Alex Martins do Nascimento

Alex Martins do Nascimento was born on June 30, 1980, in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas, Brazil — a city defined by its Amazonian identity and cultural vitality. It was there, in 1997, that Martins first stepped onto the mats at Junior Cardoso's academy, beginning a journey that would shape him into one of the most accomplished Masters competitors in North American jiu-jitsu. Under Cardoso's guidance, he built the technical foundation that would carry him through a long and decorated competitive career.

After nearly a decade of dedicated development, Martins earned his black belt in December 2006 — a milestone that marked both the close of his formative years and the opening of a broader chapter in his jiu-jitsu life. He further expanded his affiliation by joining the association of Mestre Faustino Pina, strengthening his ties to a wider network within the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community.

Martins' path to the United States began in 2012, when he traveled to compete at the IBJJF Pan American Championship. What started as a competitive trip extended into a longer stay at the request of his friend and fellow Brazilian Diego Ferreira. During that time, Martins taught classes and sharpened his game against local competition before returning to Brazil.

He eventually made the decision to relocate permanently to Texas, initially taking on a role at a martial arts gym. Recognizing the potential to build something lasting, he purchased the facility and transformed it into a respected grappling institution. From that foundation, he established AMBJJ — Alex Martins BJJ — a team that grew into a recognized presence within the American jiu-jitsu community. Though his roots are firmly Brazilian, Martins represents the United States in competition, embodying the transatlantic story shared by many practitioners who have helped grow the sport across North America.

Regional Dominance and a Rising Profile

Throughout the 2010s, Alex Martins established himself as one of the most formidable competitors on the North American grappling circuit, competing at Peso Médio (82.30 kg / 181.5 lbs) within the Masters divisions. His ascent was signaled early by a Black Belt Grand Prix title in 2013 — the same year he began stacking IBJJF regional gold across Texas, including victories at the Houston Open and Dallas Open.

Martins built his reputation through relentless consistency at regional events, capturing titles at the Dallas Open, Austin Open, San Antonio Open, Miami Spring Open, Miami Fall Open, and Houston Open across multiple years. He also demonstrated adaptability beyond the gi, winning the IBJJF New York Spring No-Gi Open in 2016. After finishing as runner-up at the IBJJF American Nationals in 2014, he returned two years later to claim the title outright — a clear expression of competitive resolve.

World Masters Gold and a Legacy Defined

The apex of his competitive career arrived at the 2016 IBJJF World Masters Championship, where Martins captured gold in the Master 2 division — the sport's most prestigious Masters title. His ability to win both weight and absolute divisions at multiple events throughout his career underscored a level of dominance that few North American Masters competitors could match during his era.