Braulio Estima stands out as one of the top Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) competitors of his generation. He's a multiple world champion and ADCC Hall of Fame member. For over 20 years, he's taught at Gracie Barra Birmingham in England, coaching everyone from beginners to black belts.
Who Is Braulio Estima?
Braulio Estima is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, competitor and coach living in Birmingham, England. He earned his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra. He's especially known for his triangle chokes, open guard and the foot lock named after him.
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Hometown: Recife, Brazil
- Based in: Birmingham, England
- Nickname: Carcará
- Belt: Black belt, promoted by Carlos Gracie Jr.
- Team: Gracie Barra
- Known for: Triangle chokes, open guard and the "Estima lock"
How Did Braulio Estima Start Jiu-Jitsu?
Braulio was born in 1980 in Recife, in northeast Brazil. He began judo when he was nine and started jiu-jitsu at 16 after a former judo training partner introduced him to a local academy.
He trained at the Free Style academy in Recife, which later joined Gracie Barra. His nickname, "Carcará," comes from a bird of prey found in his home region.
What Has Braulio Estima Won?
Braulio has earned major titles in both gi and no-gi competitions. Some of his achievements are:
- ADCC World Champion, under 88 kg and absolute (2009)
- ADCC superfight winner against Ronaldo "Jacaré" Souza (2011)
- IBJJF World Champion (2004, 2006 and 2009)
- IBJJF European Champion (2007, 2009 and 2011)
He also gave his name to a foot lock, now widely known as the "Estima lock." In 2021, he was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame.
How Did Braulio Estima Come to Birmingham?
Braulio moved to England in the early 2000s and joined Gracie Barra UK under Mauricio Gomes, who started Gracie Barra Birmingham. He trained with Mauricio's son, Roger Gracie, and has taught in Birmingham ever since, alongside his brother Victor Estima, who is also a black belt. Read the history of Gracie Barra.
What Does Gracie Barra Mean to Braulio Estima?
For Braulio, Gracie Barra stands for values and, as he puts it, "the belief that anything is possible." After more than two decades with the team, it's also deeply personal:
"Gracie Barra is my home. It's made me the person I am today."
What Is Braulio Estima Like as a Coach?
Being a father has influenced the way Braulio teaches, both with his own children and his students.
"Everything that you learn late in life, you should teach early to your kids. And when I'm on the mats, I'm the father of the people who are being taught."
He thinks the connection between training partners is what makes jiu-jitsu unique.
"In jiu-jitsu, you learn how to trust each other, and it builds a special kind of bond. When you come here, you have a community that embraces you. You're part of something bigger than yourself."
Over the past twenty years, Braulio has taught students like Jakub Zajkowski, who moved from Poland to train with him and earned his black belt from Braulio in 2019.
Why Does Braulio Estima Wear a Mouthguard?
Braulio knows what can happen without a mouthguard. For him, protection means being able to stay in the sport as long as possible.
"Protection is important because we are here for the long run."
Train With Confidence
New to jiu-jitsu? Our beginner's guide to BJJ explains how to start, from finding a gym to what to expect in your first class.
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