I’m Hitalo Silva Machado, a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rafael Monteiro Barbosa, known as “Formiga.” Born in Belém, Brazil, my journey in martial arts has taken me across the globe. After spending over a decade in the United Arab Emirates teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Abu Dhabi schools and training the local military, I settled in Canada, where I continue to teach and compete at a high level. Throughout my career, I’ve achieved significant milestones, including gold medals at the IBJJF London and Dublin International Opens, as well as victories at AJP events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and Dubai International Pro. In 2023, I secured gold in the Master 2 Black Medium Heavy category at the Toronto International Open. At 38, my passion for Jiu-Jitsu remains unwavering, and I strive to inspire others through dedication and excellence in the sport.