Translated from Portuguese from: jiujitsumylife.wordpress.com

Joao Miyao, second half (with his brother Paulo)of the world famous tandem The Miyao Brothers,  was recently promoted to brown belt. João is seen by many fans as a black belt in terms of usage of the berimbolo and other modern aspects of Jiu-Jitsu. This somewhat shy BJJ player has thousands of fans who admire his humility and his performances.

Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

I live in São Paulo and currently live in the gym with a few more athletes, coming from various parts of Brazil.

How did you meet your professor Cicero Costa and moved to  his academy?

I met Prof. Cicero when training in another gym here in São Paulo and now I’m been here for 2 years and I live in the gym.

How old are you?

21 years old.

Jao and Paulo Miyao photo by BJJ Pix

How did you begin practicing Jiu-Jitsu?

I started practicing Jiu-Jitsu in my hometown of Andira – PR, with Professor Adriano Carvalho from Team North South

Who are your idols?

I love to see the matches of the Mendes brothers, Murilo Santana and Bruno Frazzato, not counting the black belts who trains with me every day such as Leandro Lo, Thiago Barros and Luiza Monteiro.
What is your philosophy of life?

I love to read the bible and follow the words of God. Not that I am a fanatic, but I try to follow the ways of Jesus.

What are your main titles?

My main titles were closing the division twice in the worlds with my brother at purple belt.

What are your goals?

I want to get the black belt and train hard to be the World Champion.

Do you plan on fighting MMA?

I do not see myself fighting MMA, but who knows one day …

How is your training routine?

Training BJJ twice a day plus a weight training 3 times a week.

How is your diet?

I try not to eat crap while preparing for the championships, my diet is not very different from other people.

What are the goals for 2013?

I intend to fight all the championships that come up, because I love the adrenaline of competition.

What was your last competition?

My last competition was a championship that happened in the city of Cananea – São Paulo.

Who are your sponsors?

Currently I do not have many sponsors, I count on help from Shoyorroll  and Kamikaze Sports.

What do you most enjoy doing in life?

Undoubtedly it’s to train Jiu-Jitsu .. lol

Joao applying the Berimbolo. Photo by Mike Calimbas

Favorite food?

I love lasagna.

If you were not a fighter, what would you be?

If I were not a fighter I would think it would be something related to sports, I like lifting weights. I love the environment of the academy.

What is your hobby?

My hobby is to train Jiu-Jitsu …There’s nothing better than to do every day what I like the most … lol