Name: Max Lima 

Belt: Black Belt  (1 stripe) 

Nationality: Brazilian   

When did you start Jiu-Jitsu? I started jiu-jitsu in 2000, back in my hometown in Goiânia, Brazil. 

Why did you start jiu-jitsu? Back in the day, I used to train capoeira. One day one of my close training partners told me that he trained jiu-jitsu, and said that he could submit me in less than 30 seconds. I had already been training capoeira for many years, so I found his statement to be impossible - and accepted the challenge! He ended up arm barring me in less than 10 seconds, which amazed me and planted a seed of interest. I soon realised how challenging and rewarding jiu-jitsu could really be. 

Favourite Submission & why? I love to squeeze me some necks, so any choke can be counted as a favourite of mine. 

Preferred Guard? I think I have a body type that adapts well to any type of guard. God blessed me with long and thin chicken legs and monkey agility, which is perfect for any guard. 

Proudest jiu-jitsu moment? There have been many. I could say the highlight has definitely been receiving my black belt from Roger Gracie and Cesar Lima six years ago. Nowadays, what makes me the proudest is helping my students to perform well in jiu-jitsu tournaments, and seeing them succeed. 

What has jiu-jitsu taught you outside of the dojo? Jiu-jitsu has taught me discipline, determination, and helped me massively with emotional regulation and self-esteem. It has taught me to never remain too long in my comfort zone, and that nothing good happens when we don’t take a risk in life.

Come down to train with Max in many of our dojos around London, see our timetable page here for more detail.