In a ceremony filled with emotion and tradition at Gracie Barra Headquarters in Florianópolis, Brazil. Professor Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhães received his coral belt from Master Carlos Gracie Jr., marking the culmination of 31 years of dedication to the art.
The December 6 ceremony coincided with another significant anniversary, 30 years since Draculino founded Gracie Barra Belo Horizonte, the first Gracie Barra school established outside Rio de Janeiro. That pioneering academy became a launching pad for countless champions and black belts, opening doors worldwide for the Gracie Barra legacy.
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. set the tone for the day by calling forward another prominent figure to speak.
“I want you all to listen to the words of a person, a professor, who is fundamental to the growth of Gracie Barra. Everything that is happening today has his hand working to make it possible. Without him, I think it would be very difficult, almost impossible, for us to reach where we are reaching.”
Professor Flávio Almeida, visibly moved, addressed the gathering.
“I am very happy to be here today, for personal reasons, for everything that today represents for me, this team and Jiu-Jitsu. Draco, I wanted to thank you, brother. I am a big fan of yours. You are a hero to me and probably to all the people who are here today.”
Almeida described walking alongside Draculino through various stages of ascension in Jiu-Jitsu.
“In all phases, all transitions, all difficulties, all difficult moments, I saw an intimate human being. I saw a person passionate about the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. I saw a person extremely loyal to his master, Master Carlinhos.”
He emphasized Draculino’s essential role in the organization’s success.
“It is very difficult for us to understand what happened with Gracie Barra and Jiu-Jitsu without observing very carefully the contributions of Professor Draculino. Our legacy, his legacy is an extension of our legacy. What he did for our organization places him at a level, a status of a living legend of our sport and Gracie Barra.”
Almeida noted that lasting organizations share two traits, strong values and the ability to recognize their heroes.
“Professor Draculino is one of our heroes. He is one of the people we have the privilege of continuing to live with, learn from, and benefit from his teachings.”
When Draculino took the floor, he struggled to contain his emotions.
“I promised I wouldn’t cry and I came here already crying. I am very proud, not easy, that I received this rank at the right time, still being active in Jiu-Jitsu, and I did the right thing.”
He elaborated.
“I waited 31 years, and there wasn’t one day of these 31 years, not one, that I didn’t do something related to Jiu-Jitsu. None. Every single day, without exception.”
For Draculino, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a profession.
“Jiu-Jitsu has been the greatest source of self-knowledge that I have, that I have ever seen in my life. Jiu-Jitsu made me, and makes me more and more, look at myself and try to improve, to improve myself as a human being.”
He acknowledged imperfections.
“Those who know me know I still have many flaws. I’m an impulsive guy, I’m a somewhat aggressive guy sometimes, I struggle with that, I’m a somewhat inflexible guy sometimes.”
He also recognized strengths.
“I am a loyal guy, I am an honest guy, I am a guy who doesn’t give up.”
He spoke about the deeper meaning of his rank.
“This belt is a wonderful thing, but what’s really cool is being on the mat, changing my life more and more for the better.”
He added that even if a federation required everyone over 50 to wear a purple belt, he would comply because being on the mat matters most.
Draculino described three pillars supporting his life, God, family and friends, and Jiu-Jitsu.
“Without one of the three, I am nothing. Jiu-Jitsu is not just my profession, it’s not my hobby. Jiu-Jitsu is my leisure, my therapy, and the way God put me in this world to contribute.”
He thanked his faith first.
“I want to thank God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
He acknowledged family. His father traveled from Natal, his mother was present, and his reserved brother attended as well.
Most touchingly, he thanked his wife Mônica, calling her his soulmate and best friend, apologizing.
“I know I’m not easy.”
His son Jásio, training in Houston, was also acknowledged with deep affection.
The coral belt, with red and black panels, is an honor for those dedicating decades to advancing the art. It recognizes technical mastery, leadership, character, and lasting contribution to Jiu-Jitsu’s evolution.
Draculino acknowledged the responsibility of this rank.
“Now I have the honor of receiving from Master the title of Master of Jiu-Jitsu. I have many eyes on me, I have even more responsibility, but I am ready and sure that I will not disappoint.”
