Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiago Barra.
Hi Hiago, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I started Jiu Jitsu at the age of 11 through a social project in my community. That was where I discovered my passion for the gentle art and began a journey that would completely change my life. From the very beginning, my goal was clear: to use Jiu Jitsu as a tool to succeed not only in the sport, but also in life.
I started competing at a very young age and never stopped. Each tournament every victory and every loss helped shape my character, my discipline, and my worldview. With total dedication, I followed the path of an athlete, and one year ago I earned my black belt, a milestone that represents not only technical skill, but also resilience, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the art.
Today, I am both a professional athlete and an entrepreneur. Six months ago, alongside my friends Vinicius Goes and Diogo Matta, I opened our own Jiu Jitsu academy in Davenport, Florida. Vinicius and I actually started in the same social project back in Rio we grew up together, faced many challenges side by side, and years later we were able to make our dream come true here in the United States.
Our mission is not just to create fighters, but to help people become more confident, disciplined and prepared for the challenges of life. We’ve built a family-friendly, safe, and inspiring environment where kids, teens, and adults can train, grow, and transform their lives through Jiu Jitsu just as Jiu Jitsu transformed mine.
Opening this academy has been the realization of a dream and the beginning of a legacy that I hope will continue far beyond the mats.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, it definitely wasn’t a smooth road. I struggled with the lack of sponsorships, which made it hard to travel to tournaments and even to afford proper training gear. There were many moments when I had to choose between competing or covering other basic expenses.
Like many jiu jitsu athletes, I also dealt with the physical side of the journey injuries, training through pain, and balancing long hours on the mat with work, school, and personal life. There were weeks when I couldn’t train because I didn’t have transportation, or times when I felt I wasn’t progressing fast enough, which tested my confidence.
But we pushed through all of it with resilience, focus, and faith. The path is tough and the battles are demanding, but staying committed is what eventually brings the reward. Every challenge helped shape who I am today, both as an athlete and as a person.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hyper Martial Arts, located in Davenport, FL (2512 Jacks Rd), is a premier academy dedicated to Jiu Jitsu, Self Defense, Women’s Program, and Anti Bullying Program, offering classes for children, teens, and adults.
Our biggest differentiator is the exceptional quality of our classes and instructors. Our team is composed of highly experienced instructors with a solid track record in major championships around the world and even the Olympics, bringing an unparalleled level of expertise and professionalism to the academy. This international experience translates into classes that are safe, modern, efficient, and adaptable for all levels from beginners to advanced students.
Our facility is clean, modern, and carefully designed, providing a premium experience from the very first class. We create a welcoming, respectful, and motivating environment where every student feels part of a strong and inspiring community.
At Hyper Martial Arts, we deliver more than just techniques we offer personal growth, confidence, discipline, and real-life preparation both on and off the mat.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t see myself as a reckless risk taker, but I do believe that meaningful growth always requires some level of risk. For me, risk has never been about gambling it’s about committing fully to a path I believe in, even when there are no guarantees.
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving Brazil and starting over in another country to pursue my career in Jiu Jitsu. I came from a social project, with limited resources, and chose to bet on my work ethic, discipline, and long term vision. That decision meant stepping out of my comfort zone, facing uncertainty, financial pressure, and many moments where quitting would’ve been the easier option.
More recently, opening my own Jiu Jitsu academy in the United States was another major risk. I was still early in my black belt journey, running my career as a professional athlete at the same time, and investing everything I had into building a business from the ground up. There were no guarantees just belief in the process, in my partners, and in the impact we could create.
The way I think about risk is simple: if something aligns with my values, my purpose, and my long term goals, then the risk becomes a responsibility worth taking. Jiu Jitsu taught me that progress doesn’t come from avoiding pressure, but from learning how to stay calm, adapt, and keep moving forward under it. I apply that same mindset to life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hypermartial.com/schedule
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermartialarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575980022709
Image Credits
victoria and Hiago Barra
