Johnatha Alves

Born on January 12, 1999, in São Paulo, Brazil, Johnatha Alves began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at nine years old under the guidance of coach Caio Izidro, known affectionately as "Jacaré." Alves later refined his foundational skills and competitive mindset training with coaches Rodrigo "Sama" and Rogerio "Alemão", who significantly influenced his early technical development.

In 2016, Alves earned the prestigious Believe & Achieve grappling scholarship, an elite program established by renowned champions Guilherme Mendes and Rafael Mendes. This scholarship provided Alves with comprehensive support, including full room and board, world-class training, and dedicated tournament preparation. Embracing this opportunity, Alves relocated to Costa Mesa, California, to train at the acclaimed Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ), a facility renowned for producing top-tier competitors.

Rapid Advancement and Brown Belt Success

Under the mentorship of the Mendes Brothers, Alves swiftly ascended through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and competitive consistency. On June 25, 2018, Guilherme Mendes promoted Alves to brown belt, marking a significant milestone in his career. Alves immediately showcased his skill at the 2018 Spyder Invitational in South Korea, securing a notable victory against accomplished competitor Jamil Hill-Taylor by a single advantage.

Memorable Black Belt Promotion

Alves' rapid progression culminated in a memorable black belt promotion on June 01, 2019, immediately following his victory in the brown belt final at the 2019 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. In an unforgettable moment, Guilherme Mendes threw Alves his black belt from the stands as Alves celebrated his championship victory on the mats, symbolizing his transition to the highest competitive level.

Widely recognized for his precise technique and strategic mindset, Johnatha Alves consistently demonstrates adaptability and composure in high-level competition. Throughout his career, Alves has excelled across all colored belt divisions, securing significant victories at major IBJJF events. His disciplined, methodical approach was notably evident during his victory over Jamil Hill-Taylor at the 2018 Spyder Invitational, where Alves' tactical guard play and positional awareness solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor on the international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circuit.