2019 purple belt world champ Lucas Protasio will take to the stage at Who's #1 against Andy Murasaki. The event will go down in the Hangar in Costa Mesa and tickets are available on flograpplingtix.com.

Name: Lucas Protasio

Academy: Checkmat

Rank: Purple belt

Age: 19 years old

Accomplishments: Purple belt world champion, blue belt world champion

How do you feel about being invited to Who’s #1? 

I feel great and blessed for be part of this event because is giving a chance to all kids for show your jiu jitsu and have a unique experience. 

 How did you get started in jiu-jitsu? 

My dad started doing jiu jitsu when I was a baby and when I became 7 years old he put me in judo in school because at this time there was not enough kids training jiu jitsu , so I just watched my dad train with his friends. My first time competing jiu jitsu was at 8 years old and I loved and started liking jiu jitsu more then judo.  

What do you like about competing? 

I love that it is a test for yourself and always is a different experience , you feel alive, the adrenaline makes you know yourself better , you can test your confidence. I like it because you always learn more even if you lost and is not one thing for everybody to do , it is a hard thing , only brave peoples give their all in the fights.

Watch: Lucas Protasio Purple Belt World Champ Highlight

What is your favorite thing about jiu-jitsu?

 My favorite thing in jiu jitsu is because it is a new sport and all the world is doing it, so it's starting to have more publicity. A lot people change when they start doing jiu jitsu , the people fall in love and they start having more discipline, confidence , they eat healthy , meet new friends and even travel the world.

How would you describe your style of jiu-jitsu? Do you have any favorite moves or a favorite guard ?

 I think I have an aggressive style and it's not very much strategic , I like to fight and that’s it! 

Who are some people who have influenced your jiu-jitsu and how? 

I like Leandro Lo style , when I see him wining Brazilian nationals open class and weight class against Erberth santos

Do you have any favorite athletes to watch compete? 

I like watch Buchecha , Leo Vieira, Erberth Santos, Leandro lo , Felipe Preguiça , Renato Canuto , Matheus Gabriel , Jackson Sousa , Ronaldo Jacaré , Terêrê . But to be honest jiu jitsu is too beautiful , it can be anyone doing it, you just need to like and love it, then it will be beautiful to see.

What are your goals for 2020?

 Be better then I was in 2019 and don’t make the same mistakes. I want to win Europeans , Pans and Worlds. If I can go to Brazil , compete Brazilian Nationals and give everything to win in my country.

What are you goals for your career? 

I want to be one great athlete and follow examples of great athletes, and when I have more knowledge about life and the sport I will have know about my goals , for now I just want to fight and hang out with my friends around the world. 

What do you know about your opponent? What do you think about the matchup?

 I know my opponent is from Atos and we are the same age and same weight , I think will be one very good match. Me and Andy always fight in big competitions, and it is always hard fights and everybody likes to watch.

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