Throughout his development, Gabriel Oliveira remained rooted at Power Lotus Team under the guidance of Rodrigo Cândido, representing Lotus Jiu-Jitsu / Power Lotus across both Brazilian and American competition circuits. His methodical progression through the ranks reflected years of disciplined training and tournament experience.
By 2018, competing at purple belt, Oliveira had established himself as a serious contender on the IBJJF circuit, earning runner-up finishes at both the IBJJF American Nationals and the IBJJF American Nationals NOGI. His momentum carried into the brown belt division, where in 2019 he reached the podium at the IBJJF São Paulo Open and secured a third-place finish at the IBJJF Pan Championship — results that signaled a competitor steadily closing the gap on the sport's elite.
In 2020, amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodrigo Cândido promoted his nephew and longtime student to the rank of black belt, formalizing a coaching relationship built over nearly two decades on the mats.