Fernando Terere | Old School: Legends of Jiu-Jitsu

In Old School: Legends of Jiu-Jitsu we'll look back at the most influential names of yesteryear, the men and women who tore it up on the competition scene and had the biggest influence on the sport as we know it. 

The first subject for this new series is Fernando "Terere", one of the most recognizable names in the world of jiu-jitsu. Maybe you are familiar with the name, but do know you just how much of influence he was on multiple generations of coaches and competitors? Let Hywel Teague and Riccardo Ammendolia explain. 

Terere started jiu-jitsu in Rio de Janeiro with Alexandre “Gigi” Paiva, one of the co-founders of Alliance. Terere was basically a street kid getting up to mischief but he showed a natural aptitude for fighting and proved to be a diligent and hard-working student. Gigi took him under his wing and gave him an outlet for his energy.

An amazing competitor, he was a World champion at every belt color, winning his first black belt World Championship title in 2000 at only 19 years of age. 

Remembered for his series of matches with Marcelo Garcia, to whom he never lost, and his titanic efforts against Roger Gracie, Fabricio Werdum, Pe de Pano and others, Terere was as much a showman as he was a technician and brought a special energy to the mat that had never been seen before. 

Terere was considered to be 10-15 years ahead of the curve technically, and how his technical skills made him an endearing influence for years to come, not just on people he trained with. 

He had close relationships with Andre Galvao, Cobrinha, Lucas Lepri and many others, and it's easy to see how much of an influence he had on their technique. Many of today's top competitors have credited Terere as an influence including the Mendes brothers, who would spend hours watching his matches on VHS tapes studying his every movement. 

One of the first notable competitors to represent the section of society from the favelas, Terere started a social project in the same favela where he grew up that is still in operation today. Its changed hands a number of times, but the gym offers free jiu-jitsu training and gives kids the same opportunity to live through jiu-jitsu that Terere had, as well as offering English lessons and cultural activities. 

To follow and support Terere's martial arts social project please visit Terere Kid's Project.