The IBJJF has responded to the violent actions of a black belt coach, describing them as a disservice to the community. 

The incident occurred at the IBJJF Austin Open on Sunday July 22 during a white belt match. 

A man identified as Ulpiano Malachias, a Gracie Barra gym owner based in Texas jumped over the barrier and threw a steel chair at an unidentified white belt representing Pablo Silva Team. The chair hit the white belt in the leg. 

Malachias– who hails from Belo Horizonte, Brazil and has trained with the likes of Royce Gracie– ran into the match area to confront the white belt, who had defeated one of his team’s representatives via points. He managed to shove the competitor before the referee intervened. 

The IBJJF gave this statement when contacted: 

“The unfortunate happenings this weekend in Austin, Texas are inconceivable and not to be tolerated under any circumstances. It is a disservice for the BJJ community and of our views for the growth of the sport. 

“IBJJF staff is collecting and analyzing all of the facts and will come to a conclusion soon on how to deal with the problem. As of now that person is suspended indefinitely from any activity in the organization.” 

Malachias posted a lengthy statement on Monday July 23 that begins as an apology to the IBJJF but stops short of being saying sorry to anybody involved or an admission of guilt. 

“First, I would to like to apologize to the IBJJF which I’ve been a member of for over 20 years, longer than most people who even attended the Austin open this year. I never have had one misconduct at any tournament. Second to my team Gracie Barra and my students because as a professor I should hold the standards of my team and my colleagues higher. Besides the fact that I’m a black belt professor and need to lead by example I am a man and father and when someone (especially a white belt at a tournament) calls me a **** multiple times and flip me off it’s hard to not react on the moment. The video that was posted doesn’t show everything and was majorly edited to make me look like i was not instigated and i just went crazy for no reason or because the loss of the match. When in reality, my reaction had nothing to do with the result of the match. The kid was talking trash leading up to the tournament and during the tournament and then after the match while he was inside the ring he stood up looked for me, flipped me off and called me a ‘****’. So the disrespect was be mutual and started with him. Doesn’t make what i did ‘right’ but every story has 2 sides and what was post on social media only show his side. As most people know that every time that team have a chance to play the victim they will do it. I hope his professor teaches his students how to respect black belts and their sport one day.” 

Note: the article was updated to reflect the fact the chair did hit the targeted white belt, and that Mr. Malachias shoved the competitor.