PROFESSOR Junior Fernandes

Professor Junior Fernandes, a standout in the martial arts realm, was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at the age of 14. Under the guidance of masters such as Ricardo Calvalcanti and Carlson Gracie, Junior Fernandes cultivated his passion for BJJ.

It was at the renowned Carlson Gracie’s Academy that Junior met Master Ricardo Libório, who became his mentor and awarded him the black belt. Together, Junior Fernandes and Professor Max conceived a noble vision: to utilize martial arts to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children, offering them a future away from the streets.

After relocating to Florida, Junior Fernandes continued his mission as an instructor at Athlas Training Team, a renowned academy he founded, contributing to its flourishing and creating a vibrant community around martial arts.

His lineage, tracing back to Mitsuyo Maeda and Carlos Gracie, reflects his commitment to martial tradition. Through his dedication, Junior Fernandes has not only accumulated achievements on the mat but also positively impacted the lives of those around him.

Moving forward, Junior Fernandes remains steadfast in his mission to empower individuals and uplift communities through the transformative power of martial arts. His dream is to transform children from the streets of Brazil into future Jiu-Jitsu instructors or competitors, providing them with greater opportunities for a brighter future.