Following his black belt promotion, Vieira remained in Brazil to complete a Physical Education degree — a commitment that kept him anchored in his home country for several years after 2002. With his degree in hand and his mother already living in the United States, he made the move to America in 2005, opening a new chapter in both his personal life and his Jiu-Jitsu career.
Establishing the WBJJA
Once settled in the United States, Vieira channeled his energy into building something lasting. He founded the World BJJ Association (WBJJA), an organization that grew to achieve representation across multiple countries and became his primary vehicle for spreading Jiu-Jitsu on a global scale.
Competition on the U.S. Circuit
Alongside his organizational responsibilities, Vieira continued to test himself as a competitor on the U.S. tournament circuit. He earned a bronze medal at the American Nationals in 2008 and a silver medal at the Florida State Championships in 2011 — results that reflect his sustained commitment to competition even while building the WBJJA from the ground up.