Braulio Estima

Braulio Estima was born on June 10, 1980, in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. His martial arts journey began at age nine with Judo, laying an early foundation in grappling. However, a severe bike accident in 1990 temporarily halted his training. Encouraged by a friend, Estima returned to martial arts in 1996, marking the start of his dedicated pursuit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Estima initially trained at the 'Free Style' gym under Charles dos Anjos, quickly distinguishing himself by capturing five major junior titles and earning his blue belt. Following dos Anjos' relocation to the USA, Estima continued his training under Zé Raidiola, steadily progressing through the ranks to brown belt. In 2003, he showcased his growing skill by winning the IBJJF Pan American Championship as a brown belt. Later that same year, Estima relocated to London, where he trained under Mauricio Gomes and received his black belt in January 2004.

Estima's ADCC career is highlighted by his exceptional performance in 2009, where he secured gold medals in both his weight division and the prestigious open weight category. Prior to this landmark achievement, he earned a silver medal at the 2007 ADCC Championship. In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to submission grappling, Estima was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Braulio Estima is renowned for his innovative approach to grappling, notably pioneering a distinctive lapel-and-cradle system. This system effectively integrates wrestling-style control into traditional gi-based Jiu-Jitsu, enhancing positional dominance and submission opportunities. Estima's technical creativity and strategic submission setups have significantly influenced contemporary grappling techniques and competition strategies.

Estima co-founded Gracie Barra Birmingham, establishing it as one of the largest and most influential Gracie Barra affiliates in the United Kingdom. He serves as the head instructor for Gracie Barra's global online training platform, regularly conducting international seminars and grappling retreats. Through these roles, Estima actively mentors competitors and instructors worldwide, shaping the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

Known for his aggressive, submission-oriented style, Estima has built an impressive competitive record, achieving 59 victories, including 37 submissions. His grappling approach uniquely integrates wrestling techniques into gi Jiu-Jitsu, making him a versatile and formidable competitor. Estima's tactical pressure, precise control, and relentless pursuit of submissions exemplify his dynamic and effective competition style.

In 2014, Estima faced a significant career challenge when he received a two-year suspension due to a positive PED test. He openly addressed the incident, attributing it to the accidental intake of a banned substance from a pre-workout supplement. Estima confronted this setback transparently, moving forward positively and continuing to contribute meaningfully to the sport.

Braulio Estima's legacy extends far beyond his competitive accolades. His innovative techniques, influential teaching methods, and dedicated mentorship have profoundly impacted the global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Estima continues to inspire practitioners worldwide, significantly contributing to the evolution and growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as both a martial art and competitive sport.