Shoya Ishiguro

Full Name: Shoya Ishiguro

Born: September 1996 (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)

Nationality: Japanese

Weight Division: Peso Leve / Lightweight (76.00 kg / 168.0 lbs) or Peso Pluma / Light Featherweight (64.00 kg / 141.5 lbs) depending on the competition

Team / Association: Arta BJJ (Formerly Carpe Diem / Bonsai)

Rank: Black Belt

Coach: Yuki Ishikawa

Biography
Shoya Ishiguro is one of the most accomplished Japanese Gi athletes in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. His journey into martial arts began in 2006 with judo during middle school, but by 2008, he pivoted to Jiu-Jitsu, heavily influenced by his father’s passion for the legendary Pride FC promotion.

Shoya, alongside his sister Ayaki Ishiguro, began training at the famous Bonsai Academy in Shizuoka—home to legendary competitors like Roberto Satoshi and Marcos de Souza. The Ishiguro siblings quickly stood out, dominating the domestic juvenile divisions and serving as assistant instructors for the academy’s youth program.

After graduating from Tokoha University, Shoya committed fully to a professional grappling career, prompting a move to Tokyo where he and his sister joined the renowned Carpe Diem team. Arriving as a purple belt, Shoya was promoted to brown belt and eventually black belt (on December 8, 2019) by Carpe Diem leader Yuki Ishikawa. Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his rookie black belt years by nearly two seasons, he quickly made waves on the international IBJJF circuit upon the sport’s return. In 2026, after years of elite representation under Carpe Diem, Shoya established and began competing under his own academy, Arta BJJ.

Grappling Style & Preferences
Ishiguro is highly regarded for his flexible, creative, and modern guard structures. He is an exceptional back-attacker who utilizes intricate lower-body controls to sweep or submit his opponents.

Favorite Techniques: Crab-Ride, De La Riva Hook, and the Omoplata.

Main Achievements (Black Belt)
1st Place: IBJJF Asian Championship (2024)

2nd Place: IBJJF Pan Championship (2026)

2nd Place: IBJJF European Championship (2025)

3rd Place: IBJJF World Championship (2025)

3rd Place: IBJJF World Championship No-Gi (2023 / 2024)

3rd Place: IBJJF European Championship (2026)

3rd Place: CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2026)