Discipline, Technique, and Passion for Jiu-Jitsu

Tiago Santa Ritta’s martial arts journey began in 1989, when he first stepped onto the mats as a four-year-old Judoka. Though he doesn’t recall how long he trained in Judo, one thing became clear early on—his passion for combat sports would shape his life.

At 17 years old, in 2003, Tiago found his true calling: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the guidance of Professor Newton Ferreira, he embarked on a relentless journey through the ranks, earning each belt through discipline, skill, and unwavering commitment. Tiago trained under Newton Ferreira from his very first lesson as a white belt until the day he earned his black belt, a process that took 12 years of continuous, uninterrupted training.

Tragically, Newton Ferreira passed away just one month before Tiago moved to Australia, making his black belt promotion even more significant—an honor carrying the legacy of his mentor.

Competing Across Borders

Throughout his Jiu-Jitsu career, Tiago competed in state and national tournaments across Brazil, testing his skills in Bahia, Brasília, Goiânia, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul, among others. His dedication to competition extended beyond Brazil, taking him to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, where he continued to prove his expertise on the mats.

Third-Degree Black Belt with International Recognition

Tiago’s journey as a black belt is backed by the highest levels of certification in the sport. His first-degree black belt was awarded by Professor Flávio Almeida, the Regional Director of Gracie Barra USA. His second-degree black belt was personally awarded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. in Florianópolis, Brazil, a testament to his dedication and legitimacy in the sport. His third-degree black belt was earned under Professor Marcelo Rezende, the Regional Director of Gracie Barra Oceania.

Beyond his personal achievements, Tiago holds an official certification recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)—the world’s most prestigious and traditional Jiu-Jitsu federation. His rank and credentials can be verified directly through the IBJJF website, ensuring full transparency and trust.

A Legacy of Teaching & Empowering Others

With decades of experience, Tiago isn’t just a competitor—he’s a mentor, coach, and leader in the Jiu-Jitsu community. His philosophy is simple: Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport—it’s a path to self-improvement, resilience, and continuous evolution.

Today, he continues to share his knowledge, training students of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes, and helping them unlock their full potential through Jiu-Jitsu.