Rafael Vasconcelos

Rafael Vasconcelos was born on November 4, 1992, in Brazil. He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 16 in 2009, initially motivated by a desire to lose weight. His early training took place at the DBK academy in Fortaleza under instructor Ricardo Costa, who guided his development through the ranks up to purple belt.

Recognizing his potential for competitive success, Vasconcelos relocated to São Paulo to train full-time at Cicero Costha's prestigious PSLPB academy. During his tenure there, internal dynamics led to the emergence of two distinct training groups—one led by Cicero Costha and the other by star pupil Leandro Lo. Vasconcelos chose to follow Lo when he established his own academy, New School Brotherhood (NsB). Under Lo's mentorship, Rafael earned his brown belt and subsequently his black belt, awarded on October 30, 2017.

In February 2018, Rafael Vasconcelos began representing Atos Jiu-Jitsu internationally, marking a pivotal shift in his competitive career. He relocated from Brazil to California, assuming a leadership role at an Atos affiliate academy in Beaumont, CA. Vasconcelos' presence significantly contributed to expanding Atos' influence beyond its San Diego headquarters. Shortly after his arrival in the United States, he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, capturing gold at prestigious tournaments such as the IBJJF American Nationals in 2018 and securing multiple IBJJF Open titles.

Rafael Vasconcelos is widely recognized for his dynamic long-range open guard and fluid passing sequences. His technical approach reflects the distinct influences of his mentors, particularly Leandro Lo, whose explosive and aggressive style is evident in Vasconcelos' game. Additionally, the structured and systematic competition strategies characteristic of Atos Jiu-Jitsu have further refined his tactical approach. Vasconcelos' adaptability, developed through training across diverse environments—including DBK, PSLPB, Brotherhood, and Atos—has resulted in a versatile skill set, making him a standout competitor in the heavyweight division.

Following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, Rafael Vasconcelos revitalized his competitive schedule, actively participating in events such as the IBJJF San Jose Open. He has also increased engagement with fans and the broader BJJ community through Atos' online platforms, regularly promoting his matches and sharing valuable insights into his training methodologies and competition experiences.