Samuel Guimarães, a white belt competitor, has issued a public apology after admitting he deliberately bit his own arm to falsely accuse his opponent of a foul during the Sul Americano championship.
The incident involved Guimarães, who was losing 7-0 to Davi Garros with only 30 seconds remaining in their match. In a desperate attempt to reverse his fortunes, Guimarães bit his own arm and claimed his opponent had committed the foul. The referee, without reviewing video footage, immediately disqualified Garros and awarded the victory to Guimarães.
What initially appeared to be a clear-cut case of unsportsmanlike conduct quickly became a viral sensation when video evidence emerged showing the self-inflicted bite. The footage from the official event broadcast captured Guimarães biting himself while Garros maintained a dominant position, making the fabrication undeniable.
The revelation sparked outrage across the Jiu-Jitsu community, with thousands of practitioners demanding accountability and calling for sanctions against the competitor.
In a heartfelt video apology posted to social media, Guimarães acknowledged his serious mistake and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
“I want to apologize to the referee and to my opponent. I know I messed up badly and ended up harming someone who shares the same dream as me. In the moment, I made the wrong choice, and I deeply regret it.”
The young athlete didn’t shy away from accepting full responsibility, emphasizing that his coaching staff and family bore no blame for his decision.
“I know how wrong I am, and I’m not here playing the vict im. These last few days have been very difficult. I’ve received hundreds of threatening messages—not just to me, but to my family. Seeing my mother worried and my professors being judged for something I did hurts me deeply.”
Guimarães specifically addressed the impact his actions had on those around him:
“No one from my team or my family is to blame for my mistake.”
For the wrongfully disqualified competitor, Garros, the incident represented more than just a stolen victory. He expressed his frustration on social media following the initial disqualification.
“After all the frustration of relegation, I finally got the video that reveals the truth: the opponent bites his own arm to fake a foul and take me out of the match I won 7-0.”
Garros emphasized that his concern extended beyond the competition result itself.
“It’s not about a defeat; it’s about the lack of character and respect for the sport. I’m not asking for the victory back; I’m asking for justice and for coherence with what jiu-jitsu stands for.”
In his apology, Guimarães acknowledged the broader damage his actions caused to the sport’s integrity.
“I ended up shaming my professor and my entire team. I ask forgiveness from everyone involved and the Jiu-Jitsu community.”
The competitor concluded his statement by confirming he has contacted the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation to face appropriate consequences.
“I know there’s no way to undo my mistake, but I’m committed to becoming a better athlete and redeeming myself. I’ve already contacted the CBJJ to take the necessary measures and accept my responsibilities.”
Guimarães’ coach also addressed the situation, stating:
“I already returned the medal to the federation. This medal cannot remain with the athlete nor here at the academy. We are awaiting CBJJ’s position on the matter. I also want to thank everyone who sent messages of support, whether you know me or not, and those who put themselves in my place to understand the situation. Thank you for your words, and may God bless your lives.”
