TL;DR
Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion and respected coach. He leads START BJJ Academy in Florida, and for over ten years he has chosen to wear handcrafted belts from ChokeSports. A reminder that quality attracts those who truly know the art.
Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima
A black belt world champion in 1998, Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima is also a five-time Brazilian Nationals winner and a Pan American medalist. Known for his technical precision, he once recorded the fastest submission at the World Championships—just twelve seconds.
Over the years, Rafael has been more than a competitor. His teaching roles at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York and Evolve MMA in Singapore shaped countless athletes. Today, he continues to influence the sport through his own academy in Florida.
START Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Based in Pembroke Pines, Florida, START Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy draws students from across South Florida, including Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Hialeah. The school blends a strong family atmosphere with serious training. Kids and adults alike find programs that fit their goals—whether self-defense, fitness, or competition.
Professor Rafael also leads a competition team alongside Professor Rodrigo “Beico”, continuing the tradition of excellence that defined his own career.
A Belt That Matches the Journey
For more than a decade, Rafael has chosen to wear ChokeSports custom-made belts. Handcrafted in Japan, these belts are a quiet companion on the mats—sturdy, understated, and built to last. It’s the kind of gear that speaks for itself without needing an introduction.
Closing Thoughts
Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima’s story is one of dedication—on the mats as a competitor, in the academy as a teacher, and even in the quiet details of the gear he wears. At START BJJ Florida, his students live that legacy every day.
He is also a longtime personal friend of ChokeSports’ founder, from the days when both lived in Rio de Janeiro and worked side by side at Gracie Magazine. That friendship remains strong to this day, and it’s an honor for ChokeSports to craft custom belts for Rafael and his team—belts that carry both tradition and trust.
