Rudson Mateus

Born on July 15, 1995, in Manacapuru, Amazonas, Rudson Mateus grew up deep within Brazil's Amazon Jungle. At nine years old, he began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under coach Nilton Ricardo, known widely as Niltinho. Under Niltinho's guidance, Mateus steadily advanced through the junior ranks, developing a solid foundation that would later define his competitive style and aspirations. He trained exclusively with Niltinho until reaching the blue belt level.

Recognizing the limited competitive opportunities in his hometown, Mateus made a strategic decision to relocate in pursuit of higher-level training. He joined the renowned Game-Fight academy, training under the experienced mentorship of Vinicius Amaral. At Game-Fight, Mateus rapidly evolved into a dominant purple belt competitor, showcasing his technical prowess and aggressive submission style. His dedication culminated in notable victories, including a gold medal at the IBJJF European Open in 2015.

Mateus's performance at the IBJJF European Open in 2015 led to a pivotal meeting with renowned competitor and coach Caio Terra. This encounter sparked a mentorship and friendship that significantly shaped Mateus's career. He began traveling regularly to California to train at Terra's headquarters, eventually formalizing his affiliation by joining the Caio Terra Association (CTA). In 2015, Mateus relocated permanently to San Jose, California, to train full-time under Terra's direct supervision. That same year, Terra awarded Mateus his brown belt. Following an impressive competitive run at brown belt, Mateus received his black belt from Terra on July 25, 2017.

Rudson Mateus is renowned for his highly effective closed guard and precise armbar submissions. His tactical approach involves systematically breaking down opponents' posture and defenses, creating openings for his signature armbar attacks. Mateus's aggressive, submission-oriented style has consistently overwhelmed opponents at elite competitions, earning him victories at prestigious events such as the IBJJF European Open, UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro, and Brazilian Nationals. His technical proficiency and relentless pursuit of submissions have established him as one of the most feared competitors in his division.

Following surgery and an extended recovery period, Mateus experienced a significant hiatus from competition. During this time, he transitioned into a coaching role at the Caio Terra Academy in San Jose, California. As a coach, Mateus has played a pivotal role in mentoring and developing emerging Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent, sharing his extensive competitive knowledge and technical insights. Gradually returning to training, Mateus has expressed clear intentions to resume competition, targeting major tournaments such as the IBJJF European Championship to re-establish his position among the sport's elite.

Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Rudson Mateus has significantly expanded his influence through international teaching engagements. Conducting seminars in numerous countries, Mateus shares his championship-level techniques and strategic insights with practitioners worldwide. His seminars emphasize detailed breakdowns of his closed guard and armbar systems, contributing to the global growth and technical advancement of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mateus's reputation as both a respected competitor and insightful instructor continues to strengthen his impact within the international BJJ community.