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TBT: Minotauro vs Roleta, 1999 - A Classic Match and a Mysterious Visitor on the Mat TBT: Minotauro vs Roleta, 1999 - A Classic Match and a Mysterious Visitor on the Mat
Inspired by the amazing article published on Portal do Vale Tudo, we went back in time to remember one of the most iconic matches from the 1999 Jiu Jitsu World Championship.
In the absolute division that year, the Tijuca mat hosted three legends of the gentle art: Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, Roberto “Roleta” Magalhães, and, as referee, the master Bebeo Duarte.
The semifinal was intense from start to finish. A tough and technical battle, with Roleta winning 4-0. Both athletes were heavily applauded, a tribute to the level of Jiu Jitsu they brought to the mat.
But there was also an unexpected character...
At 8 minutes and 5 seconds, something crossed the mat between the referee’s legs. Many say it was a little rat. Others have more creative theories.
Between grips, sweeps, and details, Jiu Jitsu lived another unforgettable moment, and Atama was there.Atama - We wear history.
Inspired by the amazing article published on Portal do Vale Tudo, we went back in time to remember one of the most iconic matches from the 1999 Jiu Jitsu World Championship.
In the absolute division that year, the Tijuca mat hosted three legends of the gentle art: Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, Roberto “Roleta” Magalhães, and, as referee, the master Bebeo Duarte.The semifinal was intense from start to finish. A tough and technical battle, with Roleta winning 4-0. Both athletes were heavily applauded, a tribute to the level of Jiu Jitsu they brought to the mat.
But there was also an unexpected character...
At 8 minutes and 5 seconds, something crossed the mat between the referee’s legs. Many say it was a little rat. Others have more creative theories.
Between grips, sweeps, and details, Jiu Jitsu lived another unforgettable moment, and Atama was there.Atama - We wear history.
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Nova Uniao: Two Lineages, One Team That Changed the Game Nova Uniao: Two Lineages, One Team That Changed the Game
Back in 1995, two coaches with different backgrounds decided to join forces. Dedé Pederneiras, from the Carlson Gracie school, and Wendell Alexander, from the Fadda lineage, came together and created Nova Uniao.
Even today, it’s rare to see a team led by professors from such different roots. What seemed unlikely at the time became one of the most important stories in Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
Where They Came From
Dedé was already a respected name. More than just teaching techniques, he built athletes. He created a structure where even kids from tough neighborhoods could train, grow, and compete. That’s where names like José Aldo, Renan Barão, and Leo Santos came from.
Wendell was all about the foundation. Always on the mat, teaching with patience and an eye for detail. Guys like Robson Moura, Wagnney Fabiano, and Bruno Bastos started with him. His training was calm, consistent, and built to last. The kind of teaching that sticks.
Each one had his own way, but they shared the same goal: build fighters with responsibility, from white belt to black. That attitude played a big role in how the team evolved.
What the Team Achieve
In IBJJF competitions, Nova Uniao quickly made a name for itself, especially in the lighter divisions. Their athletes showed up with solid timing, good positioning, and sharp technique built through honest training. Some of them became world champions. It wasn’t hype. It was the result of doing the work every single day.
When they moved into MMA, there was no rush to adjust. They were already ready. Nova Uniao fighters showed up with tight grappling, smart fight IQ, and real conditioning. They stepped in to win, and they did.
Still Active, Still True to the Roots
Today, Nova Uniao is still going strong. They’ve got schools in several countries and have formed hundreds of black belts. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is the kind of Jiu Jitsu they continue to teach.
Dedé is still in front, leading training and bringing up new names. Wendell is still on the mat, teaching with the same calm energy he’s always had. No spotlight, just work.
Our Respect
At Atama Europe, we make it a point to recognize everything Nova Uniao represents. What Dedé and Wendell built wasn’t just a team. It became a culture. They opened doors, set the tone, and showed what it means to live Jiu Jitsu with purpose.
This isn’t just a throwback. It’s a thank you.
If you value tradition on and off the mat, check out our gear and train with what real history looks like.
Atama. We wear history.
Back in 1995, two coaches with different backgrounds decided to join forces. Dedé Pederneiras, from the Carlson Gracie school, and Wendell Alexander, from the Fadda lineage, came together and created Nova Uniao.
Even today, it’s rare to see a team led by professors from such different roots. What seemed unlikely at the time became one of the most important stories in Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
Where They Came From
Dedé was already a respected name. More than just teaching techniques, he built athletes. He created a structure where even kids from tough neighborhoods could train, grow, and compete. That’s where names like José Aldo, Renan Barão, and Leo Santos came from.
Wendell was all about the foundation. Always on the mat, teaching with patience and an eye for detail. Guys like Robson Moura, Wagnney Fabiano, and Bruno Bastos started with him. His training was calm, consistent, and built to last. The kind of teaching that sticks.
Each one had his own way, but they shared the same goal: build fighters with responsibility, from white belt to black. That attitude played a big role in how the team evolved.
What the Team Achieve
In IBJJF competitions, Nova Uniao quickly made a name for itself, especially in the lighter divisions. Their athletes showed up with solid timing, good positioning, and sharp technique built through honest training. Some of them became world champions. It wasn’t hype. It was the result of doing the work every single day.
When they moved into MMA, there was no rush to adjust. They were already ready. Nova Uniao fighters showed up with tight grappling, smart fight IQ, and real conditioning. They stepped in to win, and they did.
Still Active, Still True to the Roots
Today, Nova Uniao is still going strong. They’ve got schools in several countries and have formed hundreds of black belts. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. What really matters is the kind of Jiu Jitsu they continue to teach.
Dedé is still in front, leading training and bringing up new names. Wendell is still on the mat, teaching with the same calm energy he’s always had. No spotlight, just work.
Our Respect
At Atama Europe, we make it a point to recognize everything Nova Uniao represents. What Dedé and Wendell built wasn’t just a team. It became a culture. They opened doors, set the tone, and showed what it means to live Jiu Jitsu with purpose.
This isn’t just a throwback. It’s a thank you.
If you value tradition on and off the mat, check out our gear and train with what real history looks like.
Atama. We wear history.
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Royce Gracie – The Man Who Put Jiu Jitsu on the Map Royce Gracie – The Man Who Put Jiu Jitsu on the Map
Before the world knew how powerful Jiu Jitsu could be, a quiet fighter in a white gi stepped onto the mat, and changed everything. Royce Gracie didn’t need to talk big. He let his technique speak. And the world listened.
Born Into the ArtGrowing up in Rio de Janeiro, Royce was part of a family that didn’t just practice Jiu Jitsu, they lived it. His father, Helio Gracie, taught that technique, leverage, and control could beat raw strength. For Royce, the mat was as familiar as his own home.
While other kids played ball, he was drilling guard passes and escapes with his brothers. For the Gracies, this wasn’t just training. It was tradition.
From a Garage in California to the World StageWhen Royce moved to the U.S. as a teenager, there were no big plans, just a goal: introduce people to the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. He and his brother started small, teaching in a garage in Torrance. No glamor, no hype, just a few students, a few mats, and the confidence that their style worked.
1993 – When Everything ChangedAt the very first UFC, Royce entered not as a favorite, but as a question mark. He didn’t look like a threat. He wasn’t a striker, wasn’t flashy. But once the cage closed, Royce made history.
In one night, he submitted three opponents - all bigger, all stronger - and showed the world that Jiu Jitsu was real. No gloves, no rounds, no secrets. Just fundamentals under pressure.
Beyond the Wins – The Moments That Matter⏳ The 90-Minute War with Sakuraba
No time limit. No corners. Just two grapplers testing their mental and physical limits. It wasn’t pretty. But it was pure.
🥇 The Judoka Clash
Against Hidehiko Yoshida, Olympic gold medalist, Royce reminded everyone that Jiu Jitsu isn’t about prestige. It’s about problem-solving.⚖️ The Sumo Showdown
Facing Akebono, a mountain of a man, Royce stayed calm. In under three minutes, the fight was done, proof that timing beats size every time.
A Legacy That’s Still on the MatsRoyce was never about the spotlight. He didn’t need to be. His impact runs deeper than stats.
He showed kids, adults, and future champions that Jiu Jitsu is more than a sport. It’s a mindset. He was the first to enter the UFC Hall of Fame, but more important than the honor was the path he paved.
To this day, Royce travels the world, spreading the art, one seminar at a time.
Why Atama Europe Honors RoyceWe don’t just make gis. We carry history. The same cloth that Royce wore when he introduced the world to Gracie Jiu Jitsu, that spirit still lives in every Atama product.
To honor him is to honor the roots. To remind every new practitioner that Jiu Jitsu started simple. Real. Efficient.Train with gear that carries tradition.
Explore our Atama BJJ Collection and roll with the legacy that started it all.
→ Shop NowBefore the world knew how powerful Jiu Jitsu could be, a quiet fighter in a white gi stepped onto the mat, and changed everything. Royce Gracie didn’t need to talk big. He let his technique speak. And the world listened.
Born Into the ArtGrowing up in Rio de Janeiro, Royce was part of a family that didn’t just practice Jiu Jitsu, they lived it. His father, Helio Gracie, taught that technique, leverage, and control could beat raw strength. For Royce, the mat was as familiar as his own home.
While other kids played ball, he was drilling guard passes and escapes with his brothers. For the Gracies, this wasn’t just training. It was tradition.
From a Garage in California to the World StageWhen Royce moved to the U.S. as a teenager, there were no big plans, just a goal: introduce people to the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. He and his brother started small, teaching in a garage in Torrance. No glamor, no hype, just a few students, a few mats, and the confidence that their style worked.
1993 – When Everything ChangedAt the very first UFC, Royce entered not as a favorite, but as a question mark. He didn’t look like a threat. He wasn’t a striker, wasn’t flashy. But once the cage closed, Royce made history.
In one night, he submitted three opponents - all bigger, all stronger - and showed the world that Jiu Jitsu was real. No gloves, no rounds, no secrets. Just fundamentals under pressure.
Beyond the Wins – The Moments That Matter⏳ The 90-Minute War with Sakuraba
No time limit. No corners. Just two grapplers testing their mental and physical limits. It wasn’t pretty. But it was pure.
🥇 The Judoka Clash
Against Hidehiko Yoshida, Olympic gold medalist, Royce reminded everyone that Jiu Jitsu isn’t about prestige. It’s about problem-solving.⚖️ The Sumo Showdown
Facing Akebono, a mountain of a man, Royce stayed calm. In under three minutes, the fight was done, proof that timing beats size every time.
A Legacy That’s Still on the MatsRoyce was never about the spotlight. He didn’t need to be. His impact runs deeper than stats.
He showed kids, adults, and future champions that Jiu Jitsu is more than a sport. It’s a mindset. He was the first to enter the UFC Hall of Fame, but more important than the honor was the path he paved.
To this day, Royce travels the world, spreading the art, one seminar at a time.
Why Atama Europe Honors RoyceWe don’t just make gis. We carry history. The same cloth that Royce wore when he introduced the world to Gracie Jiu Jitsu, that spirit still lives in every Atama product.
To honor him is to honor the roots. To remind every new practitioner that Jiu Jitsu started simple. Real. Efficient.Train with gear that carries tradition.
Explore our Atama BJJ Collection and roll with the legacy that started it all.
→ Shop Now -
The Quiet Revolution: How the De La Riva Guard Changed Jiu Jitsu The Quiet Revolution: How the De La Riva Guard Changed Jiu Jitsu
In a sport where raw power often dominates the conversation, the De La Riva guard brought something different to the table. Subtle. Technical. Unpredictable. Developed in the 1980s on the mats of Carlson Gracie's gym, it quietly challenged the way Jiu Jitsu was played.
The De La Riva guard gave new meaning to leverage and distance management. It opened doors for smaller fighters to take control of larger opponents. But behind the position was a person, a mind that saw possibilities where others only saw limits.
Who Is Ricardo De La Riva?
Ricardo De La Riva is more than just the name behind a famous guard, he’s one of the minds that helped redefine what it means to play Jiu Jitsu. Raised on the tough mats of Rio de Janeiro, shaped under Carlson Gracie’s demanding system, De La Riva was never the strongest or most explosive guy in the room.
But he didn’t need to be.
Facing training partners who were heavier and more athletic, he developed, almost instinctively, a new way to control the fight. By hooking the outside of the opponent’s leg and controlling the sleeve or collar, he started creating angles and opportunities no one else was seeing at the time.
At first, the position looked unorthodox. Some even questioned its effectiveness. But when De La Riva began sweeping and submitting top-level opponents with it, the game changed. The position got a name. And the Jiu Jitsu world took notice.
The Legacy That Still Rolls On
Today, the De La Riva guard is taught everywhere. From classic fundamentals to advanced variations, it shows up in schools, seminars, and on the podiums of top tournaments.
But Ricardo De La Riva’s real legacy isn’t just the position. It’s the mindset. The courage to create something new. To go against the grain. To build your own path inside the art.
He didn’t just innovate. He inspired.
More Than a Guard
The De La Riva guard is more than a hook and a grip, it’s a reminder that Jiu Jitsu rewards creativity as much as it rewards toughness. That thinking fighters shape the game just as much as the strong ones.
And behind this position is a man who didn’t just play Jiu Jitsu. He helped evolve it.
Atama. We wear history.
In a sport where raw power often dominates the conversation, the De La Riva guard brought something different to the table. Subtle. Technical. Unpredictable. Developed in the 1980s on the mats of Carlson Gracie's gym, it quietly challenged the way Jiu Jitsu was played.
The De La Riva guard gave new meaning to leverage and distance management. It opened doors for smaller fighters to take control of larger opponents. But behind the position was a person, a mind that saw possibilities where others only saw limits.
Who Is Ricardo De La Riva?
Ricardo De La Riva is more than just the name behind a famous guard, he’s one of the minds that helped redefine what it means to play Jiu Jitsu. Raised on the tough mats of Rio de Janeiro, shaped under Carlson Gracie’s demanding system, De La Riva was never the strongest or most explosive guy in the room.
But he didn’t need to be.
Facing training partners who were heavier and more athletic, he developed, almost instinctively, a new way to control the fight. By hooking the outside of the opponent’s leg and controlling the sleeve or collar, he started creating angles and opportunities no one else was seeing at the time.
At first, the position looked unorthodox. Some even questioned its effectiveness. But when De La Riva began sweeping and submitting top-level opponents with it, the game changed. The position got a name. And the Jiu Jitsu world took notice.
The Legacy That Still Rolls On
Today, the De La Riva guard is taught everywhere. From classic fundamentals to advanced variations, it shows up in schools, seminars, and on the podiums of top tournaments.
But Ricardo De La Riva’s real legacy isn’t just the position. It’s the mindset. The courage to create something new. To go against the grain. To build your own path inside the art.
He didn’t just innovate. He inspired.
More Than a Guard
The De La Riva guard is more than a hook and a grip, it’s a reminder that Jiu Jitsu rewards creativity as much as it rewards toughness. That thinking fighters shape the game just as much as the strong ones.
And behind this position is a man who didn’t just play Jiu Jitsu. He helped evolve it.
Atama. We wear history.
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TBT of the Gentle Art: Carlson Gracie and the Legacy That Built Jiu Jitsu TBT of the Gentle Art: Carlson Gracie and the Legacy That Built Jiu Jitsu
We're keeping the TBT series rolling, this time with one of the most important names the sport has ever seen: Carlson Gracie. A warrior, a coach, and a true pioneer who helped shape Jiu Jitsu as we know it.
You can't talk about BJJ history without talking about Carlson.
Born for the Fight
Carlson Gracie was born in 1932 in Rio de Janeiro, the son of Carlos Gracie. He grew up inside the art, learning from both his father and uncle Hélio. But Carlson didn’t just carry the name, he built his own legacy on the mats and in the ring.
In the ‘50s, he became one of the top vale tudo fighters in Brazil. His most famous match? 1955 vs. Waldemar Santana, stepping in to defend the family after Santana beat Hélio. It ended in a draw, but Carlson showed the world he was more than just a Gracie name. He was a dog in the fight.
Changing the Game
Carlson didn’t just fight, he taught. In 1965, he opened the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana, and it became a powerhouse. Fighters like Murilo Bustamante, Vitor Belfort, Wallid Ismail, and Ricardo Libório all came up under him.
What set Carlson apart? He wasn’t afraid to share. While others kept secrets, he opened the playbook. He trained hard, focused on pressure, and built fighters who could handle real war. His style was aggressive, his mindset was tough, and his teaching changed Jiu Jitsu forever.
The Roots of Modern MMA
A lot of what we call MMA today started with Carlson’s guys. Brazilian Top Team, American Top Team — they were born out of his philosophy. Train everything. Fight anyone. Keep evolving.
Carlson also helped break the idea that Jiu-Jitsu was only for a select few. He taught anyone who showed up ready to work. He didn’t care about last names — only about heart.
A Legacy That Still Lives
Carlson passed away in 2006, but his name hasn’t faded one bit. His son, Carlson Gracie Jr., keeps the flag flying. The academy still produces killers. His lineage is alive in gyms around the world.
To this day, if you train Jiu-Jitsu, you’ve felt Carlson’s influence — whether you realize it or not. He changed the sport. He built teams. He created champions. He was one of one.
This TBT is for the legend — the man who fought, taught, and lived for Jiu-Jitsu.
Obrigado, Mestre Carlson. Oss.
We're keeping the TBT series rolling, this time with one of the most important names the sport has ever seen: Carlson Gracie. A warrior, a coach, and a true pioneer who helped shape Jiu Jitsu as we know it.
You can't talk about BJJ history without talking about Carlson.Born for the Fight
Carlson Gracie was born in 1932 in Rio de Janeiro, the son of Carlos Gracie. He grew up inside the art, learning from both his father and uncle Hélio. But Carlson didn’t just carry the name, he built his own legacy on the mats and in the ring.
In the ‘50s, he became one of the top vale tudo fighters in Brazil. His most famous match? 1955 vs. Waldemar Santana, stepping in to defend the family after Santana beat Hélio. It ended in a draw, but Carlson showed the world he was more than just a Gracie name. He was a dog in the fight.
Changing the Game
Carlson didn’t just fight, he taught. In 1965, he opened the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana, and it became a powerhouse. Fighters like Murilo Bustamante, Vitor Belfort, Wallid Ismail, and Ricardo Libório all came up under him.
What set Carlson apart? He wasn’t afraid to share. While others kept secrets, he opened the playbook. He trained hard, focused on pressure, and built fighters who could handle real war. His style was aggressive, his mindset was tough, and his teaching changed Jiu Jitsu forever.
The Roots of Modern MMA
A lot of what we call MMA today started with Carlson’s guys. Brazilian Top Team, American Top Team — they were born out of his philosophy. Train everything. Fight anyone. Keep evolving.
Carlson also helped break the idea that Jiu-Jitsu was only for a select few. He taught anyone who showed up ready to work. He didn’t care about last names — only about heart.
A Legacy That Still Lives
Carlson passed away in 2006, but his name hasn’t faded one bit. His son, Carlson Gracie Jr., keeps the flag flying. The academy still produces killers. His lineage is alive in gyms around the world.
To this day, if you train Jiu-Jitsu, you’ve felt Carlson’s influence — whether you realize it or not. He changed the sport. He built teams. He created champions. He was one of one.
This TBT is for the legend — the man who fought, taught, and lived for Jiu-Jitsu.
Obrigado, Mestre Carlson. Oss.
