Rafael Mansur

Rafael Mansur began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in February 2006 at the age of 15, training under instructor Alexandre Reis. Demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication early on, Mansur rapidly progressed through the ranks, reaching brown belt under Reis' guidance. Due to internal issues within Reis' academy, Mansur made the challenging decision to transition to Pedro Mello's team, where he continued to refine his skills and flourish competitively.

In December 2014, Mansur relocated to São Paulo to join the prestigious Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB), led by renowned coach Cicero Costha. Training alongside elite teammates such as Gustavo Batista and Rafael Babilônia, Mansur elevated his technical proficiency and competitive mindset. Throughout this period, he maintained a strong relationship with his previous instructor, Pedro Mello, who awarded Mansur his black belt in June 2015.

Following a team split at PSLPB in September 2015, Mansur joined forces with notable teammates, including Leandro Lo, to establish the Ns Brotherhood academy. Under Lo's mentorship, Mansur continued to excel competitively, solidifying his reputation as one of the academy's standout athletes.

Mansur's breakthrough came at the 2015 Brazilian No-Gi National Championship, where he delivered an impressive performance in the lightweight division. His tactical approach and precise guard work led him to a significant victory over renowned competitor Herbert Burns, ultimately earning Mansur a silver medal. This achievement notably raised his profile within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

2017 Brazilian Nationals: Battle with Cobrinha

At the 2017 Brazilian Nationals featherweight final, Mansur faced legendary competitor Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles in a dynamic and closely contested match. Employing strategic guard play and aggressive passing attempts, Mansur narrowly lost by a 4-2 points margin, showcasing his resilience and technical prowess against one of the sport's all-time greats.

2018 Brazilian Nationals: Dramatic Victory Over Gianni Grippo

Mansur's determination was again evident at the 2018 Brazilian National Championship, where he faced American standout Gianni Grippo in the featherweight final. In a thrilling match, Mansur executed a crucial sweep in the closing seconds, tying the score and securing victory via referee decision. This dramatic win highlighted Mansur's composure under pressure and tactical awareness.

2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles

Internationally, Mansur continued to demonstrate his competitiveness at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Los Angeles. Competing in the 69kg division, he reached the semifinals, narrowly losing to Diego "Pato" Batista by a razor-thin 4-2 score. Despite the setback, Mansur's performance reinforced his status as a top-tier competitor on the global stage.

After transitioning to the Master 1 division, Mansur maintained his competitive edge and tactical sharpness. At the 2022 Abu Dhabi World Pro, competing in the 77kg category, he advanced to the final, facing veteran competitor Alan "Finfou" Nascimento in a compelling generational clash. Mansur's continued success in the masters division underscores his enduring skill, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.