Romulo Barral’s fearsome competition team at Gracie Barra Northridge just got a boost of fresh talent with the arrival of Fellipe Trovo. 

The recently promoted black belt, who is 23 and hails from near the city of Sao Paulo, arrived in California to train with Barral alongside noted competitors such as two-time world champion Gabriel Arges, famed submission hunter Edwin Najmi, and the explosive Victor Silverio. 

Photo: Chase Smith / FloGrappling

Promoted to black belt on Dec. 9, Trovo recently represented the Ushirobira Jiu-Jitsu team. He is a 2017 Brazilian champion who took gold in the super-heavyweight division after submitting all of his opponents. 

Barral responded with his characteristic enthusiasm when talking about the young talent joining his team. 

“I watch all the up-and-coming guys, but I have never been the guy who calls guys to my team, I don’t do that. When people want to come to my team, I’m the guy who says ‘Are you sure?’ 

“With Trovo, he respects his team but I talked to him and he told me his dreams. He is from a small town in Brazil, he doesn’t have a lot of opportunities. He respects his professor but he needs something more to grow.

“I said he would be more than welcome and I would be happy to help him achieve his goals. He is a young kid and I think he has a lot of potential. I am looking forward to see what the future has for him. 

“He just arrived, he has his first training session. I think he enjoyed a lot. Now he’s going to represent Gracie Barra Northridge and I’m glad to add his monster to the team.”