Michael Langhi

Born in 1985 in Londrina, Brazil, Michael Langhi began his martial arts journey through capoeira training in his hometown. It was at this capoeira academy that Langhi first met Rubens Charles "Cobrinha", who would later become one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most celebrated featherweight competitors. In late 2001, Cobrinha invited Langhi to attend a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, igniting Langhi's lifelong passion for the art.

Langhi quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. At just 19 years old, he earned his first international title by winning the IBJJF World Championship as a blue belt in 2004. He continued his impressive momentum, capturing world titles at purple belt in 2006 and brown belt in 2007. Recognizing Langhi's technical proficiency and competitive drive, Rubens Charles "Cobrinha" awarded him his black belt in 2008.

Technical Mastery and Competitive Achievements

Michael Langhi established himself as one of the most dominant lightweight competitors of his generation, renowned for his highly technical and virtually impassable spider guard. In 2009, only one year after receiving his black belt, Langhi accomplished the rare feat of winning all four major IBJJF tournaments—the European Open, Brazilian Nationals, Pan American Championship, and World Championship—in a single competitive season. This remarkable achievement earned him widespread acclaim, including recognition as "BJJ Fighter of the Year" by the press in 2009.

Around 2018, Langhi shifted his focus from active competition to coaching and leadership roles. He assumed the position of head instructor at the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil, where he took responsibility for training and developing the next generation of Alliance champions. Langhi has played a pivotal role in mentoring rising talents, notably co-coaching and awarding black belts to prominent competitors such as Isaque Bahiense.

Expanding his leadership responsibilities, Michael Langhi ascended to the executive position of CEO within Alliance Jiu-Jitsu. In this capacity, he oversees the organization's extensive global network of academies and instructors, guiding strategic direction, organizational growth, and ensuring the continued success and expansion of the Alliance brand worldwide.

Langhi remains actively involved in the global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community through seminars and instructional content. He frequently travels internationally to Alliance affiliate academies as a guest instructor, sharing the sophisticated open guard techniques and defensive strategies that defined his competitive career. His ongoing contributions continue to influence practitioners worldwide, reinforcing his legacy as both a competitor and educator.

Though primarily dedicated to coaching and team management, Langhi made a rare return to competition at the 2022 IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship. This brief competitive appearance highlighted his enduring passion for the sport and allowed him to reconnect with the competitive mats, even as he remains primarily focused on leadership and instructional roles.