Valmyr Neto

Valmyr Neto is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt competing and coaching in the United Kingdom. Born in Belém do Pará (the birthplace of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil), first started Judo, before switching to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Inspired by watching UFC with his father and impressed by Royce Gracie’s achievement, so much that he sought an academy where he could train.
“I always liked martial arts. I tried karate, judo, capoeira. I’ve always suffered from asthma so had to contend with that too. The moment I first watched a UFC video I was hooked. It amazed me how a small guy could beat a large guy and I thought, that’s just for me!”
Valmyr Neto’s started training in 1998 and his first BJJ instructor was the former world champion Marcus Norat. Marcus graduated Neto with yellow and blue belts, but shortly after Valmyr switched to a different school and began his tuition with the prestigious Walter “Broca” receiving all belts by “Broca” from there on, including his black belt in October 2006.
“When you take it up, it’s not just a sport, it’s a life style. The friends that you make, the training and hard work you put in. I have noticed the change in some people when they first start training. They become happier, healthier and there’s a great team atmosphere. It also gives you a great sleep. When you train, everyone is the same no matter what background you are from and it’s very humbling.”
In 2008, his friend Rodrigo Cabral invited Neto to come to United Kingdom. Upon arrival Valmyr was invited to coach at an academy in Swanley (Kent). Neto had planed to make a living from teaching BJJ in the future and grabbed the opportunity. Later, through a contact from the Swanley academy, Neto met another gym owner named Dhell who was opening the DFC academy in Gravesend. Dhell invited Neto to be the head coach.
As the head coach of the VN Team, Neto has taken huge steps to make the UK a strong competitor within the BJJ world. Though his own achievements in the martial arts discipline he is a household name in the UK and plans to continue growing the team. Although he now works as an instructor, Neto still trains for 7 hours a day, as well as weight training and strength conditioning.
As an instructor, Neto enjoys seeing the transformation of his students, not only in their technical ability, but also in their self-confidence.
“It transforms people’s characters and lives. I had three kids with autism and I made all three British Champions. One mother cried and said thank you. I do not care for the money, but what it gives people and this is the greatest reward it gives me.”
Lineage
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie >Ricardo De La Riva >Alexey Cruz > Walter Broca > Valmyr Neto
Main achievements
* Para State Champion (2007)
* Seni Champion - Gracie Invitational (2010)
* British Open Champion (2011)
* Bournemouth Open Champion - super-fight (2011)
* Rolling Thunder Champion (2011)
* Bristol open 2009 Silver Medalist (fought one weight division above)
* Para State Silver Medalist (2006)
* World Pro Cup Trials 3 rd Place (2011)
* Para State Bronze Medalist (2007 - open weight)

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