João Miyao was born on May 11, 1991, in Andirá, Paraná, Brazil, into a family of Japanese descent. Raised alongside his twin brother, Paulo Miyao, João grew up in a modest household as the son of a farmer and a housewife. The brothers began their martial arts journey with Judo before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 16. Under the guidance of their first instructor, Adriano Carvalho, their talent and drive quickly became apparent. Carvalho encouraged them to train and compete with greater frequency, fueling their ambition to pursue BJJ professionally. Seeking advanced training and broader opportunities, João and Paulo relocated to São Paulo to join Cicero Costha’s PSLPB (Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem) social project, which laid the groundwork for their evolution into elite-level grapplers.

While immersed in the PSLPB academy, João and his brother distinguished themselves with their technical guard play, exceptional flexibility, and tireless work ethic. Drawing inspiration from the Mendes brothers, they refined innovative guard techniques—most notably the berimbolo—setting new standards for dynamic guard transitions. Despite competing in lighter weight classes, João consistently earned medals in absolute divisions, attracting media attention and sponsorships that enabled him to compete on the international stage. In June 2013, João and Paulo were promoted to black belt, a pivotal milestone in their competitive journey. The brothers later moved to the United States, training and competing with Unity Jiu-Jitsu in New York City until 2020, further solidifying their status among the sport’s elite.

After departing Unity Jiu-Jitsu in 2020 due to unresolved issues, João and Paulo co-founded Studio 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey, in early 2024. This transition marked their entry into gym ownership and the creation of a focused training environment for themselves and their students. João has increasingly dedicated himself to teaching and mentorship, regularly leading classes and supporting Paulo’s coaching vision. At Studio 1908, he brings the same discipline and technical rigor that defined his competitive career, shaping the next generation of grapplers through structured instruction and hands-on guidance.

Obsessive Drilling and Analytical Approach

João Miyao is renowned for his relentless drilling routines, meticulous study of technique, and unwavering commitment to training. His analytical mindset drives a laboratory-like approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where every movement is refined for maximum efficiency.

The Baratoplata and Guard Innovations

A pioneer of the Baratoplata submission, João has set a benchmark by securing ten baratoplata finishes in tournaments in 2022—a testament to his technical creativity and precision. His advanced berimbolo variations and guard work have become hallmarks of his style, and he imparts these innovations to his students with clarity and detail. João’s dedication to technical mastery and knowledge-sharing has earned him respect both on and off the mats.

João maintains an active competition schedule while balancing his coaching responsibilities. He demonstrated his enduring elite performance by winning gold in the Master 1, light-feather division at the 2022 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship. João and Paulo have continued to share the podium at major events, such as the 2021 IBJJF Pan Championship, underscoring their ongoing relevance in the sport. João is recognized for his calm, stoic demeanor and his ability to neutralize opponents’ strategies. Through teaching, seminars, and technical content, he continues to influence the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.