# Masahiro Iwasaki

> Black Belt 3 Stripes

## Overview

**Name:** Masahiro Iwasaki

**Belt Rank:** Black Belt 3 Stripes


## Bio

Masahiro Iwasaki was born on January 27, 1989 in Kobe – the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture located in the Osaka Bay of Japan.

While growing up Iwasaki became fascinated by martial arts, starting his combat training early in life through karate. His love for fighting grew exponentially with the growth of the legendary Japanese mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion: Pride FC, which reached its popularity peak during Masahiro’s teenage years.

The style of Brazilian jiu jitsu stood out to Iwasaki after the epic 2002 MMA battle between  Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira  (Minotauro) and Bob Sapp – who outweighed Minotauro by 127 pounds (57,60 kg). The masterful display of heart and technique by the victorious Rodrigo convinced Masahiro of grappling’s efficiency, and led him to start training at the age of 15.

Masahiro’s first jiu jitsu instructor was Yasuhiro Miyamoto, one of the top grappling coaches in Iwasaki’s home town (Kobe). It was under Miyamoto that the young Masahiro Iwasaki climbed up BJJ’s belt system all the way to brown, the black belt being awarded by  Marco Barbosa  on December 2010.

After being promoted to black belt Masahiro spent time abroad, even picking up a coaching career in Australia (2011) before returning to Japan. When established in his home country, Iwasaki decided to join the prestigious Carpe Diem in Tokyo. One of the most successful and thriving jiu jitsu gyms in Asia.

Masahiro Iwasaki vs Robson Tano

Masahiro Iwasaki vs Kohei Nishibayashi
## Gym Affiliations

- **Carpe Diem Osaka** (Konohana-ku, Japan) — Head Instructor

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**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/masahiro-iwasaki-3e6136e9ff48)