Alan do Nascimento

Alan 'Finfou' do Nascimento emerged from Morro do Cantagalo, a Rio de Janeiro community with a storied tradition of producing formidable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu talent. Shaped by a grassroots BJJ culture that runs deep in the community's identity, do Nascimento found in the sport both a source of discipline and a meaningful path forward — values that would inform every stage of his development.

His early formation came under Fernando Terere, one of Brazil's most celebrated and technically gifted competitors. Terere's influence on a generation of Rio de Janeiro practitioners is well documented, and do Nascimento was among those who benefited directly from that mentorship. When Terere eventually moved on, do Nascimento transitioned to new training environments — a shift that proved pivotal in his growth as both a competitor and a martial artist.

The next defining chapter of do Nascimento's development came through his association with Ricardo Vieira, under whom he earned his black belt in 2007. Vieira is a respected figure within the Checkmat lineage, and do Nascimento's graduation under his instruction reflects a rigorous, technically demanding path to the sport's highest rank.

His affiliation with Checkmat embedded him within one of Brazil's most prominent and internationally recognized competitive teams. The environment reinforced the technical standards and competitive mentality cultivated during his formative years in Rio de Janeiro. The arc from early training under Terere to black belt graduation under Vieira within the Checkmat structure represents a well-rounded development path — one that balanced street-level grassroots experience with elite competitive preparation.

Pioneering the Sport in Sweden

In 2005, do Nascimento relocated to Sweden, establishing himself as one of the early pioneers of competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the country. His arrival predated the sport's wider expansion across Scandinavia, and he channeled his efforts into developing local talent — producing some of Sweden's most promising competitive prospects across belt levels.

Competing on the International Stage

Competing in the middleweight division, do Nascimento has represented Sweden with distinction on the international circuit. His victory at the European Open stands as one of the defining results of his competitive career, demonstrating sustained relevance at the highest level of European BJJ long after planting roots in his adopted country. His observations on the rising caliber of black belt competitors entering the international arena reflect the perspective of someone who witnessed — and actively contributed to — that growth from its earliest stages in the region.

Jiu-Jitsu as a Life Tool

Do Nascimento's philosophy on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extends well beyond competition. Drawing on his own background from Morro do Cantagalo, he has been a vocal advocate for the sport's capacity to transform lives — arguing that the discipline and community Jiu-Jitsu fosters offer a constructive path for individuals navigating stress, personal hardship, and social adversity. For do Nascimento, the mats are not simply a competitive arena but a space where lives are shaped and redirected.

Advocating for Consistency in the Sport

Alongside his social advocacy, do Nascimento has called for greater consistency in BJJ rules and refereeing standards. His position reflects a long-term investment in the sport's credibility, informed by decades of experience at both the competitive and coaching levels. He views instability in officiating as a barrier to the sport's legitimacy and to the fairness owed to competitors at every level.

As a competitor, do Nascimento has represented Koral Kimonos — a sponsorship that speaks to his standing within the professional layer of the sport and complements the coaching and advocacy work that has defined much of his career in Sweden.