On May 11th, Uberlândia was the epicenter of one of the most anticipated Jiu Jitsu competitions of the year, the PBJJF Uberlândia Fall Open. The event featured several high-level teams, but it was ATOS Uberlândia, led by Rodrigo “Tijolo” Oliveira, that took home the team trophy in the Adult category.
Rodrigo Oliveira, the leader of ATOS Uberlândia, shared a bit of his journey in Jiu Jitsu and how his team achieved this great success.
The Jiu Jitsu Journey
Rodrigo began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 1996 in Uberlândia under the guidance of Julio César, who traveled from Araxá to teach classes. With Julio César’s departure, Rodrigo trained with several masters, including André (Nova União) and Elan Santiago, who played a crucial role in creating international champions like Lucas Lepri. Rodrigo’s training continued through different Jiu Jitsu schools, culminating in his black belt from Alliance in 2014.
In 2016, Rodrigo started teaching, and two years later, ATOS Jiu Jitsu became the definitive affiliation for his school. The arrival of his partner, Fernando Matos, was fundamental for the team’s development, adopting ATOS’s methodology to make Jiu Jitsu accessible and understandable for all practitioners.
Experience at PBJJF Uberlândia Fall Open
Rodrigo praised the event’s organization, highlighting its international standard and high level of competition. “The event was excellent, organized, truly international standard. Professor Rodrigo Castro and the entire team are to be congratulated for the championship in Uberlândia,” said Rodrigo. He emphasized the importance of such a well-structured event for motivating local athletes.
The Secret to ATOS Uberlândia’s Victory
Regarding ATOS Uberlândia’s victory in the Adult category, Rodrigo believes the secret lies in teamwork. “Our slogan is ‘Together we are stronger,’ and we take it seriously. We have a code of ethics and conduct in the team to keep everyone aligned with the same purpose, which is evolution,” he explained. The synergy and commitment of the teachers and students are key factors in the team’s continuous development.
Expectations and Plans for the Future
For the future, Rodrigo hopes to see Jiu Jitsu continue to grow and develop. “The expectation is that Jiu Jitsu continues to develop, that the community unites, values, and strengthens the sport more and more,” he said. He emphasizes the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu in personal development, especially among children, helping to form confident and secure adults.
With dedicated leadership and a committed team, ATOS Uberlândia promises to remain a dominant force in the Jiu Jitsu scene, advancing not only technique but also the values that the sport can provide.
