Last weekend, the PBJJF Grand Slam Baltimore was the stage for a special moment for athletes Hiago Barra and Vinícius Góes. After almost a decade, they repeated the 2014 feat and closed the category again, standing out on the world jiu-jitsu scene. In an emotional post on Instagram, Hiago shared his joy and gratitude: “After almost 10 years, this weekend I closed the category again with my brother @viniciusgoesjj in the @pbjjf Grand Slam Baltimore championship. Happy with this moment, we are on the way right. Before it was just a dream! Thank you for everything.”
The Reunion with the Podium
Closing a category is a significant achievement in the world of jiu-jitsu. This not only demonstrates the high level of skill of the athletes involved, but also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between them. For Hiago and Vinícius, this moment was especially memorable, as it symbolized the completion of a cycle of almost ten years since the last time they shared this triumph.
The Athletes’ Journey
Since 2014, Hiago and Vinícius have been on a remarkable jiu-jitsu journey. Both dedicated themselves intensely to the sport, winning titles and building a solid reputation as elite athletes. They represent the renowned Culture of Jiu-Jitsu / GFTeam academy.
The Repercussion in the Jiu-Jitsu Community
The news of the closure of the category by Hiago and Vinícius had widespread repercussions throughout the jiu-jitsu community, inspiring many other athletes and fans. Hiago’s Instagram post attracted a flood of comments and messages of support, with many congratulating the brothers on their continued success and display of sportsmanship.
Exclusive Interview with Hiago Barra and Vinícius Góes
To deepen the coverage of this remarkable achievement, we conducted an exclusive interview with Hiago Barra and Vinícius Góes. Below are the questions we asked and the athletes’ responses:
How did you feel about closing the category again after almost 10 years?
Hiago: -I was very happy and content, I was looking forward to living this moment again and thank God it turned out as we had planned.
Vinícius: -Feeling of gratitude. Years ago, living off sports in another country was just a dream and today it is our reality.
What were the biggest challenges you faced over the years?
Hiago: -One of the biggest difficulties was being able to balance work, studies and family with training. One of the difficulties was also the financial part, which is even more complicated at the beginning. Because of this I chose to focus on my studies and work, I was away for 5 years and after that I decided to dedicate myself 100% to jiu jitsu again and today I am here.
Vinícius: -Difficulty reconciling life as an athlete with a Physical Education degree, injuries and lack of financial support.
What would you say to young athletes who look to you for inspiration?
Hiago: -You have to believe, have faith and hope that everything you always want in the near future will come true, work hard to achieve it, when you least expect it things happen.
Vinícius: -Practice English, try to gain as much experience as possible in competitions and make contact in the Jiu-Jitsu world.
What is the next goal for you in jiu-jitsu?
Hiago:-Fight in as many championships as possible by the end of the year and earn your black belt.
Vinícius: -Open a gym in the United States and change more people’s lives through gentle art.
Hiago Barra and Vinícius Góes’ feat at Grand Slam Baltimore is a powerful reminder of the power of teamwork, dedication and love for jiu-jitsu. These mat brothers not only won titles but also inspired many others to follow in their footsteps. With their answers, they showed us that the true spirit of the sport goes beyond victories on the mat — it’s about growth, unity and inspiration for generations to come.
