The year 2025 has been a milestone for our family and our journey in Submission Grappling.  This wasn't just another tournament; it was a gathering of the world’s most dedicated grapplers, and being there with my son, Caio Luiz, made it one of the most significant experiences of my life.

Testing the Steel: My Experience in Master 4 Pro (-88kg)

At 52 years old, stepping onto the ADCC mats in the Master 4 Pro -88kg category was both a challenge and a privilege. I fought three hard matches against high-level opponents.

I managed to reach the finals and was leading the match until the very end. In a heartbreaking but thrilling conclusion, I lost by a single point with just seconds remaining on the clock. While the gold was close, taking 2nd Place (Silver) on the World stage is a result I wear with pride. It proves that age is just a number when you have a technical foundation and a warrior’s spirit.

Caio Luiz debuted in a high-level and prestigious tournament; it was his first experience in Europe. He fought in the adult intermediate category up to 83kg. This is a hard division in the tournament, filled with the stars of tomorrow. Caio showed incredible composure, in his First Fight A dominant victory, showcasing the techniques winning by points.

On the Second Fight A hard-fought battle that unfortunately ended in a loss, bringing his run to an end in the Round of 16. Sometimes the experience gained in this kind o competition is worth a year of training in the gym.

The Warsaw Atmosphere, Poland proved why it is a global powerhouse for grappling. The organization at the arena was world-class, and the intensity of the Polish fans made every match feel like a main event. Competing in the same venue where the next generation of ADCC legends is born was an "incredible experience" that has only fueled our fire for more.

Looking Ahead to 2026, We leave Poland with silver medals, a few bruises, and a wealth of knowledge. But more importantly, we leave with a plan. We will be back in 2026. The journey doesn't stop here. Whether it's the mats in Nice or the arenas of Poland, the father-and-son duo of the subgrapple.com is just getting started.

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