These injuries required multiple surgeries after 2018, ultimately forcing him to step away from active competition. Drawing from his experiences, Trans advocates strongly for athletes to proactively listen to their bodies and seek qualified medical guidance to effectively prevent and manage injuries.

Motivated by the birth of his son, John, Alexander Trans opened Progresso Jiu-Jitsu in Plano, Texas, as an affiliate of GF Team. At his academy, Trans emphasizes a supportive and balanced training environment, prioritizing technical excellence alongside personal well-being. He remains committed to returning to competition while dedicating himself to teaching, mentoring students, and fostering a positive community within his gym.

Trans maintains a clear philosophy regarding competition and team dynamics, preferring not to compete against regular training partners to preserve healthy relationships within the academy. Throughout his career, he balanced an intensive training schedule—often training up to 12 sessions per week—with significant professional commitments of approximately 40 hours per week. Following his injury challenges, Trans expresses a renewed appreciation for life and a revitalized passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Widely recognized as one of Europe's most accomplished and influential grapplers, Alexander Trans has significantly elevated the profile of European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the global stage. His achievements, dedication, and pioneering spirit have paved the way for future generations of European athletes, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in the sport.