Journey of Lion MMA champion bringing jiu-jitsu to Vietnam

He believes the martial art can help people overcome adversity, develop discipline, and improve their overall well-being.

How did you get involved with Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

Jiu-jitsu changed my life. As a child, my father introduced me to this martial art, but my passion wasn't deep at first—I trained intermittently until I turned 17.

The real turning point came when I was 18 and met my mentor. This encounter made me decide to dedicate my life to jiu-jitsu. I was fortunate to train at the world’s largest jiu-jitsu school, which follows the philosophy of "jiu-jitsu for everyone."

Felipe Negochadle Lion MMA Championship Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Felipe

What is your greatest achievement in jiu-jitsu?

Throughout my career, I have competed in numerous tournaments, beginning with state championships in Brazil, where I won multiple times. Some of my most memorable achievements include being the Southern Brazil Champion, placing in the Top 3 at the Brazilian National Championship, and ranking in the Top 3 in South America.

I also won the ADCC Open Champion title and secured victories in super fights. In Vietnam, I’ve claimed victories in super fights and established my presence within the MMA community.

However, my achievements aren’t just about trophies. Before jiu-jitsu, I was a rebellious young man with little direction. This martial art not only helped me find my path but also transformed me into a new person. It taught me the true meaning of respect, discipline, and confidence. Through training, I learned to face challenges on and off the mat.

Along the way, I met incredible people who inspired and helped me become a better version of myself. Today, I see jiu-jitsu not just as a sport but as a philosophy and a way of life that continues to guide me daily.

Felipe Negochadle receives a medal in 2022. Photo courtesy of Felipe

As a world champion, why did you bring this martial art to Vietnam?

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Vietnam several times and witnessed the country’s rapid development. People here are increasingly interested in health, fitness, martial arts, and self-improvement. I saw this as a great opportunity to introduce jiu-jitsu—an art that can truly change lives.

What makes training jiu-jitsu in Vietnam special?

Jiu-jitsu is a unique martial art that attracts individuals from various walks of life. I’ve trained students who are millionaires, top industry leaders, and celebrities. In Vietnam, the sport is also drawing the attention of businesspeople and public figures. The common traits among them are discipline, resilience, and a commitment to self-improvement—core values of jiu-jitsu. They practice it to achieve both personal and professional goals by enhancing their physical and mental strength.

Please elaborate on the benefits of jiu-jitsu.

Jiu-jitsu offers five key benefits:

- Personal development: Jiu-jitsu is a profound practice of self-discovery. Through training and competition, practitioners learn to face challenges, overcome adversity, and enhance problem-solving skills.

- Problem-solving mindset: Jiu-jitsu is essentially a series of solutions to complex problems, where each movement and technique serves a specific purpose. This appeals to individuals who value strategic and analytical thinking—skills critical in many fields.

- Mental and physical health: The practice improves mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances focus.

- Continuous growth: Jiu-jitsu is a sport where learning never stops. Even masters continue to grow and evolve, which is especially appealing to those seeking ongoing improvement.

- Discipline and resilience: The philosophy of jiu-jitsu teaches discipline, perseverance, and resilience—qualities essential for success in any high-level field. These are traits that successful people understand and apply in their daily lives.

Felipe Negochadle in a match. Photo courtesy of Felipe

What distinguishes the jiu-jitsu curriculum designed for celebrities?

The unique aspect of the curriculum for celebrities is that it’s personalized to their specific goals and busy schedules. I focus on understanding what they want to achieve, whether it’s improving fitness, mental clarity, or stress management. Based on their needs, I tailor training sessions to ensure maximum effectiveness.

In addition to physical training, I emphasize developing resilience and emotional control, helping clients foster a balanced mindset. My goal is to provide a comprehensive and efficient experience that challenges them both physically and mentally, while supporting their personal and professional needs.

My MMA experience shapes my BJJ teaching style by emphasizing flexibility, strategy, and mental resilience. I focus on practical application, teaching clients how to use timing, pressure, and control—key elements in real-world situations. I also instill the discipline and resilience necessary for MMA, helping clients build confidence and face challenges on and off the mat.

Felipe Negochadle trains actress Kathy Uyen (L) and other female students at Primal Performance Lab, Thao Dien. Photo courtesy of Felipe

What are your future plans?

Currently, I coach jiu-jitsu at Primal Performance Lab in Thao Dien, a unique space that combines fitness training with holistic health care. The lab focuses on physical strength, mobility, and psychological health, which aligns perfectly with the principles of BJJ—strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.

A notable feature of the lab is its training programs for women. Primal Performance Lab fosters an inclusive environment that encourages women to participate in martial arts without feeling pressure. Many women may feel hesitant to enter male-dominated spaces, so creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere where they feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn is crucial.

In the near future, I plan to expand this model further, making jiu-jitsu more accessible and building a strong community that spans from beginners to elite athletes.

On a personal level, what are your goals for your upcoming title defense at the Lion Championship MMA? How does this differ from last year when you were the challenger?

For my title defense, I’m focusing on refining my strategy, improving my skills, and maintaining mental resilience. I’m excited for the challenge. Last year, my motivation was to prove myself as a challenger, but this time, my focus is on growth and retaining the top position.