The true measure of Cícero Costha's impact as a coach is most clearly visible in the competitive careers of the athletes he developed. The concentration of elite talent produced through Cicero Costha and the PSLPB program is matched by few academies anywhere in the world.
Flagship Champions
Leandro Lo stands as perhaps the most decorated product of the program. Over the course of his IBJJF career, Lo accumulated eight black belt World Championship gold medals — a haul that places him among the most accomplished competitors in the history of the sport. His ability to dominate across multiple weight divisions at the highest level of gi competition cemented his status as a generational talent, with his foundational development unfolding under Cícero's guidance.
The Paulo Miyao and João Miyao brothers brought a different dimension to the team's legacy. Paulo earned two black belt World Championship titles and four Pan Championship golds, building a reputation as one of the most creative and technically refined guard players of his era. João matched that standard across formats, capturing one Gi World Championship title alongside four No-Gi World Championship gold medals — a combination that established him as a dominant force in both disciplines.
Depth Across Divisions
Nathiely de Jesus added five black belt World Championship titles to the program's collective record, placing her among the most accomplished female competitors in IBJJF history and underscoring the program's commitment to developing athletes across all divisions. Gustavo Batista reinforced the team's depth with a black belt World Championship title and two Pan Championship golds. Hiago George captured the black belt No-Gi World Championship alongside two Pan titles, while Manuel Ribamar added a black belt No-Gi World Championship to the roster of honors.
A Culture of Development
Beyond these headline names, the broader roster of PSLPB-developed competitors — including Thalison Soares, Jonas Andrade, Jeferson Guaresi, Tiago Barros, Richar Nogueira, Diego Oliveira, and Thamara Ferreira — reflects the program's ability to produce high-level competitors consistently, not sporadically. Cícero has spoken openly about his satisfaction in watching former students go on to thrive at other teams, framing athlete development — rather than athlete retention — as the true measure of his coaching work.