Fernando Reis

Born on November 6, 1992, in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Fernando Andrade dos Reis developed an early fascination with martial arts. Initially intrigued by judo as a child, Fernando encountered resistance from his mother, who considered combat sports overly aggressive. At age 10, inspired by the rising popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA), his interest shifted toward Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By age 13, Fernando successfully persuaded his father to enroll him in formal BJJ training, marking the beginning of his grappling journey under instructor Tiago Rocha.

Fernando quickly emerged as a standout talent, gaining recognition as a promising juvenile blue belt competitor. Seeking a more challenging and competitive training environment, he relocated to São Paulo at the brown belt level to join the prestigious Alliance headquarters. Under the mentorship of legendary coach Fábio Gurgel, Fernando refined his skills and secured notable titles, including South American Champion, Brazilian Champion, and World Championship runner-up. His consistent performances culminated in receiving his black belt from Gurgel in June 2016.

After establishing himself as one of Alliance's premier super-heavyweight competitors, Fernando transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He became a respected instructor at Alliance’s Vila Olímpia academy in São Paulo, where he mentors aspiring grapplers. Fernando emphasizes the championship mindset, technical precision, and strategic approach that defined his competitive career, shaping the next generation of elite competitors.

Fernando Reis is widely recognized for developing "The Folding System," a structured and tactical approach to guard passing. This innovative method, characterized by precise pressure and strategic positioning, has been showcased extensively through seminars and online instructional content. Fernando’s guard-passing system has become a valuable resource for practitioners aiming to enhance their top game, reflecting the techniques that allowed him to dominate opponents in high-level competition.

Fernando continues to excel in competitive no-gi grappling, demonstrating versatility and sustained elite-level performance. In 2022, he captured the gold medal in the adult heavyweight division at the 2022 CBJJ Brazilian National No-Gi Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor across both gi and no-gi formats.

Since the late 2010s, Fernando Reis has played a pivotal role within Alliance's competitive squad, significantly contributing to the team's international success. His leadership and technical expertise have strengthened Alliance’s presence in heavier weight divisions, reinforcing the team's longstanding reputation as a global powerhouse in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.