There’s a new flag flying over the Eugene grappling scene. Multiple-time IBJJF World Champion Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa has teamed up with Brazilian standout Marcos “Petcho” Martins to launch Pace Jiu Jitsu, a new academy and competition team based at 2101 Bailey Hill Rd, Eugene, Oregon 97405.
The announcement went out on Instagram, where the pacejiujitsuhq account introduced the new team, flag, and philosophy to the Pacific Northwest BJJ community. “PACE is more than a name. It’s a mindset”.
From World Champion to Gym Owner
Barbosa is no stranger to Eugene. The Brazil-born black belt, nicknamed “Hulk” for his aggressive takedowns and relentless pressure passing, made a name for himself training under Andre Galvao at Atos Headquarters in San Diego before relocating to Oregon in 2021. He built a program at Atos Jiu-Jitsu Northwest,at the very same Bailey Hill Road address, which grew into one of the state’s most decorated rooms, producing champions across the belt spectrum. Barbosa’s own résumé includes multiple IBJJF World titles, Pan American and European Open championships, and two ADCC medals, making him one of the most accomplished competitors of his generation.
Bringing In Petcho
Joining him is Marcos “Petcho” Martins, a Brazilian black belt who cut his teeth in the competitive furnace of São Paulo’s B9 team under Marco Barbosa and Diego Martins. Petcho built his reputation on the IBJJF and CBJJ circuits as one of the standout competitors of his generation, known for a relentless, high-pressure style that mirrors the “always moving forward” ethos Pace is built on.
Pairing Barbosa’s world-championship pedigree with Petcho’s competitive background gives the new team a serious coaching core right out of the gate.
What’s Next
With a location already established on Bailey Hill Road and two credentialed black belts at the helm, Pace Jiu Jitsu enters the Oregon BJJ scene as an academy to watch. Readers in the Eugene area interested in training with a multiple-time world champion and a top-level Brazilian competitor can find more details via the team’s Instagram, @pacejiujitsuhq
A freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience covering a wide range of topics, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and well-researched reporting. He studied at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a strong foundation in journalism and communications. Martin is a 10th Planet BJJ brown belt and has been training for approximately 10 years and a keen follower of submission grappling.
