BREAKING NEWS! Today we are happy to announce that after a “battle” of more than 10 years, professor and founder of our academy Lucio “Lagarto” Rodrigues, has finally been granted his USA Visa! This is truly an important moment and will allow Professor Lucio Lagarto to continue his long term objective which is not only to continue developing his Gracie Barra Fulham academy in London U.K, but to continue expanding his professional achievements as a professional BJJ competitor – both Gi and No Gi.
As some our readers know, this has been a long time goal for Professor Lucio, both professionally and personally, since he has many friends living in the United States. “He has been systematically pursuing this VISA for a decade now facing headwinds and adversity. Finally his persistence paid off and he has now been granted the necessary Visa to visit the United States and compete in BJJ“, said one of his London students who helps Professor Lucio in several affairs including the Visa application.
In February 2014, upon winning his fifth gold medal as IBJJF European Champion in Lisbon, Portugal, Professor Lucio Lagarto was asked about the future and his constant yearly application to the US emigration services. With his usual positive good humour, Professor Lucio Lagarto replied:
“Next week I will once more apply for an entry Visa. Here I go again (laughs). I really hope they don’t deny it from me, or it’ll be the eighth or ninth time they do so. But I won’t quit. If I manage to get it, I’ll be in the Pan Am for starters“.
Please join us and congratulate Professor Lucio Lagarto for this achievement. This is a milestone moment for him and particularly important since it will allow him to be back and compete in important BJJ competitions which are held in America, such as the World BJJ Championship, the Pan American Championship, Grand Slam and several International Opens, just to name a few.
Please keep checking our website, facebook page, twitter and instagram. We will post more updates about this!