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Paulo Miyao is a Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the most influential lightweight competitors in modern BJJ history. Known for his world-class guard work, berimbolo system, lapel attacks, and technical precision, Miyao became one of the defining figures of the lightweight division alongside his twin brother João Miyao.
Early Life
Paulo Henrique Bordignon Miyao was born on May 11, 1991, in Andirá, Paraná, Brazil, alongside his twin brother João Miyao. The brothers grew up in a humble family of Japanese-Brazilian heritage and began their martial arts journey through judo before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 16.
Their first BJJ instructor was Adriano Carvalho, who quickly recognised the brothers’ natural ability. Seeking higher-level training and greater opportunities, Paulo and João moved to São Paulo and joined Cícero Costha’s PSLPB (Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem) academy, where they trained alongside elite competitors including world champion Leandro Lo.
Rise Through the Ranks
Paulo Miyao became one of the most highly regarded young competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while still in the coloured belt divisions.
His breakthrough moment came when he won the IBJJF World Championship brown belt absolute division in 2013, defeating much larger opponents despite competing in the lightweight category. This victory became one of the most memorable achievements in modern BJJ history and established Miyao as a future black belt star.
Paulo and João received their black belts from Cícero Costha in June 2013, beginning a successful career at the highest level of international competition.
Black Belt Career
At black belt, Paulo Miyao became one of the most dominant featherweight competitors in the world. His technical guard systems and ability to defeat larger opponents made him one of the most respected athletes of his era.
Throughout his career, he has competed in major events including:
- IBJJF World Championship
- IBJJF Pan Championship
- IBJJF European Open
- IBJJF No-Gi World Championship
- Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- ADCC World Championship
- ACBJJ events
- Fight 2 Win (F2W)
- Who’s Number One (WNO)
- Polaris
Major Achievements
Paulo Miyao has earned many of the sport’s most prestigious honours, including:
- IBJJF World Champion
- Multiple-time IBJJF Pan Champion
- IBJJF European Open Champion
- Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion
- IBJJF No-Gi Pan Champion
- ACBJJ 65 kg Champion
- ACBJJ Grand Prix Champion
- Multiple ADCC World Championship medals
His ability to consistently win major titles while competing in one of the lightest adult divisions made him one of the most accomplished lightweight grapplers in history.
Competition Style
Paulo Miyao is considered one of the pioneers of the modern berimbolo era. His style is built around:
- Berimbolo attacks
- Inverted guard systems
- De La Riva guard
- Lapel-based attacks
- Back takes
- Guard retention
- Technical transitions
- High-level positional control
His unique movement, flexibility, and ability to create attacks from unconventional positions influenced an entire generation of competitive grapplers.