João Miyao’s Masterclass: 100% Submission Rate at the 2025 Brasileiro

Few athletes embody the relentless pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu like João Miyao. After a narrow miss at last year’s Brasileiro, João returned to São Paulo in 2025 determined to make a statement—and he delivered a flawless performance, submitting all four of his opponents and claiming gold in spectacular fashion.

Technical Brilliance and Tactical Patience

João’s run was a showcase of technical mastery and strategic patience. In his own words, he relished the energy of competing again in Brazil, especially after not fighting in São Paulo since 2019. Each match highlighted his signature style: aggressive guard work, seamless transitions, and an unyielding focus on the finish.

- First Match: João initiated with a double pull, quickly adapting when his opponent attacked his foot. He countered, passed guard, and capitalized on a scramble to secure an armlock finish.

- Second Match: After weathering a double under pass attempt, João used a classic overhead sweep (a favorite of his brother Paulo), transitioned to the back, and, after a brief exchange, locked in another armlock.

- Third Match: João continued to press the action, utilizing a berimbolo to sweep and attack the foot. He maintained positional dominance, passed guard, and once again forced his opponent to turtle, finishing with his trademark bow-and-arrow choke.

- Finals: Facing a familiar opponent from the Pan-American semifinals, João anticipated the defense and adjusted beautifully, trapping the arm for a slick armlock as his opponent tried to defend the foot attack.

Lessons for Every Practitioner

João’s performance is a reminder that success in Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about problem-solving, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of the finish. His ability to read his opponents, patiently wait for openings, and capitalize with precision is a blueprint for competitors at every level.

The Heart of a Champion

In his post-match interview, João credited the energy of the Brazilian crowd and the joy of competing at home for fueling his performance. His journey at the 2025 Brasileiro is not just a testament to his technical skills, but to his resilience and passion for the art.

Whether you’re a white belt or a seasoned competitor, there’s plenty to learn from João Miyao’s masterclass. Watch, study, and let his example inspire your own journey on the mats.

For more breakdowns and inspiration from the world of Jiu-Jitsu, stay tuned to The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry!*