Gabriel Arges (view profile) has been on a mission: six months, six countries, 12 competitions... Which resulted in 11 gold medals, one silver, and a title belt! 

The Gracie Barra athlete made a huge statement in his first full year as a black belt. Promoted at the end of 2015, he embarked on a breakout run of tournament success that saw him win medals at every major tournament, including a gold at the Abu Dhabi World Pro and a silver at IBJJF Worlds. 

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He obviously enjoys the taste of success, because following a brief break for the summer offseason, Arges started a marathon six-month journey that has seen him become one of the most prolific competitors in the game. 

Twelve tournaments in the last six months, it's been a crazy journey," he said. "I visited six different countries for tournaments and many others for seminars throughout those months. I barely stayed at home.

The main goal during this period is for Arges to become the No. 1 black belt in the UAEJJF rankings, a hotly contested race between him, Jose Junior, and Xande Ribeiro. Arges' next opportunity to further his cause is just two weeks away at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam London on Saturday, March 18 -- which is streaming LIVE on FloGrappling.

UAEJJF World Rank 2016-17 Male Adult Black Belt (March 6)

Rank	Name	Team	Points	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1	Jose Junior	Uaejj Team - Training Hall	1490.00	7	4	4
2	Gabriel Arges	Gracie Barra	1450.00	11	1	0
3	Alexandre Ribeiro	Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu	1340.00	7	4	0

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"I'm only 30 points behind Jose Junior now," Arges says. "Considering we have over 1,400 points, it's a very small advantage. We're definitely gonna be neck and neck until the World Pro, where I think I can make the difference, and -- at the same time -- fight for my second title in a row in the black belt division." 

Arges has been competing two, three, and sometimes even four weekends in a row. The grind takes a toll, though, and he's quick to point out all that travel is not as glamorus as it looks. 

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For real, traveling that much is very stressful and it's definitely hard to stay in shape," he said. "In fact I wasn't in my best shape during the UAE circuit, but the momentum of coming from good performances counts more than being physically prepared. I've been competing very calmly thanks to the experience I've got from all the tournaments.

The travel has had one unexpected benefit, for the fans at least. Arges has been documenting his travels in a video blog, in which he chronicles his various trips. 

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Winning World Pro and being crowned the top-ranked black belt are the ultimate goals, but there is a bigger plan at work here too. Arges wants to ensure his name is written in the history books. 

"I've been competing with the goal of cementing my place as one of the best in the sport," he says.

To do that I need to win consistently in dominating fashion. I've had a great increase in my finishing rate and winning by large points scores during this season, and I plan to continue doing that.

Gabriel Arges competes in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam London on March 18. Watch it LIVE or on demand on FloGrappling. 

Gabriel Arges tournament schedule since September 2016

Take a look at the competitions and results Gabriel Arges has earned over the last six months. 

2016

LA Grand Slam 
September 3
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Las Vegas International Pro
October 15
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Tokyo Grand Slam 
October 23
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Rio 
November 12
Disqualified 

Curitiba International Pro 
November 19
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Belem International Pro 
November 26
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Colombia National Pro 
December 10-11
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg
Silver, Male Brown-black Adult Absolute 

2017

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 
January 13-14 
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Orlando International Pro 
January 28 
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

Brazil National Pro 
February 11-12 
Gold, Male Black Adult 77kg
Gold, Male Black Absolute -77kg

Argentina National Pro 
February 18
Gold, Male Black Adult 85kg

ACB Grand Prix 
February 25
-85kg 8-man Tournament Winner

11 gold medals, 1 silver, and 1 title belt!