For those immersed in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), the name Pedro Henrique Moura Avila resonates with dedication, skill, and a commitment to the art. A Brown belt with eight years of experience, Avila embodies the multifaceted nature of BJJ, excelling as an athlete, coach, and referee. His journey, driven by a passion ignited by family and fuelled by a desire to share the benefits of BJJ with others, paints a picture of a true martial arts ambassador.
Avila’s introduction to BJJ was a family affair.
“My journey began because of my father,” he explains. “We wanted to spend more time together but also do something different. My uncle at that time was already doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) for 3 years and he invited us to try a class…and we loved it! Jiu Jitsu became my lifelong passion and has inspired me to help others on this beautiful journey.”
This initial spark ignited a fire that continues to burn brightly, driving him to excel in all aspects of the sport.
His competitive achievements speak for themselves. Avila boasts an impressive resume that includes the coveted IBJJF World Champion No Gi title, earned in 2022 in Long Beach, California. He also holds the IBJJF Pans Champion Gi title from 2022 in Orlando, and a Silver medal from the IBJJF Pans No Gi competition in Dallas that same year. His international prowess is further demonstrated by his AJP National Pro Champion title from 2020 in Toronto and a Silver medal at the Abu Dhabi World Pro.
Beyond his personal accomplishments, Avila dedicates himself to sharing his knowledge and passion with others. He has led seminars alongside Austin Cane Oranday at the Triangle gym in Nashville and the Cross Collar gym in Houston, imparting his expertise to eager students. He also served as a BJJ coach, assisting in classes and supporting the team at Oranday BJJ Bros, an Alliance affiliate, for over a year. This commitment to mentorship underscores his belief in the transformative power of BJJ.
Avila’s involvement extends beyond the mats as a competitor and coach. He also serves as a referee at prestigious tournaments like the Jiu Jitsu World League, the Grappling Games, and Battleground. This role presents unique challenges, demanding unwavering focus and a deep understanding of the rules.
“Being a referee is very hard because you need to be focused the whole time,” Avila explains. “The fights are extremely intense so you need to pay attention to every detail and make the fight fair for everyone. There is a huge responsibility to keep the athletes safe as possible while respecting the rules.”
His dedication to fairness and safety ensures a level playing field for all competitors, contributing to the integrity of the sport.
Reflecting on his 2022 World Championship victory in Long Beach, Avila emphasises the demanding preparation required to compete at the highest level.
“The hardest part was the preparation for it. Getting ready for a competition at such a high level everything counts! Training, diet, studying and recovery. We need to get ready to do our best performance on the competition day itself in front of friends, family, and all the fans.”
This meticulous approach highlights the dedication and discipline necessary to achieve success in BJJ.
Coaching, according to Avila, is “one of the greatest treasures” in his life.
“Teaching the next generation BJJ is a great responsibility but extremely rewarding,” he says. “The more you teach, the more you learn. It has made me wiser and has taught me patience. You become responsible for others and not only yourself.”
He embraces the responsibility of guiding students, helping them develop not only their BJJ skills but also their character.
The rising popularity of BJJ in the United States is something Avila attributes to its inclusivity.
“Because BJJ is different from some other sports, it’s for everybody,” he explains. “You don’t need to have specific genetics to be good at it. Everybody can be good and use the differences to be even better!”
This accessibility, combined with the physical and mental benefits of the sport, resonates with a diverse range of individuals seeking a challenging and rewarding activity.
Currently, Avila is preparing for the UFC Fight Pass, a demanding endeavour that requires a rigorous training and diet regime.
“I take my preparations very seriously,” he says. “I train Jiu Jitsu 3 times per day, 4 days a week. I also weight train daily. My diet I keep very clean, eating 4 meals a day to keep a good balance between my training.”
This commitment to excellence underscores his dedication to achieving his goals.
Looking to the future, Avila believes BJJ will continue to flourish in the United States.
“I think Jiu Jitsu will keep growing in popularity,” he predicts. “People of all ages, occupations, and walks of life will continue to find a passion for Jiu Jitsu.”
As for his own involvement, he aspires to play a significant role in shaping the future of the sport.
“As for my part, I hope to help people grow that passion and be successful in this incredible sport. I wish to achieve this by opening a gym one day dedicated to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
This vision reflects his unwavering commitment to sharing the transformative power of BJJ with a wider audience, solidifying his legacy as a true luminary in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His dedication, skill, and commitment to the art make him a valuable asset to the BJJ community, and his future endeavours are sure to have a significant impact on the sport’s continued growth and development.
