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The IBJJF Talks feature world-renowned jiu-jitsu icons. Their shared knowledge provides unparalleled insights on all angles of our beloved martial art. The details and nuances they share go beyond the mat, into the journeys and lives of those closest to us. The IBJJF has maintained their mission of building and strengthening the jiu-jitsu community. The 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Con Talks serve as a fascinating endeavor to expose spectators to generations of knowledge and wisdom.

 

Demian Maia - September 3rd at 3pm

A legendary jiu-jitsu figure and historic athlete will take the Jiu-Jitsu Con Talks stage. Demian is a jiu-jitsu innovator who showcased the efficacy of the martial art in many combat arenas. 

 

The former Alliance and Brasa athlete built the foundations for his career as a color belt in IBJJF competition. Long before his global stardom, Demian secured a 2000 World Championship title in the purple belt category.

 

Moving on to complete a dazzling MMA career, Demian displayed the effectiveness of an elite jiu-jitsu skillset. Throughout his MMA stint Demian embodied the gentle art ethos. His precise guard systems and blanketing top pressure led to fourteen submissions in professional MMA competition. 

 

Demian Maia will use his Jiu-Jitsu Con Talk appearance as an opportunity to launch his new book, Maia-Leão: Discipline, Courage, and Constant Reinvention. The book highlights his insights and experiences through decades of high-level competition. Demian will introduce his book with meet-and-greet and book signing opportunities. 

 

A true representative of the martial art, Demian exhibited the dedication and determination of a jiu-jitsu legend. His inclusion in the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Con presents attendees with a unique opportunity to grasp the wisdom of an experienced martial artist.

 

Heath Pedigo - September 4th at 11am

The jiu-jitsu icon and Pedigo Submission Fighting founder Heath Pedigo prepares to take the Jiu-Jitsu Con Talks stage. Heath is an outstanding professor and inspiration to many.

 

Heath began his jiu-jitsu journey in Mount Vernon, Illinois with his brothers. What started as a passion project of sorts, quickly became a full-time self-taught endeavor. Heath sacrificed much of his childhood and early adult life to fulfill his dream of opening his own jiu-jitsu academy. 

 

His staunch commitment to sharing his expertise and developing next-generation athletes culminated in the founding of Pedigo Submission Fighting. The academy became famous for its’ gritty, blue-collar lifestyle while producing several champions. Pedigo Submission Fighting’s team approach has captivated the jiu-jitsu community through their renowned camaraderie and emphatic spirit. Heath’s journey represents the undeniable pursuit of the jiu-jitsu lifestyle. 

 

Heath went on to create and publish instructional series designed to help beginners who do not have access to elite coaching. Heath’s lack of professional jiu-jitsu instruction in his early life generated a clear passion for providing such guidance to the next-generation of enthusiasts. Listen to Heath’s incredible journey to becoming a world-renowned professor, as he shares the unique advice and life lessons he picked up along the way.

 

Bernardo Faria & Michael Zenga - September 5th at 10am

Bernardo Faria and Michael Zenga unite once again to bring their unique perspective on the jiu-jitsu landscape. Bernardo Faria is an IBJJF Hall-of-Famer and jiu-jitsu icon. Michael Zenga is a business mastermind and lifelong martial artist. Together the two jiu-jitsu enthusiasts founded BJJFanatics, the world’s leading digital library for jiu-jitsu instructionals. 

 

BJJFanatics has sold over 1 million video courses and hosts over 3,000 unique instructional videos. Bernardo and Michael successfully created a platform for individuals to receive world-class teaching from elite athletes and professors, anywhere in the world. 

 

Bernardo and Michael have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the expansion and elevation of the martial art. Their unwavering dedication to providing access to high-level technique has touched millions of jiu-jitsu practitioners. Beyond constructing BJJFanatics, Bernardo and Michael are known for their positive and supportive attitude. 

 

Listen to Bernardo and Michael as they grace the Jiu-Jitsu Con Talks stage to share their incredible journey and invaluable guidance. This extraordinary presentation features the two iconic figures behind one of jiu-jitsu’s most invaluable platforms. Do not miss the opportunity to listen and engage with the personalities behind BJJFanatics, as they open up about their experience and expertise within jiu-jitsu.

 

Stay tuned to official IBJJF channels for continued details of the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Con and watch out for the official 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Con Guide.