Otavio Sousa might be an IBJJF champ but he’s not immune to the incentives of money.
He is a 2x World champion (at black belt level), pan ams champ, nogi champ, European champ and has many more medals to boot.
“I love to compete that’s my passion But it’s always good to have some money”
Sousa was famously let go from the Gracie Barra Academy in Irvine, California where he worked for a couple of years as an instructor under the excuse that he spent too much time competing and giving seminars (source: bjjheroes).
Sousa told flograppling:
“A lot of people complain jiu jitsu – you don’t make money in tournaments. Like that’s a good opportunity for them to fight and sometimes not many athletes register, I don’t know if they’re intimidated because it’s like approved and they think it’s gonna be only tough guys so they decide not to compete. I think they’re missing a great opportunity. “
