Knoxville may be known for producing world renowned legends, but it currently can boast of hosting a new kind of world superstar: a six time world Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ) champion.

On Sunday, June 8th Samuel Braga defeated Japan’s Dai Yoshioka in the 2008 World BJJ Championship held in California, adding to his impressive record consisting of five previous world championships (2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002), plus numerous others accomplishments, which include the 2008 Pan-American Championship, and five Brazilian Championships—an amazing list of victories at only 26 years of age.

Braga’s time in East Tennessee has been spent “rolling” with a handful of local BJJ students and offering his expertise in the emerging Gracie Barra school located inside Knoxville area's world famous, no nonsense dojo, Sanjuriu Martial Arts located in Grove Center in Oak Ridge and on West Emory Road in Powell.

The dojo offers a complete array of martial arts training from BJJ, MMA, personal self defense, traditional Japanese throwing, striking, and weapon arts, and women’s self defense, taught by different instructors with a variety of training backgrounds.

When asked about what he thinks about Knoxville, Samuel said, “It’s a nice place; quiet. It’s a great here for fighters and helps them to keep their focus, very few distractions.”

His focus paid off as Braga melted through four fighters in the super featherweight division to claim his sixth world title.

“Jujitsu helps in so many aspects of life not just tournaments. It builds you up both physically and mentally. I believe it’s a very good thing for anyone at almost any age level,” said Braga.

For an opportunity to meet Samuel Braga look for the Gracie Barra / International Sanjuriu booth at this year’s 2008 NPC Knox Classic and 2008 East Tennessee Sports Expo. He’ll be available for autographs, discussions about martial arts, and to meet and greet East Tennesseans. “Everyone here seems really nice; I look forward to meeting more East Tennessee people. And this festival sounds like fun.”