(The previous edition can be found HERE )





On this week’s edition of Match of the Week, the match I'm sharing with you is Jackson Sousa vs. Paulo Miyao from the brown belt absolute semi-finals of the 2012 NoGi Brazilian Nationals.





Jackson Sousa is a black belt under Ricardo Vieira and fights for team Checkmat. Today, Jackson is one of Jiu-Jitsu's rising stars, but he remained out of the spotlight for many years due to having issues obtaining a US visa. This meant he couldn't compete in many major IBJJF tournaments such as the Worlds, NoGi Worlds and Pan Ams. However, in 2013 he received his visa and went on to become a world champion proving that he was one of best competitors of the new generation.





Jackson is a six time Brazilian National NoGi Champion (2012 brown weight & absolute, 2011 brown weight & absolute, 2010 brown, 2009 purple), a three time European Champion (2014 brown, 2013 brown, 2012 brown), a two time South American (2011 brown, 2010 brown), and Brazilian National Champion (2012 brown, 2010 purple), and a one time World (2013 brown), World NoGi (2013 black), IBJJF Pro League (2013), Pan American NoGi Champion (2014 black absolute).





Jackson is known for one thing in particular, and that is his guard passing. He is definitely one of the best guard passers in the world today. For such a big guy, Jackson is very light on his feet. In particular, he seems to favour toreando style guard passing, but you also seem him use the double under pass quite frequently throughout his matches. However, in recent competition you're seeing a lot more guard work from Sousa which is quite exciting to watch.





Jackson Sousa





If you follow Jiu-Jitsu, I'm pretty sure you would have heard of Paulo Miyao. Him and his brother, João (typically referred to as the Miyao brothers) have been phenoms in the Jiu-Jitsu world since blue belt. They have virtually won every major title at the lower belts and been on the podium of every absolute division.





Paulo is known for his intense rivalry with Keenan Cornelius. He suffered multiple consecutive losses against Cornelius throughout the purple and brown belt level before finally defeating him in the absolute final of the 2013 World Championships.





Paulo is a four time World (2013 brown weight & absolute, 2012 purple, 2011 purple) and Brazilian National Champion (2014 black, 2013 brown weight & absolute, 2012 purple), a three time Pan American Champion (2014 black, 2013 brown, 2012 purple), and a one-time European (2013 brown) and Brazilian National NoGi Champion (2012 brown).





The one thing Paulo is known for is his berimbolo. He literally uses it in all of his matches. He also utilises many other "modern" Jiu-Jitsu techniques such as the 50/50 guard and reverse de la riva. In his matches, his main objective is to somehow take his opponents back using his slick guard skills. He is known for his nearly impassable guard.





Paulo Miyao





In this match, Jackson tries to work some of signature passes, but the phenomenal guard work of Miyao neutralises the majority of them. You get to see some beautiful technical guard work from Miyao, however. He attempts multiple berimbolo and back take attempts and gets near with some, but Sousa does a tremendous job of defending. The outcome of this match may surprise you, and I think if it was in the Gi, it would perhaps be a different story.





T he video of the match can be found below. I hope you guys enjoy!



See you next week!



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