Jiu-jitsu has the power to turn average people into absolute savages on the mats, and so you must never judge a book by it's cover. 

You don't need to be a hulking monster with the correct application of technique -- as many tough guys have found out the first time they go to a jiu-jitsu gym and they get nonchalantly turned up by the unassuming guy in the corner. 

Underestimate these grapplers at your peril! They may not look like it, but these six successful athletes are some of the most technical and toughest competitors in the game. 


​Jose Junior cranks on a kimura. Photo: Chase Smith / FloGrappling

Jose Junior

Nicknamed the "scientist" due to his thick glasses, this computer science graduate is both a highly educated professional as well as a high-performing jiu-jitsu world champion. The ultra heavyweight gentle giant is a champion in UAEJJF World Pro and Grand Slam events, meaning he's got brains and brawn.


​Lucas Lepri. Photo: Chase Smith / FloGrappling

Lucas Lepri

How many people walk past this guy in the street every day without even realizing his incredible athletic ability? A five-time world champion, Lepri is known for his flawless execution of technique (let's remember he won Worlds without getting a point scored on him). He's also a physical specimen -- check out this video of him doing capoeira.
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Bernardo Faria teaching in New York. Photo: @ricinaction

Bernardo Faria

A true gentleman, Bernardo Faria is one of the most approachable, friendly, and downright nicest guys in the business. He's always got a smile on his face, and he's always in a good mood -- when he's not competing, that is… When Bernardo goes beast mode, look out! His crushing top pressure and submissions from every angle make this super heavyweight a threat to anyone. 

Caio Terra

One of the all-time greatest grapplers from the lighter-weight classes, Terra's physical stature and less-than-threatening looks don't truly represent his near-scientific levels of submission skill. Though he normally competes as a roosterweight, Terra has fought in absolute divisions in the past. For some observers, it might be a shock to picture that Terra can tangle with the big guys too!



​Eddie Cummings doing what Eddie Cummings does. Photo: Jeff Chu

Eddie Cummings 

An actual scientist with a background in physics who switched focus from lab work to jiu-jitsu, Eddie Cummings' analytical mind has seen him become one of the most feared no-gi grapplers thanks to his savage leglocks. His deadly heel hooks are only a part of his submission repertoire, but the surgical-like application of these knee-destroying moves strike fear into grapplers big and small. He still looks like a scientist, though! 


2017 black belt IBJJF World champion ​Mikey Musumeci.

Mikey Musumeci

Light featherweight Mikey Musumeci looks like the kid who used to spend every lunch break in computer class. He shares the spectacles and the high IQ, but there is one big difference -- this guy has won every major black belt title there is to win, and he is as dangerous as they come. He'll either rip your foot off in a matter of seconds, or he'll take your back with techniques you've never even seen before. At only 20 years old, he is by far the least intimidating black belt in jiu-jitsu -- good for him, bad for his opponents!

Who else should be on this list? Let us know in the comments