Vicente Junior

Early Life and Judo Foundation

Vicente Júnior was born on July 21, 1977, in São Paulo, Brazil. At age 13, he relocated to Brazil's Northeast region. His initial fascination with martial arts began after watching the movie Bloodsport, prompting him to seek kung fu training. Unable to find local kung fu instruction, Vicente turned to judo, dedicating approximately six years to rigorous practice and achieving the rank of brown belt.

Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Vicente's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began through Marcelo "Jornal," a local blue belt seeking sparring partners. Initially training informally at Jornal's home on makeshift mats, Vicente quickly developed an affinity for the art. After a one-year hiatus due to academic commitments, he resumed training under Diojone Farias, who awarded him his blue and purple belts.

Training Under Ricardo De La Riva

As a purple belt, Vicente began regularly traveling to Rio de Janeiro to train under legendary instructor Ricardo De La Riva. Over time, his relationship with his previous coach deteriorated, leading Vicente to fully commit to De La Riva's academy. Under De La Riva's mentorship, Vicente earned his brown belt and subsequently received his black belt in July 2001.

Establishing BJJ Conquest Academy

In April 2009, Vicente traveled to the United States to compete at the 2009 IBJJF New York International Open. Following this competition, he accepted an invitation to coach at an academy in Delaware, where he remained for 18 months. Around 2008, Vicente co-founded BJJ Conquest Academy in Maryland, quickly establishing it as one of the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the Mid-Atlantic region. Under his leadership, Conquest has produced numerous black belts and champions. Additionally, Vicente launched the Vicente Junior Team affiliation in 2000, mentoring multiple affiliate schools and fostering a family-like network built upon discipline, respect, and friendship.

Competition Longevity in Masters Division

Vicente Júnior remains one of the most active and accomplished competitors in the Masters division, consistently competing into his mid-40s. He notably captured the IBJJF Master 2 No-Gi World Championship in 2014 and secured multiple IBJJF Pan-American titles at Master 1 and Master 2 divisions (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016). His competitive longevity is underscored by podium finishes dating back to 2005, when he earned bronze at the IBJJF World Championship adult division. Vicente continues to regularly compete at major IBJJF events, including a medal-winning performance at the IBJJF Masters Worlds in 2021. His dual role as competitor and coach serves as a powerful inspiration to his students, exemplifying a lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Technical Style and Influences

Integration of Judo Techniques

Vicente Júnior is renowned for his comprehensive grappling style, deeply influenced by his early judo foundation. He effectively integrates classic judo throws such as harai goshi and seoi nage into his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum at Conquest, emphasizing seamless transitions from standing to ground positions.

Specialization in De La Riva Guard

Reflecting his lineage under Ricardo De La Riva, Vicente specializes in the De La Riva Guard, particularly excelling in the "balão" (balloon) sweep. His technical approach emphasizes a complete grappling game, combining dynamic guard play with precise positional control.

Teaching Philosophy and International Influence

Vicente Júnior's teaching philosophy revolves around instilling core values of discipline, respect, and friendship in his students. Through the Vicente Junior Team affiliation, he has cultivated a close-knit, family-oriented network of academies. Vicente regularly conducts seminars across the United States and Europe, notably in the United Kingdom, sharing his extensive knowledge and promoting traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture internationally. His dedication has fostered a growing global alliance of students who proudly carry forward his lineage and uphold the values he champions.