Igor Araujo, head of Gracie Barra Switzerland, in Geneva, is a BJJ black belt since 2005, when he was promoted by his master Aldo “Caveirinha” Januario in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Before his next MMA fight, Igor sat down with BJJ Eastern Europe and talked about how he decided to leave Brazil in search of new career opportunities, and decided to go to Europe instead of the USA. He has snce opened his own in Geneva, Switzerland and participated in TUF 16. His current MMA record is 22-6.
1. Hi Igor, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?
I’m Igor Araujo, from Brazil, BJJ black belt 2nd degree, based in Geneva, Switzerland, head coach of GB Switzerland.
2. What’s your Jiu-Jitsu story and did you arrive in Europe and eventually settle down in Switzerland?
I got here in Europe in 2005, i first landed in Holland and lived there for few months, after i spent few more months in Koln, Germany, and then I got to Switzerland where i am since January of 2006.
3. How do you view the level of BJJ and the BJJ scene in general in Switzerland in relation to other European countries?
BJJ in Switzerland is getting good, we got some nice teams here, people who work hard, and I’m sure Swiss is one of the best Countries in Europe when we talk about BJJ.
Igor in action in TUF16
4.Please tell us about your academy.
I have 3 gyms under my name here, one in Fribourg, Switzerland where Peto Galinho is the instructor, another one in Annecy where Phillipe Louco Runs it, and my school in Geneva where i am the head professor, the things are going great in our school.
5. What is next for you and your team in 2013? What is your competition plan in BJJ and MMA?
Right now I’m one week away from my MMA fight number 32, in California, the year started good, I won the European BJJ, also got few more medals there with my students, my MMA team is growing and we are making few results already, the future shines!
Gracie Barra Switzerland
6. If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free
Thanks God my Family and my friends and students for all and thank you guys for the interview, also thanks to MKimonos that is my main sponsor in Europe right now, Luciana Machado is the owner and they are giving me a great support for my career, It is always good to be surrounded by good people.
7. Thanks Igor and all the best!
Thank you.
