From Brazil to Texas: Draculino's Golden Boy

Imagine being 18 years old and given the opportunity to move almost 5,000 miles away from home to another country. Like many young Brazilians seeking better opportunities in the United States, Gracie Barra brown belt standout Lucas Valente is no different.

Lucas can't remember a time in his life when he didn't have Jiu-Jitsu, it's as if he were “born on the mats.” His uncles, Daniel “Karate” Valente and Alexandre “Piruca” Valente, were longtime students and black belts of Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes so it's only fitting that Lucas took his first steps on his uncle’s mats in their hometown of Belo Horizonte where his uncles and many other students (some of which were famous BJJ fighters) would train and churrasco (barbeque).

Lucas with his uncle Dan training in their hometown of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

As soon as Lucas was old enough, he joined the Gracie Barra Belo Horizonte kids program. His successes in Brazil began at an early age, winning every fight by submission until he got his blue belt at 14 years old.

In 2014, one day while talking to Draculino over the phone, Draculino invited Lucas to go to Houston, Texas, to live with him. There was no question of what Lucas’ answer would be, as Draculino was/is his biggest idol and he could not be more honored by the invitation. Although Lucas had visited the US before, having the chance to live there was a big change that he was more than ready to embrace.

When asked what the biggest difference between training in Brazil and training in the US, Lucas related that Draculino keeps the same quality of training with the same vibe and BJJ principles. Although he does not feel like there is a big difference, Lucas noted that jiu-jitsu in the US is “way more formal” than it is in Brazil. Meaning that in Brazil, it’s acceptable to show up late to class, change on the mats, and joke around when training. In the US, there is stricter etiquette in the academy and the vibe can be a lot more serious.  

Like many big changes, it does not come without its challenges. Leaving friends and family (and all the acai) back home is never easy, but with the support of his adopted family, Lucas is now having the best time of his life living in the US. Since moving to Texas in 2014, his successes have grown exponentially - notably being named IBJJF’s 2015 #1 ranked No-Gi brown belt light weight. Lucas also most recently qualified for the Eddie Bravo Invitational after having the fastest submission at the ONNIT Invitational 3 last month. In 2017, he looks forward to competing as much as he can, doing seminars, and traveling. Eventually, he hopes to be as successful as his master, not just as a black belt, but in all aspects of his life.

In the end, the things that you risk reveal what you value. Not only has Lucas grown as a competitor since he moved to the US, but he has grown as a person under Draculino’s mentorship. There is no doubt that he will continue to be one of the most exciting lightweights in his division so be sure to keep an eye out for Lucas as he takes on 2017.