Dimitrius Souza

Born on March 25, 1989, in Cohab, on the east side of São Paulo, Brazil, Dimitrius Souza discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through a friend's invitation. Quickly captivated by grappling, Souza enrolled at the Nascidos Para Vencer social project, founded by Antônio Carlos "Toni" Bergamo. Established in 1998, this initiative aimed to support children and families facing financial hardships by promoting a healthy lifestyle through jiu-jitsu.

Formative Training and Influential Mentors

During his early development, Dimitrius trained under esteemed mentors Sergio Moraes and Everdan "Mestre Dan" Olegario, who significantly shaped his competitive foundation. As a blue belt, he began frequenting the renowned academy of Fabio Gurgel, further refining his technical skills and tactical understanding. Later, at brown belt, Souza regularly trained at Luciano Nucci's gym, famously known as "Casquinha," sharpening his competitive edge.

Achieving Black Belt

Souza's dedication culminated in winning the IBJJF World Championship at brown belt in 2011. Following this significant achievement, Sergio Moraes awarded him his black belt in July of the same year, marking his transition into the elite ranks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Dimitrius Souza is renowned for his methodical, pressure-heavy style in gi competitions, characterized by relentless positional dominance and strategic control. His technical approach emphasizes steady progression through dominant positions, systematically breaking down opponents' defenses. Although primarily recognized for his gi performances, Souza demonstrates remarkable adaptability, successfully transitioning to modern grappling formats. His double gold victory at the Brazilian No-Gi Nationals underscores his versatility and technical proficiency across both gi and no-gi disciplines.

Beyond his competitive accolades, Souza actively contributes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's growth through dedicated teaching and mentorship. He regularly conducts international seminars, sharing tactical insights and competition-tested techniques. Notably, Souza served as a featured instructor at an Alliance seminar during IBJJF's Jiu-Jitsu Con event in Las Vegas, providing a free class to students and fans. In São Paulo, he is regarded as a senior figure within Alliance, mentoring and guiding the team's emerging heavyweight competitors during training sessions.

Emerging from the Nascidos Para Vencer social project, Dimitrius Souza remains deeply connected to his roots. He actively gives back to the community by inspiring and teaching younger athletes from similar backgrounds. His journey from humble beginnings to international success exemplifies how dedication and hard work can transform lives, making him a respected role model within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

A long-standing representative of Alliance, Souza exemplifies team spirit and loyalty. He frequently demonstrates camaraderie by sharing finals with teammates, as evidenced when he and teammate Gabriel Henrique agreed to close out a Brazilian Nationals final together, securing a 1–2 finish for Alliance. Within the team, Souza is highly respected not only for his competitive achievements but also for his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the Alliance ethos.