The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community has rallied around one of its rising stars after BJJ legend Bernardo Faria issued an urgent call to action on behalf of Roberto Jimenez.
Jimenez recently suffered a severe hamstring injury that has brought his career to a sudden halt. After seeking opinions from four different medical professionals, the verdict was unanimous, surgery is his only path to full recovery. The catch is that without medical insurance the procedure carries a staggering price tag that threatens to derail not just his competitive dreams but his entire livelihood.
Faria has taken it upon himself to mobilize support for the injured grappler. In a heartfelt video message, Faria announced his personal donation of $1,000 while urging the community to follow suit and donate.
“I know Roberto since he was like a blue belt juvenile and it’s been amazing to see his Jiu-Jitsu career,” Faria shared. “He’s just doing better and better every year. He’s a champion and he always puts up a show. I love watching him competing.”
The admiration is genuine. Faria described Jimenez as one of those rare competitors who consistently delivers excitement on the mats.
“He’s one of those guys that always makes the card. If he’s in the card, it’s always going to be fun to watch,”
he explained.
But beyond the athletic prowess, Faria’s appeal speaks to something deeper within the BJJ world, a sense of collective responsibility and mutual support that transcends competition.
“This is one of the coolest things about our Jiu-Jitsu community. We always support each other,”
he said.
“So let’s try to support Roberto in this time.”
The fundraising campaign has set an ambitious goal of $30,000 to cover both the surgical procedure and the rehabilitation process that will follow. As of recent updates, the effort has raised $8,471 from 85 donors representing 27% of the target amount.
Jimenez is an infamous advocate for clean sports and has been an outspoken opponent of using PEDs.
Time is of the essence. Medical professionals have given Jimenez a critical deadline, surgery must be performed before December 2nd. The tight timeline has added urgency to the fundraising push, with Faria directly asking supporters to share the campaign as widely as possible.
In a recent update posted by Gabriela Muller, Jimenez’s mother, the family shared their gratitude for the support received so far while acknowledging the steep climb ahead. She noted that surgery costs in the United States are prohibitively expensive, making the $30,000 goal challenging but necessary.
The family also revealed new details about Jimenez’s treatment plan. He is scheduled to travel to Guadalajara, Mexico this Wednesday with a Friday appointment at a specialized clinic to finalize the surgical date. The facility comes highly recommended and focuses specifically on treating athletes, offering comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to help competitors return to peak performance.
For those who have watched Jimenez’s career trajectory, the situation is particularly poignant. His dedication to the sport is evident not just in his competition record but in his work as an instructor where he shares his knowledge and passion with the next generation of practitioners.
Faria’s closing words in his appeal captured the sentiment that many in the community share:
“I can’t wait to see you healthy and competing again Roberto.”
The campaign represents more than just financial assistance, it’s a testament to the unique culture within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where competitors who battle intensely on the mats stand together off them. As the December 2nd deadline approaches, the BJJ community continues to demonstrate that its bonds extend far beyond technique and tournament results.
Those wishing to contribute can find donation links through Faria’s social media profiles or directly through Jimenez’s accounts. Supporters can also help by purchasing items from Jimenez’s Natural Rebel brand, providing an alternative avenue of support during this difficult period.
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