Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Family: Deise Leonanjo Assonitis (Black Belt)
Role: Head Coach of Eclipse BJJ Academy
A Passion Ignited in Brazil
Growing up in the vibrant city of Rio, João found his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu early on. At just 15, he started competing at local tournaments, quickly gaining recognition for his impressive skills and unyielding work ethic. His talent wasn’t confined to Brazil; João competed on a global scale, participating in tournaments across Europe and the United States.
By the time João reached 18, he made a life-changing decision to leave his family and move to the United States. It was a bold move, but one that would mark the turning point in his BJJ career. At the time, João was a purple belt, still young and hungry for more. He saw this as an opportunity to push himself further and face new challenges in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
A New Life, A New Challenge
Upon settling in America, João began to focus entirely on his BJJ career. It was here that his dedication paid off in a big way. After years of hard work, João achieved his Black Belt under two of the most respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa and Darwin Falcao. This promotion solidified his place in the world of elite BJJ athletes.
João's competitive career has been nothing short of impressive. As a Black Belt, he has won numerous prestigious titles, including:
- Pan Nogi Champion
- 2x South American Champion
- South American Nogi Champion
- 3rd place Pan Nogi Black Belt Adult
- 2x American National Champion Black Belt
- 2x Pan Ams Vice Champion
- 3rd Place Europeans
- 20+ IBJJF Opens
His achievements not only reflect his technical ability but also his commitment to excellence in every area of his life.
A Leader in the Making: Head Coach of Eclipse BJJ
João’s journey didn’t stop at achieving success on the mats. Today, he is the head coach of Eclipse BJJ, a leading academy in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the Double Five affiliation, João has become a mentor to the next generation of BJJ practitioners, passing on the knowledge and skills he’s acquired throughout his career. His approach to coaching goes beyond technique; he emphasizes the values of perseverance, discipline, and respect—principles that have been fundamental to his own success.
Looking Ahead
As João continues to develop as both a competitor and a coach, his vision for the future is clear. His dedication to his craft, his passion for teaching, and his drive to push the limits of what’s possible in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will no doubt make him a key figure in the sport for years to come.
João Matheus Assonitis is not just a champion on the mats; he is a leader, a mentor, and a true representative of what it means to embrace the chaos. With his extensive accomplishments and his focus on growing the sport, João is poised to leave a lasting impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond.
Riot Sports is proud to sponsor João Matheus Assonitis, a true embodiment of discipline, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
