Belo Horizonte (city in Minas Gerais) is known throughout martial arts for turning out some big names in Jiu-Jitsu. Proof of this is the third Brazilian team championship won by Minas Gerais, an unprecedented feat for a state outside of the Rio-São Paulo hub. “The team brought up by Vinícius Draculino is one of the best in the world. He’s trained more than 100 black belts”, praised Cláudio Cardoso, better known as Caloquinha. Having trained Jiu-Jitsu for 12 years, in 2004 he debuted in MMA, a sport that’s beginning to solidify it’s place in Belo Horizonte.
“Despite the fact that Rio and São have more structure, events and media attention, Minas has a fantastic group of people. What we’re still missing here is a little support”, affirms Caloquinha, who will turn his focus back on MMA later this year. Before that, he will participate in the World Abu Dhabi Pro, a professional Jiu-Jitsu world championship.
Vinícius Draculino is a big name when talking about fighting in Belo Horizonte. The absolute master when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu and coach of MMA fighters, he’s had such success with the team that he formed there, that he was invited to open his own academy in Houston. For two years he’s lived there. “Genuinely speaking, ninety percent of those who’ve had international recognition have passed through my hands or my instructors’”, he affirms… [continue]
Full article transcription here: Draculino Forum
Original article here: Revista Ragga