Tainan Dalpra

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Tainan Dalpra was born on November 6, 2000, in Brazil. Introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of five by his father, Deivid Soares—a dedicated practitioner who later became a black belt—Dalpra quickly embraced the sport. Initially training alongside his father at Everson Ávila’s academy for three years, he later transitioned to AS Academy under coach Carlos Dorado. There, Dalpra began competing, rapidly excelling in local tournaments and showcasing early signs of his exceptional talent.

Joining AOJ and the Believe & Achieve Program

In 2014, Dalpra traveled to the United States, where he first encountered renowned coaches Rafael Mendes and Guilherme Mendes. Recognizing the elite training environment at their Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy (AOJ), Dalpra relocated permanently to Costa Mesa, California, in 2015 at age 14. He became one of the inaugural athletes selected for the Mendes Brothers' Believe & Achieve scholarship program, a structured initiative designed to cultivate promising young grapplers. Under Guilherme Mendes' meticulous mentorship, Dalpra rapidly evolved into a standout competitor, refining his technical precision and strategic mindset.

Dominant Black Belt Career and Undefeated Streak

Dalpra received his black belt from Guilherme Mendes in October 2020, standing atop the podium at the 2020 IBJJF Pan American Championship. Immediately making an impact at the highest level, he embarked on an extraordinary undefeated streak in IBJJF competition lasting over two years. By 2023, Dalpra amassed an impressive 60-1 black belt record, capturing consecutive IBJJF World Championships at middleweight in 2021 and 2022. His dominance at such a young age positions him as a potential future greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) candidate in the middleweight gi division.

Transition and Success in No-Gi Competition

Initially recognized primarily as a gi specialist, Dalpra strategically expanded his competitive repertoire into no-gi events. In 2024, he debuted at the prestigious 2024 Who’s Number One, delivering flawless performances and securing notable victories over respected no-gi competitors Oliver Taza and Jay Rodriguez. Further demonstrating his versatility, Dalpra dominated the 2024 IBJJF No-Gi Pan Championship, solidifying his reputation as a complete grappler capable of excelling across both gi and no-gi formats.

Overcoming Setbacks and Continued Growth

Dalpra encountered a rare setback at the 2024 IBJJF World Championship, where he was disqualified in the quarter-finals due to an inadvertent illegal knee reap from K-guard. Rather than allowing this incident to disrupt his momentum, Dalpra embraced it as a valuable learning experience, deepening his understanding of IBJJF rule nuances. He swiftly rebounded by winning the IBJJF Grand Prix and maintained strong performances in subsequent competitions, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and unwavering confidence.

Competition Style and Composed Mindset

Dalpra is widely recognized for his calm, composed demeanor during matches, maintaining focus and clarity regardless of score or pressure. He attributes this tranquility to his philosophy of "being comfortable everywhere," proactively addressing weaknesses and continuously refining his game. His technical, well-rounded style emphasizes precision, positional control, and adaptability, making him a formidable opponent in any scenario. Fans eagerly anticipate future matchups, notably a potential superfight against fellow prodigy Mica Galvão, as both athletes represent the new generation of elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors.

Role as AOJ's Flag-Bearer and Instructor

Serving as the face of Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ)'s competition team, Dalpra balances dual roles as an elite competitor and dedicated instructor. His commitment to technical innovation and excellence continues the legacy established by the Mendes brothers. Dalpra actively mentors and develops the next generation of AOJ athletes, ensuring the academy's continued prominence and influence within the global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.