In this instructional video, Rafael demonstrates Passing the Half Guard.

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Rafael was born in June of 1983 and following the influence of his father, began studying martial arts when he first started walking. At the early of age of thirteen, Rafael found his passion when his father introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In August of 2004, shortly after turning 21, Rafael became the youngest American to receive a black belt in BJJ at that time.

Rafael has continued to make history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming the most decorated American BJJ competitor today. Rafael became the first person ever to win the European Open Championships, Pan-American Championships, Brazilian National Championships (Brasileiro), and World Championships (Mundials) at the Black Belt level in the same year! This earned him the prestigious BJJ competitor of the year award for 2007. He is also part of an elite group to ever win Black Belt World Championships with and without the gi. Rafael, as an instructor, also became the first American to produce a Black Belt No-Gi World Champion.

Now, Rafael is the full time owner, operator, and head instructor of Lovato's School of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts which is one of the top schools in the country, producing BJJ World Champion medalists and UFC fighters. He praises his excellent coach, the legendary Saulo Ribeiro and his incredible training partner, Saulo’s brother, Xande Ribeiro. Rafael is still an active competitor, but now some of his greatest joys come from the success of his students.


Read the complete history of Rafael Lovato Jr.