Lucas Pinheiro

Lucas Pinheiro was born on February 11, 1994, in Manaus, Brazil, where he grew up in a low-income household. Known locally as a fearless and spirited youth, Lucas frequently found himself involved in street altercations, often seeking trouble simply for the thrill. At nine years old, his life took a pivotal turn when a close friend introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the academy of Faustino Neto (Mestre Pina). Instantly captivated by the discipline and technical depth of the sport, Lucas quickly channeled his energy into dedicated training.

Under the mentorship of Faustino Neto (Mestre Pina), Lucas rapidly advanced through the ranks from white to purple belt, building a robust technical foundation characterized by precision and aggression. At age 17, his potential caught the attention of renowned coach Cícero Costha, who invited him to train at Costha's affiliate academy in Sorocaba, São Paulo. Accepting the opportunity, Lucas relocated and fully embraced the rigorous lifestyle of a committed competitor. Under Costha's guidance, Lucas refined his technique and competitive mindset, eventually earning his brown belt.

Lucas Pinheiro experienced a breakout competitive year in 2015, making a significant impact at the brown belt level. He secured medals at prestigious tournaments, including the Brazilian Nationals and the 2015 IBJJF World Championship, where he earned a silver medal. Following his impressive performance at Worlds, Lucas received an offer to coach at a Checkmat affiliate academy in California, prompting his relocation to the United States. Shortly thereafter, fellow Manaus native Carlos Holanda (Esquisito) awarded Lucas his black belt, marking his transition to the elite ranks.

As a black belt competitor, Lucas Pinheiro represented prominent teams such as Checkmat and later Atos JJ. Known for his dynamic and relentless style, Lucas quickly established himself as a dominant force in the roosterweight division. Throughout his black belt career, he captured numerous prestigious titles in both gi and no-gi competitions, achieving a career "grand slam" by winning major tournaments including the IBJJF World Championship, No-Gi Worlds, Pans, and Brazilian Nationals. Lucas concluded his high-level IBJJF competitive career immediately after securing the roosterweight title at the 2023 IBJJF World Championship.

In late 2023, Lucas Pinheiro relocated to Orlando, Florida, to establish and lead Atos Winter Garden. Transitioning from active competition to coaching, Lucas shifted his focus toward developing emerging talent through dedicated instruction and seminars. Demonstrating continued competitive excellence, Lucas captured gold at the 2024 IBJJF European Championship (Masters 1 division), successfully marking his transition into Masters-level competition. He remains deeply committed to mentoring athletes and sharing his extensive technical knowledge and competitive experience.

Lucas Pinheiro is widely recognized for his aggressive, high-paced approach in the roosterweight division. His matches feature relentless pressure, constant positional advancement, and a persistent pursuit of submissions. Lucas combines technical precision with explosive intensity, enabling him to dominate opponents and dictate match tempo consistently. His tactical approach and dynamic style have earned him respect and influence within the competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.