by FightingRocktopus.com
For our third installment of the “6 Questions” feature, we are excited to bring you insights from a world-renowned competitor, Bruno Bastos. Make sure to catch him August 2nd on the Five Grappling Super League PPV.
Name: Bruno Bastos
Rank & Organization: Black Belt, Bruno Bastos Association
BJJ Highlights: 3x World Cup Champion; World No Gi Champion; Pan American Champion; World Champion
Etc: Owner, Bastos BJJ Midland; Founder, Arte Suave Charitable Organization
1) What do you consider your worst BJJ moment, and why?
I would say it was when I got invited to ADCC in 2005 (Los Angeles) & 2007 (New Jersey), but couldn’t compete both times because I had my visa refused by the embassy in Brasil. I was very prepare both times and it was very hard to accept this.
2) What’s an “AHA!” moment you’ve had in your journey?
I believe it would be on my transition Purple to Black Belt. I got my Purple Belt in November of 1997 and my Black Belt in January of 2001. During this time I could get to training every week with Master Andre Pederneiras, Leo Santos, Vitor Shaolin, Robson Moura, Marcelinho Pereira, Rodrigo Feijao, Gustavo Dantas, Fernando Boi, BJ Penn, Loro Galvao, my brother Rico Bastos, my cousin Andre Bastos…and plus get with Master Wendell on the weekends as he lives in Campos 4hs away from Rio de Janeiro. It was great time to took me to another level when I met Professor Paulo Caruso who also changed me.
3) What’s the best jiu-jitsu advice you’ve ever received?
From Professor Paulo Caruso about open my eyes from everything that I could put on Jiu-Jitsu. I started to give more attention for Judo, Wrestling & Conditioning. That helped my Jiu-Jitsu a LOT. Also Professor Paulo Caruso showed me the importance of listening my body. I believe now at 35 I do it very well.
4) What is one habit you have that you believe has contributed to your success?
Working for perfection in everything even I do know I won’t be perfect ever in anything. And it’s not only in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s about Lifestyle. Sometimes I do understand that is hard for the ones around me having to deal with that, because I don’t relax since I’m trying to push everyone around me to do their best all the time as well, but I believe with that I can little by little leave a better World that the one I was born.
5) How do you mentally and physically prepare for competition?
I like to do 8 weeks training camp with the first 2 just adapting my body very hard 5 weeks and slow down on the week of the tournament. The Mental part I do with #TheBjjMentalCoach Gustavo Dantas. The Conditioning part with Giulliano Massaras and also my Wife Petya Bastos. With That I’ve had won Master Worlds, Pan Ams, Europeans, NoGi Worlds, NoGi Pan Ams, Nogi Brazilian Nationals, Bronze Medal at Mundials and competed ADCC 2009 & 2011.
6) Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman because he doesn’t have super powers. He trains to be a Superhero.
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