Helton Jose Junior

Helton José Junior began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 16 in his hometown in Amazonas, Brazil. His initial training took place at Nilton Nascimento’s nonprofit academy, a unique gym emphasizing community engagement and academic performance as tuition. Under coaches Valdir António and Daniel Cristóvão, Helton quickly developed a passion for grappling fundamentals. Seeking higher-level instruction, he relocated to Manaus, the state capital, to train at the renowned ASLE academy under Henrique Machado, spending two formative years refining his skills.

After his foundational years in Manaus, Helton moved to Rio de Janeiro to train at Game Fight under respected instructor Vinicius Amaral. While regularly competing across neighboring states, Helton frequently stayed at the Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB) academy, led by Cícero Costha. Impressed by the academy’s elite training environment and welcoming atmosphere, Helton permanently joined PSLPB as a blue belt. Under Costha’s mentorship, he progressed through the ranks, ultimately receiving his black belt on June 15, 2016.

In June 2018, Helton José Junior transitioned to Atos Jiu-Jitsu, training under legendary competitor and coach André Galvão. To further elevate his competitive edge, Helton expanded his training internationally, notably spending time at elite gyms such as Unity Jiu-Jitsu in New York City. These experiences allowed him to train alongside top international athletes, significantly sharpening his technical precision and tactical approach.

Helton’s breakout moment as a black belt came in 2019, when he captured the prestigious ACB World Championship title. This victory firmly established him as a rising powerhouse in the ultra-heavyweight division, earning recognition for his aggressive, relentless, and pressure-oriented competition style.

Helton José Junior is widely recognized for his relentless aggression and formidable guard passing pressure. Over the years, he has strategically expanded his technical arsenal by incorporating dynamic takedowns and judo throws, complementing his already feared passing game. His adaptability was clearly demonstrated when he secured gold at the IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi in 2022, showcasing his ability to dominate opponents even without the gi.

Helton’s reputation surged following a razor-close match against reigning absolute champion Felipe "Preguiça" Pena, where he nearly secured victory. Consistently achieving podium placements at major tournaments such as IBJJF, AJP, and BJJ Stars, Helton is recognized for pushing elite competitors to their limits, solidifying his status as a top-tier athlete in the sport.

Committed to giving back to his roots, Helton actively mentors younger grapplers from Amazonas during off-seasons. He shares the discipline, training methodologies, and experiences that propelled him from a small jungle town to the international stage, positively impacting his local community and inspiring the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

Helton José Junior actively pursues qualification for the prestigious ADCC World Championship by competing in high-profile no-gi tournaments and trials. His goal is to showcase his aggressive and dynamic grappling style at the world’s premier submission grappling event, further cementing his legacy among the sport’s elite competitors.