Yan Lucas

Yan Lucas was born on May 23, 1995, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Growing up immersed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yan's early exposure came through his father, Herevaldo "Papa-Léguas," a black belt under Saulo Ribeiro. Although his father provided foundational skills, Yan began structured training at age 11 under the mentorship of Pirillo Roriz, a close friend and former training partner of his father.

Yan Lucas entered the 2015 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship as a relatively unknown brown belt competitor. Competing in the featherweight division, Yan showcased exceptional technique and tactical maturity, surprising the jiu-jitsu community by capturing the gold medal. He maintained this momentum at the 2015 IBJJF American Nationals, winning both his weight class and the absolute division. His victory in the absolute final against reigning absolute world champion Mahamed Aly highlighted Yan's strategic guard play and precise timing, marking him as a rising talent to watch.

Yan Lucas received his black belt from long-time coach Pirillo Roriz on February 20, 2016. Quickly adapting to the elite level, Yan established himself as a consistent podium finisher. He secured notable titles, including the Brazilian Nationals in 2018 and the South American Championship in 2019. His performances at prestigious international events, particularly multiple podium finishes at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam tournaments between 2018 and 2020, further solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor.

Throughout his competitive career, Yan Lucas has faced and defeated several high-profile athletes, including Mahamed Aly, Isaac Doederlein, and Hiago George. In 2023, Yan tested his skills against elite competitor Tainan Dalpra at the 2023 IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix superfight card, demonstrating his adaptability and technical depth against top-tier opposition.

Dynamic and Versatile Approach

Initially competing at featherweight, Yan Lucas transitioned to middleweight and medium-heavyweight divisions beginning in 2020. Known for his dynamic and versatile style, Yan effectively adapted his game to heavier weight classes. His tactical guard retention, precise sweeps, and strategic passing have allowed him to remain competitive across divisions, culminating in a bronze medal at the 2024 IBJJF World Championship in the middleweight category.

After relocating from Brazil to Texas, Yan Lucas embraced coaching, leveraging his extensive competition experience and technical expertise. Transitioning from Gracie Barra Ceará to Six Blades, Yan has actively contributed to the growth of "Equipe Kairós," a collaborative initiative alongside fellow Brazilian instructors. This project aims to cultivate a strong competitive team and instructional presence, enriching the broader jiu-jitsu community through focused training and strategic athlete development.