Roberto Correa

Roberto “Gordo” Correa de Lima (born 1971 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is one of the most influential figures in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) history. A world-class competitor during the 1990s and an elite master coach, Correa is universally recognized as the pioneer who revolutionized the half-guard position, transforming it from a desperate defensive roadblock into a powerful offensive weapon.

Early Life & Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu
Growing up in the beachside neighborhood of Tijuca, Correa spent much of his childhood surfing. He was naturally surrounded by the growing BJJ culture and was even a kindergarten classmate of Ralph Gracie.

However, it wasn’t until 1985, at the age of 14, that he took his first formal BJJ class. He began his journey at the famous Tijuca academy under the leadership of Jean Jacques Machado. When Machado relocated to the United States, Correa continued training at the academy under a succession of top-tier instructors from the Gracie lineage.

The “Eureka” Moment: Inventing the Modern Half-Guard
As a purple belt, Correa suffered a severe knee injury that threatened to keep him off the mats. Impatient to wait out his recovery, he returned to training early. To protect his injured leg, he instinctively began playing from the bottom, using his legs to trap just one of his opponent’s legs.

While grapplers had occasionally found themselves in this position before, Correa was the first to systematically map it out. He began developing sweeps, submissions, and transitions from the position. Even after his knee healed, he continued to dominate using this style. The position became known as the “Meia-Guarda” (Half-Guard), completely redefining modern ground grappling strategy.

Black Belt & Competitive Success
In 1993, Correa was awarded his black belt by Carlos Gracie Junior, the president of Gracie Barra. Throughout the 1990s, “Gordo” became a cornerstone of the legendary Gracie Barra competition team, helping them secure consecutive World Team Championships.

As an individual competitor, he won nearly every major title available in the sport’s highest echelons, including:

IBJJF World Champion: 1st Place (1996), 2nd Place (1997)

IBJJF Pan American Champion: 1st Place (1996, 1997, 2001, 2003)

CBJJ Brazilian National Champion: 1st Place (1997)

Transition to Master Coach & Team Split
After stepping away from full-time competition, Correa transitioned into coaching, earning a reputation as one of the finest technical minds in Brazil. Operating as a head instructor at Gracie Barra, he directly helped shape legendary world champions and MMA stars such as Celso Vinicius, Braga Neto, Kyra Gracie, and Vinicius Magalhaes.

In 2007, a management dispute between Carlos Gracie Junior and prominent MMA manager Carlos Mata caused a major rift in the Gracie Barra team. Many fighters chose to leave the academy. Feeling a deep personal responsibility to the athletes who were suddenly left without leadership, Correa chose to step away from Gracie Barra to guide them. He established Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (Gordo JJ / Evolution), ensuring his students continued to have world-class coaching.