Meet Our Athletes- Rai

Rai Bertolazo

Green Belt
Instagram: @raibertolazo

I started training Jiu-Jitsu when I was 9 years old, in the city where I was born, Sorocaba-SP, Brazil. I started training just to burn off energy and have fun. Then I began to enjoy competing, switched to a competition team, competed in many tournaments, and won the Pan Kids in the grey, yellow, and orange belts. Ever since IBJJF started ranking kids, I finished every year in 1st place.

When I was 12 years old, I moved with my family to Orlando, FL. Six months later, I went to Costa Mesa to visit AOJ. The initial plan was to stay for one month, but I adapted very well to the team and never moved back to Florida. I only go there at the end of the year to visit and spend time with my family. I see my parents whenever I can at competitions, and sometimes they come to Costa Mesa to visit me too.

Every day I wake up at 5:30 am for the first training session. I stay at the academy until 10:30 am, then I have time to eat lunch and do my homeschool. In the afternoon, I teach classes, and at night I either do another Jiu-Jitsu training or a strength training session. I really enjoy my routine and what I’ve been achieving on and off the mats. I love teaching every day because I see how much I can help my students reach their goals too.For me, it’s a privilege to represent Hyperfly, a brand I’ve always liked for its style and that I know plays a big role in supporting and pushing the Jiu-Jitsu community around the world.

My goal in Jiu-Jitsu is to win the most important titles at black belt and to be not only a good athlete but also a good coach, helping transform lives through Jiu-Jitsu.Thank you, Hyperfly, for being with me on this journey.