Sergio Rios

Sergio Rios was born on July 31, 1988, in Brazil. At age 15, inspired by his brother Junior Rios, he began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This early exposure provided Rios with a solid technical foundation, setting the stage for his future competitive achievements.

Rios earned his black belt from Marcos Matos on November 20, 2009, marking a pivotal moment in his martial arts journey. Under Matos's mentorship, Rios cultivated a dynamic, aggressive style characterized by relentless pressure and fluid transitions. In late 2023, recognizing his extensive contributions and leadership within the sport, Rios was promoted to the prestigious rank of 4th degree black belt.

Widely recognized for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing approach, Sergio Rios consistently delivers exciting performances in both gi and no-gi competitions. His versatile skill set has earned him major titles on the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) circuit and Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) events. Additionally, Rios successfully transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA), demonstrating adaptability and technical effectiveness across multiple combat disciplines.

In 2023, Sergio "Pichilinga" Rios founded Rasai Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Diego, California. The academy's name, "Rasai," honors his son Rafael, reflecting Rios's dedication to fostering a family-oriented training environment. As head instructor and owner, Rios emphasizes technical excellence, community building, and family values, marking a new chapter focused on mentorship and instruction.

Sergio Rios has firmly established himself as a dominant competitor in Masters-level divisions. At the 2024 IBJJF American National No-Gi Championship, he secured double gold, winning both his weight class and the absolute division, showcasing his continued technical superiority and strategic approach in no-gi competition. Further solidifying his legacy, Rios captured the Master 1 Heavyweight gold medal at the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championship, overcoming three challenging opponents through precise technique and tactical execution. His consistent podium finishes placed him among the top three globally ranked IBJJF Masters black belt competitors in both 2021 and 2022, underscoring his sustained competitive excellence and technical mastery.