Pedro Sauer
Black Belt 8° Degree
Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
February 14, 1963
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About
Master Pedro Sauer (born October 5, 1955, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is an 8th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu red-and-black belt (coral belt) and is universally recognized as one of the highly influential pioneers of the martial art in the United States. Renowned for his pristine technique, fluid mechanics, and conceptual approach to teaching, Sauer was voted the “Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor” in the world in a global online poll conducted by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) in 2005.
Early Life & Career in Brazil
Before finding his life’s calling on the mats, Sauer explored several martial arts, starting boxing at the age of five and later practicing judo and taekwondo. At age 15, a chance invitation from a friend brought him into the world of Jiu-Jitsu. During his first session, he was astounded by how effectively a much younger, smaller opponent could compete against him, immediately convincing him of the art’s efficiency. He began formal training the very next day.
Sauer balanced his rigorous training with a dedication to higher education, completing a double major in Economics and Business Administration and pursuing postgraduate studies at the Fundação Getulio Vargas. For 11 years, he worked successfully as a stockbroker in Brazil while concurrently climbing the martial arts ranks, earning his black belt in 1985. He began his coaching career shortly after at the historic Academia Corpo Quatro in Copacabana.
Migrating to America & Preaching the Art
In 1990, Sauer made the monumental choice to leave his corporate stockbroking career behind. He joined the historic first wave of Brazilian instructors migrating to the United States to introduce the art to the world.
The Utah Era: In December 1990, Sauer relocated to Utah, single-handedly pioneering the art in the American Southwest. It was here that he built a reputation for defensive mastery, focusing heavily on self-defense and the philosophy that technique and leverage overcome brute strength.
The “Mr. Utah” Challenge: During his time in Utah, Sauer famously took on various “no holds barred” challenges to prove Jiu-Jitsu’s efficacy. His most famous encounter was against Lance Batchelor, a 250-pound professional bodybuilder holding the title of “Mr. Utah.” Despite giving up a massive 100-pound weight advantage, the 150-pound Sauer completely dominated the match and secured a submission without taking any damage.
Global Impact & Legacy
In 2006, Sauer relocated to Northern Virginia, where he established the global headquarters for the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (PSBJJA). Today, the association has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious BJJ organizations in the world, encompassing over 150 affiliate schools globally and producing hundreds of highly skilled black belts.
Beyond civilian instruction, Sauer is heavily sought after for his specialized knowledge in real-world self-defense. He has spent decades instructing elite government and military bodies, including:
US Navy SEALs
US Marines
FBI and CIA Agents
Numerous SWAT teams and police departments across the United States
Sauer continues to travel extensively, teaching hundreds of seminars worldwide and advocating for a lifestyle centered around physical well-being, longevity, and mechanical efficiency.
Notable Achievements
Black Belts Promoted 55
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