The Return of a Champion

The Return of a Champion

 

For those of us who have been in the lifestyle for a while, or have an interest in watching old highlights, the name Fernando Augusto is all too familiar. Many of the newer generation of jiu-jitsu practitioners may not have heard of him. Perhaps though, most everyone has heard of him by his more familiar name; the name that has been chanted at multiple tournaments ranging from the Pans to the Worlds; the name that has brought entire arenas to their feet and joined them in unison; the name that almost any truly passionate jiu-jitsu practitioner will have heard of at one time or another; the name of  Terere.

With his insane athleticism and movement based game, Terere is one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners to ever step onto the mat. He never failed to excite in any of his matches. Terere is a former multiple time world champion. He has defeated the likes of Marcelo Garcia and had some of the toughest and most memorable fights against opponents such as Fabrico Werdum, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, and Roger Gracie. He has also helped to produce some of the best talents our sport has ever seen including Andre Galvao, Cobrinha, and Sergio Moraes. With out a doubt, Terere was one of the best  there was in the world of jiu-jitsu.

Then suddenly things took a turn for the worst for Terere. His life took a spiral downwards when one thing led to another. He seemed to drop off the map for most people. Terere went through a tough time in his life. Many did not know whether or not he would come out of it and return back to the sport that missed and loved him.

Well, all the questions and prayers have been answered. Terere’s life has finally gotten back on track and he is planning to return and compete this year at the 2011 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. I can not begin to express how much this brings joy to all of us who have loved watching old Terere highlight videos or watched him in his heyday. Though he has been through so much in the last few years, he is now re-motivated to make his return to jiu-jitsu. The jiu-jitsu lifestyle is strong motivator and coupled with so many friends of family, has brought back one of the sports greats. I bow my head, pay my respect, and gladly welcome back  this jiu-jitsu icon and champion.

Below is a video entitled “Return of a Champion” and follows Terere today in London where he lives and is training to prepare for the Worlds. Also I have added one of my favorite highlight reels for those who may not have seen them before. If you are not a Terere fan or have never heard of him before, I assure you by the time you get done watching these two videos, you will not forget the name! Always remember… Whoooop Terere!!!