BRAZUCA USA ACADEMIES MAKES HISTORY AT FIRST FUJI BJJ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team brings home seven medals, including four golds, from world championship competition in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — October 11, 2026

A major milestone for a growing local martial arts organization was achieved this weekend as Brazuca USA Martial Arts celebrated an outstanding performance at the inaugural FUJI Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Representing communities across western Ohio and eastern Indiana, Brazuca USA sent four athletes to the championship, returning home with an impressive seven medals — four gold, two silver, and one bronze.

With academy locations in Celina, Covington, and Sidney, Ohio, and Decatur, Indiana, Brazuca USA continues to establish itself as a competitive force in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while promoting discipline, confidence, physical fitness, and personal development throughout the communities it serves.

Local Athletes Deliver Championship Performances

The four Brazuca USA representatives competed across multiple belt levels, age categories, and weight divisions, demonstrating the dedication and technical skills developed through their training.

Professor Matheus Souza, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and instructor at the organization’s Decatur location, earned a bronze medal after finishing third in the men’s Gi Black Belt division. Competing at the black belt level represents one of the highest technical challenges in the sport.

Tiago Buogo, Brazuca USA founder and academy manager, captured a gold medal and a FUJI World Championship title in the men’s Gi Brown Belt Master 40+ division, competing in the under-210-pound weight category.

For Buogo, the victory represents a significant personal milestone after years of dedication to martial arts, intensive training, and continued competitive development.

Zoey Trace, competing in the women’s Adult Gi Blue Belt Heavyweight division, delivered another championship performance, securing first place and earning her own FUJI World Championship title.

Trace’s accomplishment adds another major achievement to her growing competitive record and highlights the strength of the organization’s developing female athletes.

Kane Epperly delivered an especially impressive performance, competing in four categories across the Adult Blue Belt Gi and NoGi divisions, including the Absolute divisions. Epperly finished the championship with two gold medals and two silver medals, demonstrating his versatility in both uniformed and submission-grappling competition.

Together, the four competitors earned seven podium finishes, providing a memorable achievement for the entire Brazuca USA organization.

More Than Medals: Building a Martial Arts Community

While the championship results represent an important competitive accomplishment, Brazuca USA leadership emphasizes that the organization’s mission extends well beyond winning tournaments.

The academies provide Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts programs designed to help children and adults develop confidence, discipline, respect, resilience, and healthy lifestyles.

Founded by Tiago Buogo, Brazuca USA has continued expanding its presence throughout the region, bringing martial arts instruction to families in smaller communities where access to specialized training and competitive development opportunities may otherwise be limited.

The organization’s four locations share a common philosophy of teamwork, family involvement, and continuous improvement.

“I could not be prouder of our athletes and everything they accomplished this weekend,” said Buogo. “These medals represent much more than victories on the mats. They represent early mornings, countless hours of training, sacrifices, discipline, and the support of an entire team. We have students and families from different cities who come together as one family. Seeing our athletes become world champions is an incredible feeling, not only for me but for everyone who is part of Brazuca USA.”

Buogo also credited the academy’s professors, coaches, training partners, and families for their contributions to the team’s success.

“Nobody becomes a champion alone. Every professor who teaches, every teammate who pushes you during training, and every family member who supports an athlete plays a part in these accomplishments. We want our students to understand that with hard work, determination, and the right people around them, they can achieve incredible things.”

A Growing Presence in Ohio and Indiana

Brazuca USA’s growth reflects increasing interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the region.

The organization currently operates academies in Celina, Covington, and Sidney, Ohio, with its newest location in Decatur, Indiana, expanding the team’s reach into another community.

The academies operate under the affiliation of The Match Champ (TMC), led by Master Marcos Cunha, connecting local athletes with a broader Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization.

Through youth programs, adult instruction, competition training, and community events, Brazuca USA aims to make martial arts accessible to individuals of different ages and experience levels.

The team’s success in Indianapolis demonstrates that athletes training in smaller communities can compete successfully at major championship events.

A Historic Weekend and a Promising Future

For Brazuca USA, the inaugural FUJI World Championship will be remembered as an important chapter in the organization’s history.

With four athletes earning seven medals, including multiple world championship titles, the team returned home with new accomplishments to celebrate and additional motivation for future competitions.

More importantly, the results provide inspiration for the next generation of young athletes training at the organization’s four academies.

As Brazuca USA continues to grow, its leadership remains committed to developing not only successful competitors but also confident, disciplined individuals who positively represent their communities.

Four athletes. Seven medals. Four golds. Two silvers. One bronze. One team representing four communities.

For Brazuca USA Martial Arts, the message is clear: big dreams and world-class accomplishments can begin in small towns.

About Brazuca USA Academies

Brazuca USA Academies is a regional martial arts organization offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts programs for children and adults. With locations in Celina, Covington, and Sidney, Ohio, and Decatur, Indiana, the organization focuses on technical instruction, competitive development, discipline, confidence, and community involvement.