Alliance competitor Gabriel Oliveira was promoted to black belt by his coach Mario Reis in July 2019 following brown belt titles at the Worlds and Pans. He performed well in competitions early in his black belt career with his first major accomplishment being a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships. Gabriel’s semifinal fight was against Kaynan Duarte, a razor close match he lost via referee’s decision. Since then Gabriel has been on a tear in the competition scene in Brazil. He’s won gold at the Floripa Winter Open, the Rio Winter Open, the Vitoria Open, the Sao Paulo Open, the Curitiba Open, and the Sao Leopoldo Open.

In preparing for major events, an athlete’s coach and training parters play a critical role. Gabriel has been training under one of the best coaches in the sport in Mario Reis. “I’m grateful for having Mario Reis by my side. Mario helps me with much more than just jiu-jitsu. He’s also teaching me things about life. I couldn’t ask for a better coach and friend. One of the greatest points in his coaching skills is the importance of having a healthy lifestyle to feed the body and mind.” With coach Mario Reis’ help, Gabriel has created a routine fit for a professional athlete.

Gabriel’s competition success has led him to the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix, an event filled with some of the best black belt competitors in the world. “I felt very honored by the invitation. This opportunity made me very happy. It arrived sooner than I imagined. I really wanted this opportunity to fight with these athletes,” stated Gabriel. The bracket will be the biggest test of his career, but one that he welcomes with open arms.

In the lead up to the Absolute Grand Prix, Gabriel has been dedicated to his daily schedule. “A normal day consists of physical preparation, some jiu-jitsu classes, and training. And I take my day as professionally as possible. I eat well and take care of my mind always.” In addition to following his routine, Gabriel has also added a team of professionals to guide him every step of the way. “The biggest difference in my results is the team of professionals I have by my side. Physical trainers, a nutritionist, a psychiatrist, a physiotherapist and the consistency and quality of each one. I have been a professional athlete for six years and I have been working with the same professionals for four years.”

Gabriel commented on his GP opponents, stating, “I feel ready to beat them all. I’ve faced Kaynan, Ceconi, Rider, and Gutemberg.” When asked which techniques he prefers and which ones we could potentially see him using at the GP he responded, “My favorite technique in submissions has been the armlock, because for movement positions I like to move in all of them without preferences.” Gabriel will use all the tools in his arsenal in his attempt to become the Absolute GP Champion. “This GP will be a war and I am very motivated for it. It’s gonna be a show for the audience.”

Watch all matches from the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix on Friday November 18th on FloGrappling. The event is brought to you exclusively by Black Armor Kimonos.