Photo by Jiu-Jistu Style Magazine

Vitor Belfort first got into Jiu-Jitsu through Carlson Gracie. Initially, he was training with one of his students, who told him that he “needed to train with Carlson,” because he “was too tough for the other guys in the gym.” Belfort moved to the United States with Gracie, eventually receiving his black belt in BJJ under him at the age of 17 (you have to be 18 to receive a black belt) before they had a falling out.

Belfort was a rising star in BJJ, but he never competed in the World championships. The lure of MMA was too big for him.

In an interview with Tatame, he said why:

“You know why I never competed at the Jiu-Jitsu World championship? Shit, the guy competes and wins and doesn’t get any money? I think this is shitty! It is exploitation, a slavery! Jiu-Jitsu is a professional sport, not amateur. You pay to compete? I’ve always been against it. The medal does not pay my rent, ”

About his own black belt promotion:

“With Carlson, it became ridiculous. He gave me a black belt when I was 17 years old. Everyone criticized him, saying that I had never competed. He said: ‘Come train with Vitor to see’. If the guy trains in the Gi and has the proper techniques, no need to compete, he can now earn a black belt. You don’t need to be world champion for that. Sometimes the guy is not champion, but has the right to have a black belt. Jiu-Jitsu is also a sport, “

Check out this picture of a young Vitor beating Rodrigo Comprido in a BJJ competition back in the day:

With Carlson Gracie: