Beto Fadul History
1974
My name is João Alberto Matos Fadul Filho, but most people know me as Beto Fadul. I was born on June 20, 1974, in Belém, in the state of Pará, Brazil.
In 1978, after spending some time in São Paulo and Blumenau, my family settled for good in Massaranduba, Santa Catarina.
My father, Dr. Fadul, started working as a physician at the Municipal Hospital and the local health clinic, where he served for many years.
1985
My journey on the mats began in 1985 with judo, under the guidance of the methodical Sensei Icracir Rosa, in the city of Massaranduba.
Soon after, the competitions started. Encouraged by my father, I took part in several tournaments — regional, state, national, and even international.
Since training opportunities in my hometown were limited, I began traveling to Joinville to train. The high level of judo there only fueled my desire to grow in the sport.
1987/1988
My time in the youth category (ages 13/14) was filled with matches and victories. I became the Santa Catarina state champion two years in a row and had the honor of joining the state team to compete in national and international judo events.
One of the most memorable moments of that period came in 1987, when I reached the podium with a third-place finish at the International Judo Tournament held in Botucatu, São Paulo — the fulfillment of a dream.
1989/1990/1991
Between the ages of 15 and 17, now in the Juvenile category, I lived in Curitiba, Paraná, where I trained at the traditional Sociedade Tália under the guidance of the renowned Sensei Ney De Lucca Mecking, alongside some of the biggest names in Brazilian judo.
During that time, I earned several titles in the state of Paraná: I became the Juvenile State Champion, won the state trials, and finished as runner-up in the Junior State Championship, among other notable achievements.
1999
In 1999, while finishing my degree in Social Communication at FURB in Blumenau, I had the honor of meeting my Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu professor, Jorge “Vandamme” de Oliveira.
It was at Gracie Barra Blumenau that I was first introduced to the true essence of Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu — more than just a martial art, it was a lifestyle built on healthy eating, discipline, tough training, and a deep sense of brotherhood within the team.
In May of that same year, after winning the Criciúma Open by submitting all my opponents, I was promoted to blue belt on the podium by Professor Jorge Oliveira. Later in 1999, I had the unforgettable experience of stepping onto the mats at Gracie Barra’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
Formatura e Família
After graduating, he got married to his wife Fabiana Fernandes Vicentin Fadul on July 2, 2005.
To witness the birth, in humanized delivery, of her son Lorenzo Vicentin Fadul, on July 15, 2016, was the most remarkable moment of his life.
On June 4, 2018, he had the sad loss of his father, Dr. João Fadul, a cancer victim.
2011-2017
At the end of 2011 after graduating to Purple belt he opened a branch of Gracie Barra in Massaranduba, a small space but enough to start a new phase as an instructor and character builder for his students.
In 2012/2013, he was Undefeated Purple belt in his weight division.
In 2014/2015/2016/2017 as a Brown belt he had two finals at the Brazilian Championship.
Black Belt
On November 17, 2017 Beto recieved his Black belt by the hands of Bruno Henrique Meireles da Rocha.
The Black belt means a new beginning in competitions the opportunity to fight in the IBJJF World Championship in November 2019 in California-USA. Having visited several Gracie Barra academies it expanded his experience as a teacher and competitor.
The focus as a teacher and competitor, has awakened new paths for students of Gracie Barra Massaranduba SC.
In 2020 as a South-Brazilian Champion, he consolidated his name as a Black Belt Master.
My Students
May 20, 2021, marked in its history.
Luís Emmanuel Gauna, Lutcho and Fernando Alves, Fernandinho, graduated from white belt to black belt by professor Beto Fadul, on the mats of our school in Gracie Barra Massaranduba.