It has recently come to light that Catriel Rodrigues, a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, has made the decision to transition from GF Team to Checkmat, marking a significant development in his career. Rodrigues, who has demonstrated his prowess in both gi and no-gi competitions, has achieved notable success since obtaining his black belt in 2021. He has recorded victories over several prominent figures in the heavier weight categories and added the prestigious Abu Dhabi World Pro title to his accolades.
Rodrigues’ martial arts journey commenced in his childhood, where he initially engaged in Judo before delving into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recognizing his potential, he sought an environment that could facilitate his growth, ultimately leading him to GF Team. Under their guidance, he evolved from a promising talent to a formidable contender in black belt competitions.
In announcing his departure from GF Team, Rodrigues expressed profound gratitude for their contributions to his development. This strategic move to Checkmat could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career, granting him access to a wealth of elite training partners. One such partner is Elder Cruz, a fellow Checkmat athlete who has achieved remarkable success in the sport, particularly in no-gi competitions. Rodrigues’ ambition to delve deeper into no-gi grappling aligns perfectly with this opportunity to train alongside Cruz.
It is worth noting that Rodrigues is not the only prominent figure to have made the move to Checkmat. Based out of Long Beach CA, Checkmat has seen the likes of Francisco Lo, another accomplished competitor in the heavier weight classes, also join the team, further strengthening their roster of top-tier talent. This collective shift towards Checkmat highlights the team’s growing prominence in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu landscape.
Charles Vieira
Charles Vieira is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt. He has travelled the world extensively training on 4 continents.