# Hiryu Niwa

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## Overview

**Name:** Hiryu Niwa


## Bio

Born in Hiroshima and raised in Yokohama, Hiryu Niwa began training in 2008 at the local academy where his father practiced, alongside his older brother Reon. After early years under João Paulo and João Carlos Kuraoka, the brothers followed Takamasa Watanabe through purple and brown belts. A 2010 meeting with the Mendes Brothers at the Rickson Gracie Cup sparked a decade-long pursuit, culminating in a move to California to join Art Of Jiu-Jitsu. Hiryu Niwa received his black belt from Guilherme Mendes on the podium of the 2022 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship.

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**Last Updated:** September 23, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/hiryu-niwa)