Biography
Recent competitive achievements
Since his last documented world title in 2018, Carlos Lemos Jr., known as "Escorrega," has continued to leave a mark on the Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) competitive scene. As a 5th-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr., he has remained active in the masters divisions of major tournaments. In recent years, Lemos has competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) events, including the Chicago International Open, where he has secured medals in both his weight class and the absolute division, showcasing his enduring skill and adaptability. [4] His competitive spirit remains a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport, even as he balances his roles as a coach and academy leader.
Growth of Gracie Barra in Chicago
Lemos has significantly expanded the presence of Gracie Barra in the Chicago area since establishing himself there in 2008. As the regional director of Gracie Barra in the Midwest, he oversees multiple academies, with Gracie Barra Downers Grove serving as his flagship location. [5] Under his leadership, the academy has grown into a hub for BJJ practitioners of all levels, producing numerous black belts and competitive champions. His emphasis on fostering a family-like community and upholding the Gracie Barra philosophy of "Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone" has attracted a diverse student base, from beginners to professional fighters. In recent years, Lemos has also introduced specialized programs, such as self-defense workshops and youth development initiatives, further solidifying his influence in the region. [6]
Coaching and mentorship
Beyond his competitive career, Carlos Lemos Jr. has become a respected coach and mentor in the global BJJ community. He has trained and promoted black belts who lead Gracie Barra academies worldwide, including Niclas Gustafsson and Salvatore Pace in Europe, and Hector Vargas and Pedro Tello in the United States. [7] Lemos has also conducted seminars across the U.S. and internationally through initiatives like the GB Ambassadors Program, sharing his expertise as a four-time world champion. [8]
In recent years, Lemos has expanded his efforts to educate the BJJ community through digital platforms. He has contributed to instructional content, including online classes and technique breakdowns, often in collaboration with Gracie Barra’s global network. [9] These efforts have made his knowledge accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing his role as an ambassador of the sport. Additionally, Lemos has been featured in interviews and podcasts, where he discusses his journey, the evolution of BJJ, and the importance of resilience—themes that resonate with his experiences during the global pandemic and beyond. [10]
Personal life and legacy
Now in his mid-40s, Carlos Lemos Jr. remains deeply connected to his roots in Rio de Janeiro while embracing his life in the United States. His multilingual abilities (fluent in Portuguese, English, and other languages) have aided his mission to spread BJJ globally. [7] As a father and family man, he often speaks about the parallels between raising a family and building a jiu-jitsu community, emphasizing discipline, respect, and mutual support. His legacy is not only in his titles but in the countless students he has inspired to pursue excellence both on and off the mats.
Mixed martial arts update
Although Lemos stepped away from professional MMA after his two victories in 2011, he has remained involved in the sport as a coach. He has worked with MMA fighters in the Chicago area, helping them refine their grappling skills for the cage. [7] While he has not returned to competition himself, his brief but successful MMA career continues to be a point of interest for fans, highlighting his versatility as a martial artist.
Achievements
From blue belt he started training under Carlos Gracie Jr earning all his belts from him. He became a World Champion for the first time at the 1999 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship as a purple belt. In 2011 he briefly competed in MMA, winning both of his two fights. [11]
Lemos Jr. won another world championship, this time in Masters in 2015 and again in 2018, earning him his fourth world title. He is currently the head instructor of Gracie Barra Downers Grove in Downers Grove, Illinois. [12]
This page is based on this
Wikipedia article Text is available under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
