About

A Life Dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

From his first Jiu-Jitsu classes in Brazil to leading Infinity in Ireland, Professor Fabiano's journey spans more than three decades of training, competition and teaching.

Early 1990s

Growing up with Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil

Fabiano began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager in Rio de Janeiro. Competition quickly became part of his development, and he had the privilege of learning Jiu-Jitsu close to its source during an important period in the art’s history — before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expanded across the world.

A teenage Fabiano raises both arms in victory on the mat in Brazil, the referee standing between the two competitors in front of a packed crowd — Rio de Janeiro, early 1990s.

1990s

Learning through competition

Competition was a major part of Fabiano's development. The lessons went far beyond winning - preparation, pressure, discipline, humility and learning how to perform when things do not go to plan.

Black and white photograph of a young Fabiano controlling his opponent on the ground during a Brazilian tournament, spectators watching behind the barrier

Colour photograph of a dynamic grappling exchange at a Brazilian tournament in front of a large crowd

The early years

Scanned Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu athlete card from 1995 in the name of Fabiano Costa Luz, listed as a blue belt with Gracie Barra — Early Jiu-Jitsu federation record — Brazil

Brazilian newspaper page headed 'Jiu-jitsu terá primeiro campeonato', with Fabiano Luz's name highlighted and a team photograph of young Barra athletes — Brazilian newspaper coverage from Professor Fabiano's early competition years. Tap the clipping to view it larger.Originally published in Portuguese ·

Black belt

Becoming a Black Belt

Years of training, competition and teaching eventually led to one of the defining milestones of the journey: receiving his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the legendary Otavio “Tata” Duarte.

Fabiano embracing his instructor Otavio 'Tata' Duarte after receiving his black belt

Continuous learning

The learning never stops

A black belt is not the end of the journey. Fabiano has continued training, learning and progressing under highly experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors throughout his years as a black belt, including Otavio “Tata” Duarte and Wander Braga.

A stripe being placed on Fabiano's black belt by his instructor while training partners look on

Fabiano in a white gi standing beside a black belt instructor in a blue gi at the academy

Fabiano standing beside Wander Braga, both in white gis, in front of the academy wall

A referee raising Fabiano's arm after a match at an Irish Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament, decades after the same moment in Brazil

Ireland

Still competing. Still learning

Moving to Ireland began a new chapter, but competition remained part of the journey. Fabiano continues to compete, using the same principles he asks of his students - preparation, composure and a willingness to keep learning.

Fabiano on the podium at the Irish Jiu-Jitsu Nationals in his Infinity gi, holding a trophy alongside another black belt

Teaching

What all those years are for

Experience only matters when it can be passed on. Decades of training, competing and teaching help Professor Fabiano recognise what each student needs — whether that means building confidence, understanding a technique, overcoming frustration or simply enjoying the journey.

Professor Fabiano kneeling on the mats to help a young student with a technique during a class at Infinity Jiu-Jitsu

Infinity today

Passing it on

Infinity is the result of that journey. Children start their first classes, adults discover Jiu-Jitsu later in life, parents become part of the academy community, and several eventually step onto the mats themselves.

A large group photograph of Infinity Jiu-Jitsu children, parents and adult students together on the mats

Teaching philosophy

What I care about in class

Everything I’ve learned through all these years of Jiu-Jitsu was passed on to me by someone. In every class, I try to do the same for my students. To share the knowledge that changed my life, helped me grow in so many ways, and can help each student become better than they were before.

Professor Fabiano kneeling on the mats in a white gi, calm and attentive in a teaching moment at Infinity Jiu-Jitsu

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