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The World Championships not only delivers memorable action, but serves as a focal point for belt promotions. Standout athletes finalize the Gi season with admirable performances, leading many professors to grant their competitors an elevation in rank. Between Brasileiro No-Gi and American National events many rising talents utilized their belt debut to showcase their immense skillset. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive belt debuts of the weekend.

 

Brasileiro No-Gi

 

Martyna Kapuscinska

The Academia Gorila standout delivered a resounding statement in her black belt debut in Rio de Janeiro. Martyna entered the black belt division after securing a double-gold performance in the 2025 No-Gi World Championships, and immediately made her presence known with a medium-heavyweight title and open class bronze medal at the Brasileiro No-Gi event. She secured her weight division gold medal with a pair of submissions and a commanding points victory in the finals. Martyna’s sole loss at the event came at the hands of Elisabeth Clay, the double-gold champion and veteran phenom. Academia Gorila boasts one of the most exciting female No-Gi prospects as she commences what projects to be a special black belt career.

 

Nikolas Koretsis

One of the newest brown belt lightweights made his debut at the Brasileiro No-Gi event last weekend. Nikolas Koretsis of Los Banditos secured four victories with three submission finishes, to declare himself as a significant force at the brown belt level. Nikolas’ lone points win witnessed him capture twenty-five unanswered points, proving his dominant style in his debut within the brown belt ranks. Nikolas seems to be serious threat to continue a successful campaign through the 2026 No-Gi Grand Slam circuit.

 

Arthur Bysnetto

The DreamArt prospect continues his competitive journey with a brown belt major debut in Rio de Janeiro. Arthur received his promotion following a silver and bronze medal at the most recent World Championship event just a few weeks ago. A quarterfinal armbar and a three point finals win earned Arthur a major No-Gi title in his brown belt debut. The DreamArt talent projects to continue his fantastic inaugural year at the brown belt level, as three more No-Gi major events remain in the 2026 year.

 

Manuela Sousa

Manuela Sousa of Quartel General da Luta secured a Brasileiro No-Gi title in her brown belt debut. After a one minute finish in the opening round, Manuela earned a hard-fought advantage victory in the semifinals to solidify her finals placement. The finals witnessed Manuela cement herself atop the podium with a dominant nine point victory to capture her first major No-Gi title at the brown belt level. Manuela displays an exciting blend of physicality, technique, and tactics to overwhelm her opponents, a style that seems to have translated beautifully into her new rank.

 

American National

 

Emily Leyva

The Atos Jiu-Jitsu prospect received well-deserved recognition surrounding her black belt debut at American Nationals. Emily commenced her weekend with Gi competition in the light-featherweight bracket, where a three-competitor bracket forced each athlete to face each other. Fascinatingly, Emily lost a decisive points match in the first black belt match of her career and was forced to secure a pair of victories to top the podium. That is exactly how Emily answered. The Atos product secured a win over Yasmyn Castro via straight ankle lock to set up the rematch with Esther Garwood, who had beaten Emily earlier in the day. Emily responded with a straight ankle lock finish under two minutes into the finals match. In her second day of competition Emily defeated her lone opponent Janice Russel via armbar after securing fifteen points. Emily’s debut showcased her intricate technique, finishing ability, and most importantly her resilience. The jiu-jitsu community gladly welcomes one of the brightest color belt prospects into the highest echelon, as she delivers a pair of gold medals in her debut weekend.

 

Grayson Henley

CheckMat standout Grayson Henley made his IBJJF black belt debut in the lightweight division at American Nationals. Grayson showcased his exciting finishing style with a footlock finish in just over one minute of action. The No-Gi specialist returned to action for a match with Gui Fernandes in the finals, which resulted in a chain of submission sequences from the CheckMat athlete. Unfortunately for Grayson, Gui’s experience shined as he weathered an early storm from the rookie black belt and ultimately secured the gold medal. Grayson displayed strong technique and the aggressive finishing style that excites many jiu-jitsu fans. 

 

Natalee Funegra

One of the most exciting female prospects in the sport ascended into the brown belt division after winning her purple belt World Championship title just a few weeks ago. Natalee Funegra of AOJ made her brown belt debut in style last weekend, securing a 100% submission rate en route to capturing the light-featherweight gold medal. Natalee showcased her dominant style with three consecutive armbar finishes, proving her level is more than satisfactory in the brown belt division. With hopes of achieving her black belt promotion before the year’s end, Natalee has high expectations throughout the No-Gi Grand Slam circuit. However her season plays out, Natalee remains a must-watch athlete as she aims to further pursue her ascension through the belt ranks.

 

Pedro Fontes

Another AOJ prospect made his brown belt debut at American Nationals last weekend. Pedro Fontes enjoyed a successful debut in both Gi and No-Gi competition, resulting in four wins and a pair of gold medals. Pedro displayed a well-balanced attack with intricate bottom technique and strong passing pressure. The AOJ representative secured two finishes, one in Gi and one in No-Gi, solidifying his weekend performance as one of the brightest of the American National event. Pedro immediately becomes a strong threat to secure major event titles in both Gi and No-Gi competition at the brown belt level, and warrants specific attention from the jiu-jitsu community.

 

Anthony Silva

Anthony Silva departed Las Vegas as a standout performer at the American Nationals. The Atos competitor made a significant statement in his brown belt debut, securing both Gi and No-Gi gold medals. Starting in the Gi, Anthony secured four victories including two submissions and a hard-fought win over a proven champion in the finals. He returned Saturday to capture three more victories, a pair of submissions, and the middleweight title. Anthony displayed beautiful technique, strong finishing ability, and the durability to outlast seven opponents on the weekend. American Nationals resulted in a phenomenal brown belt debut for Anthony, who is surely focused on the No-Gi Grand Slam Circuit to end the 2026 season.