Kennedy Maciel

Kennedy Maciel began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in late 2012 after relocating to California to train under his father, legendary grappler Rubens Charles, widely known as "Cobrinha." Despite not initially growing up immersed in the sport, Kennedy quickly revealed exceptional aptitude, capturing his first IBJJF Pan gold medal in 2013, just months after beginning formal training. He soon transitioned into a full-time grappler, assisting his father in teaching children's classes and rapidly refining his technical skillset.

Throughout his colored belt career, Kennedy Maciel consistently dominated major tournaments organized by the IBJJF and UAEJJF. His competitive prowess peaked notably in 2018, when he achieved an undefeated streak, securing seven gold medals across seven tournaments as a brown belt. Recognizing these exceptional performances, his father Rubens Charles promoted Kennedy to black belt in June 2018.

Kennedy Maciel made a significant impact at the prestigious ADCC World Championship, earning second place at the 2019 ADCC World Championship. Demonstrating continued excellence in submission grappling, he secured victory at the 2024 ADCC Brazilian Trials in the 66kg division, earning another opportunity to compete at the ADCC World Championship.

Return to Gi Competition

Following his initial success in no-gi events, Kennedy Maciel shifted his competitive focus back to gi tournaments, achieving remarkable consistency with over 20 consecutive victories in his division. In 2024, he captured featherweight titles at the IBJJF European Championship, IBJJF Pan Championship, and CBJJ Brazilian Nationals, positioning himself for a potential Grand Slam season.

Historic Absolute Division Achievement

Additionally, Maciel earned a historic bronze medal in the absolute division at the 2024 CBJJ Brazilian Nationals, becoming the first featherweight competitor to achieve this feat since 1997. This accomplishment underscored his technical versatility and strategic adaptability against larger opponents.

Kennedy Maciel is recognized for his innovative approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, notably integrating wrestling techniques into his competitive style. He has developed a dynamic, modern guard system influenced by contemporary grappling trends, effectively balancing the legacy of his father, Rubens Charles, with his own distinct approach. Maciel's technical evolution continues to influence the competitive landscape, showcasing his adaptability, creativity, and tactical intelligence on the mats.