Few achievements carry the weight and reverence of earning the coveted red belt. This week, the BJJ community celebrates a momentous occasion as Master João Eugênio de Jesus, affectionately known as “Kaxambu,” has been promoted to the ninth degree red belt, earning him the distinguished title of Grandmaster.
This historic promotion represents the culmination of decades of unwavering dedication to the gentle art. According to the foundational principles established by Gracie family, the red belt is reserved “for those whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of the art.” For practitioners who begin their journey as teenagers, the mathematical reality means waiting nearly five decades before becoming eligible for this honor – a testament to the extraordinary commitment required.
The promotion ceremony marked what organizers described as “a historic day” for their community. Master Kaxambu’s elevation to red belt status reflects not just technical mastery, but a lifetime devoted to shaping generations of practitioners both on and off the mats.
Grandmaster João Eugênio de Jesus now joins an exclusive group of fewer than 50 individuals worldwide who hold this distinction. The red belt represents the highest rank awarded to living practitioners, with only the legendary Gracie brothers – Carlos, Gastão, Jorge, Hélio, and Oswaldo – having been awarded the mythical tenth degree, reserved for the art’s founding pioneers.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community has witnessed remarkable growth in recent decades, yet the red belt remains extraordinarily rare. Each promotion carries deep significance, representing not just individual achievement but the continuation of a lineage that traces back to the early 20th century when Mitsuyo Maeda first shared his knowledge with the Gracie family.
Within BJJ culture, red belt holders are universally addressed as Grandmaster, a title that reflects both their technical expertise and their role as guardians of the art’s traditions. These individuals serve as living links to BJJ’s foundational era, carrying forward the philosophical and technical elements that define authentic practice.
The path to red belt status demands more than longevity on the mats. Recipients must demonstrate exceptional influence within the community, often through decades of teaching, developing other instructors, and contributing to the art’s evolution. Many have competed at the highest levels, faced challenges in vale tudo competitions, or pioneered BJJ’s expansion into new regions.
