# Otávio Sousa ("The Steamroller")

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## Overview

**Name:** Otávio Sousa

**Nickname:** The Steamroller


## Bio

Otavio Sousa was born in July 1986 in Recife, State of Pernambuco – Brazil. He started training jiu-jitsu when he was 13 years old, after an invitation from a friend who already trained at Recife’s Gracie Barra headquarters. The Gracie Barra – Recife was an academy led by  José Olímpio  (also known as “Zé Radiola”), a charismatic instructor who developed several high-level athletes, including  Braulio Estima ,  Victor Estima ,  Bruno Alves  to mention a few.

At the Gracie Barra academy, Otavio Sousa became one of the main names in the lower ranks of BJJ earning himself several titles, including a world championship in 2007 as a brown belt. After his win at the  Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu , Otavio Sousa earned his black belt from the hands of Carlos Gracie Junior, the head of the Gracie Barra franchise. E.N.: Though Otavio Sousa was mainly coached by José Olímpio, it was common practice within Gracie Barra to have the founder of the academy hand the black belts.

After receiving his black belt, Otavio Sousa was invited to lead the Gracie Barra Academy in Irvine, California which was owned by Chris Pizzo. Sousa worked there a few years, but that relationship ended unexpectedly in unfortunate circumstances. According to the many internet forums who debated the issue at the time, Otavio was fired by E-mail while on vacation, by the gym’s owner. The reason for the dismissal (according to Pizzo) was that Otavio ​​spent too much time competing and touring for seminars, while not dedicating enough effort to the gym. This went against many of Sousa’s student’s beliefs who left the academy in a show of support for their instructor. Among the people who followed Otavio out were A-listers such as  ‘Budo’ Jake , sports commentator, and CEO of the company  BudoVideos .

Banner photograph taken from Gracie Mag.

Otavio Sousa vs Junior Santos

Otavio Sousa vs N/A

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**Last Updated:** March 21, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/people/otavio-sousa-1226dda11759)