Six-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion, Saulo Ribeiro is one of the great names in the history of the sport. At the height of his career, he made his name as the biggest star of the world championships when it was still disputed in Brazil, at the Tijuca Tennis Club in Rio de Janeiro. In 2007, the Worlds moved to the United States, but the mystique remains in the old gym.
He said in an interview with tatame:
“The Tijuca is like the La Bombonera (stadium of Argentine football club, Boca juniors) , we stay close to the fighting area. The gym is closed, has flying pigeon (laughs) and has a whole story. Who has been in this sport since the beginning knows what I’m talking about. When we go to the United States we do not feel this vibration, this joy. I feel that people are sad to not have some big international championship here in Brazil. We do not see anyone at elite level fighting here anymore. That’s sad. There were many battles against good people too, such as Fabio Gurgel, Roleta, Murilo Bustamante . I have over 70 fights only at black belt in Tijuca. I always remember when I got hurt in ’99, against Givanildo to the time that I ‘retired’ in a fight against Roger (Gracie) and gave my belt to him. Another moment was when I lost my unbeaten record, to Margarida, “he said.
Saulo competing at masters and seniors in Rio
Saulo Ribeiro vs Fabio Gurgel in Rio:
