Paulo Miyao

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts

Paulo Miyao was born on May 11, 1991, in Andirá, Paraná, Brazil. Alongside his twin brother João Miyao, Paulo grew up in humble circumstances as third-generation Japanese descendants, sons of a farmer and a housewife. Initially training in Judo, the brothers discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 16. Their first instructor, Adriano Carvalho, quickly recognized their exceptional talent and encouraged them to pursue the sport seriously.

Rise Through Cicero Costha's PSLPB Academy

Driven by a desire to compete professionally, Paulo and João relocated to São Paulo to train at Cicero Costha's PSLPB (Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem) social project. Living and training full-time at the academy, they shared mats with elite athletes, including Leandro Lo. Paulo rapidly developed a highly technical guard game, heavily influenced by the Mendes brothers (Rafael Mendes and Guilherme Mendes). Despite competing at lightweight (Pluma, 64 kg), his remarkable success in absolute divisions attracted significant media attention and sponsorship opportunities.

Transition to Black Belt and Early Black Belt Career

In June 2013, Paulo Miyao received his black belt alongside his brother João. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, capturing multiple IBJJF World Championship titles. However, his early black belt career faced adversity when he tested positive for a prohibited substance following the 2016 IBJJF World Championship. Paulo accepted responsibility and received a two-year suspension from competition. In 2018, due to a misunderstanding regarding eligibility, he competed at the UWW Grappling World Championships while still under suspension, resulting in an additional three-month penalty.

Departure from Unity Jiu-Jitsu and Return to Brazil

Paulo's departure from Unity Jiu-Jitsu in mid-2020 was marked by emotional and professional tensions. He openly expressed the difficulty of leaving a team he had helped build, describing the experience as feeling like leaving "as a traitor." Seeking greater autonomy and respect, Paulo returned to Brazil, assuming the role of head instructor at Dream Art in São Paulo.

Head Instructor Role at Dream Art

In 2022, Paulo Miyao became head instructor at the prestigious Dream Art academy. Reducing his competitive schedule to prioritize coaching, Paulo trained elite competitors such as Isaque Bahiense, Diego "Pato" Oliveira, and Anna Rodrigues. Emphasizing consistency, intense drilling, and a continuous learning mindset, Paulo leveraged his championship experience to elevate Dream Art into one of the world's premier competitive academies.

Entrepreneurial Venture: Studio 1908 Academy

In 2024, Paulo transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-owning Studio 1908 in New Jersey alongside his brother João. This move marked a significant step toward building their personal legacy and team presence in the United States. Reunited stateside, the Miyao brothers continue attracting students with their renowned technical mastery, particularly in berimbolo and advanced guard techniques.

Competition Style and Technical Innovations

Paulo Miyao is celebrated for his sophisticated guard techniques, particularly his mastery of the berimbolo and flexible guard play. Despite competing in lightweight divisions, he consistently challenged heavier opponents in absolute categories, demonstrating exceptional technical precision and innovative strategies. Paulo's rigorous drilling routines and guard innovations have significantly influenced modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard development.

Signature Techniques

Paulo's berimbolo variations and intricate guard transitions are hallmarks of his competitive style. His ability to seamlessly invert, take the back, and maintain positional dominance has set a technical benchmark for practitioners worldwide.

Mentorship and Personal Growth

Throughout his career, Paulo has overcome personal challenges, including language barriers and initial insecurities about teaching in English. He openly shares lessons learned from adversity, such as his PED suspension and team transitions. Paulo advocates a growth-oriented mindset, emphasizing consistency, intense drilling, and continuous learning as essential components for success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Ongoing Competitive Presence

Even after reducing his competitive schedule post-2020, Paulo Miyao remains active in select superfights and major tournaments. He and João dominated the Master 1 category at the 2022 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship. Paulo also secured another gold medal at the 2021 IBJJF Pan Championship No-Gi and regularly trains with current world champions, maintaining elite competitive form. His longevity and consistent performance at the highest levels earned him and João their third-degree black belts in 2023.