Two luminaries of the BJJ world, Helio “Soneca” Moreira and Roberto “Gordo” Correa, have recently been promoted to the coveted coral belt in a shared promotion ceremony, marking a historic milestone in their already illustrious careers. Both Moreira and Correa have been instrumental figures in the sport for decades, having earned their black belts an impressive 31 years ago.
The promotion was conferred by none other than Renzo Gracie, a legend in his own right who was himself promoted to coral belt just over a year ago. This promotion not only acknowledges their exceptional skill but also their unwavering commitment to the martial art over the years. The promotion took place at the Gordo BJJ academy in Weston, Florida during a seminar.
Moreira and Correa’s journeys began at Gracie Barra, where they honed their skills under the tutelage of Carlos Gracie Junior. Their talent was undeniable, and they quickly made a name for themselves as formidable competitors. In fact, both men participated in the inaugural IBJJF World Championship in 1996, emerging victorious in their respective divisions. Moreira secured the gold medal in the light-featherweight category, while Correa triumphed in the middleweight division.
After retiring from active competition, Moreira and Correa channeled their expertise into coaching, each establishing their own academies to mentor the next generation of BJJ practitioners. Moreira founded the Helio Soneca Association, while Correa opened Gordo JJ. Their contributions to the sport have been immense, and their recent promotion to coral belt is a testament to their unwavering dedication and impact on the BJJ community.
Charles Vieira
Charles Vieira is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt. He has travelled the world extensively training on 4 continents.