On March 17, a memorable date for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, renowned master Ricardo Libório achieved a notable milestone in his martial arts journey: the conquest of the Coral Belt. In this exciting event, the presence of individuals who shared significant moments alongside the master, such as Professor Junior Fernandes and his family, couldn’t be missed. The relationship between Junior Fernandes and Liborio began on the mat, with Junior embarking on his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 13 under the guidance of the master.
Coral Belt in jiu-jitsu
The event marking Libório’s ascent to the Coral Belt was much more than a formal ceremony. It was a gathering of generations, a celebration of dedication and commitment to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Recognition of Mastery
For Professor Junior Fernandes and his family, it was a unique opportunity to witness the well-deserved recognition of a master whose influence shaped not only their skills on the mat but also their lives off it.
To receive the coral belt, the sixth degree of the black belt, 24 years since obtaining the initial black belt are required. This period is characterized by continuous commitment to practice, technical refinement, and teaching others.
After reaching the sixth degree, the practitioner still needs to wait another 7 years to be bestowed with the seventh degree, corresponding to the coral belt. These final years represent a phase of consolidation and acknowledgment of the practitioner’s legacy within the Jiu-Jitsu community.
The Coral Belt: A Lifetime Achievement
The coral belt is a tribute to a lifetime dedicated to the martial art, with significant contributions to the sport and the shaping of new practitioners. It is a symbol of vast experience and knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu.
The Journey of a Black Belt
Only after 31 years of holding a black belt will an athlete be eligible to wear it. This extended time is not just a matter of accumulating years but also of gradually advancing through the degrees of the black belt.
The Event
During the ceremony, held with a maximum capacity of about 450 people, Master Ricardo Libório, co-founder of the Brazilian Top Team, was honored with the Helio Gracie medal by councilman Marcelo Arar, recognizing his social services through the sport. Libório, the first world champion of Jiu-Jitsu in the super-heavyweight category in 1996, received the coral belt, with Carlos Rosado, who introduced him to Jiu-Jitsu in the 1980s, performing the tying.
Libório has always gone beyond the mats, leaving his mark not only as a Jiu-Jitsu master but also as an influencer who shaped the community around the sport. It was he who facilitated Professor Junior’s move to Florida, triggering a significant moment. For Professor Junior Fernandes, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that permeates every aspect of his existence.
On this special day, he had the opportunity to reunite with his friends, whom he met on the mat when he was just 13 years old, and today, they are all black belts. Not only were friends present, but also his students, like Professor Blake and Daren, who traveled from Florida to partake in this memorable gathering.
Their presence added a unique dimension to the reunion, highlighting how Jiu-Jitsu connects people from different places around a shared passion. Professor Junior Fernandes was thrilled to participate in this ceremony, where he could demonstrate to his children the value of Jiu-Jitsu and the opportunities that this martial art offers. Besides teaching self-defense techniques, Jiu-Jitsu fosters friendships and opens doors to job opportunities, all within a healthy and stimulating environment. For Junior, it’s more than teaching moves; it’s offering a path to a promising future full of possibilities for his children and students.
Big Congratulations Liborio Coral belt in jiu-jitsu
Congratulations, Libório! Your journey is a living testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and love for the gentle art. From the early days on the mats to the triumphs on the grandest stages, you embody the essence of a true warrior. And on this special day, the Athlas Training Team family joins in joy and gratitude for having had the privilege to be part of this extraordinary journey. Every training session, every challenge overcome, and every victory achieved were shared moments that enriched not only our technical skills but also our spirits.
