EVERY time Malaysia’s Agilan Thani and Keanu Subba hone their martial arts game at ONE Championship, the pair have forged a reputation as being amongst the organization’s best submission athletes.
With a combined eight submissions between the pair, it is no surprise why their opponents prefer to strike rather than getting entangled in a contest on the mat.
But the two humble athletes have always cited one inspirational figure behind their impressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills. It is no other than Brazil’s Bruno Barbosa, a third degree BJJ black belt, with a 20-year resume in the field.
As a coach, Barbosa, or commonly referred to as “Bruninho”, has led Monarchy MMA to several accolades in the Malaysian BJJ scene, amongst them being a 12-time Copa da Malasia champion.
Barbosa has also inspired his students to test their BJJ skills at various International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions throughout Asia, and he has also helped Thani and Subba to overcome several world-class athletes at ONE.
While as a competitor, Barbosa’s medal haul is a testament to his success in the sport, his latest and greatest achievement is being a gold medalist at the 2018 Tokyo Open IBJJF competition and a runner up at the 2018 IBJJF Masters International Asia.
“It’s really about giving back to the society or my students,” the ever-humble Kuala Lumpur-based coach stressed.
“Agilan and Keanu, just like Ev Ting and the rest of my students are more than just people I teach. I learn a lot from them as well every day.”
Besides being a coach and a role model for some of ONE Championship’s finest stars, and a host of Malaysia’s up and coming stars, Barbosa singled out another moment which has stood out in his coaching career thus far.
“Malaysia has never had an IBJJF trophy, and in Manila, in January this year, we achieved that. We won the third place overall trophy, and it is my greatest achievement as a coach,” the 36-year-old Petropolis native shared.
“I think almost every athlete returned back with a medal. We won 12 gold, six silver, and four bronze medals.”
When Barbosa arrived in Malaysia six years ago, little could he imagine how he would go on to spread the knowledge of BJJ in the country.
Besides his achievements in Malaysia, Barbosa has also left a positive impact in Brazil and even Kyrgyzstan through the sport.
A much-loved character on the mats and in the gym, the Brazilian admitted although he would not know when his ‘time’ in Malaysia will come to an end, he will forever be glad on the positive impact he has left in Malaysia through BJJ.
Astro Awani
Wed Apr 17 2019
As a coach, Barbosa, or commonly referred to as 'Bruninho', has led Monarchy MMA to several accolades in the Malaysian BJJ scene. - Instagram pic/@bruninhobbjj
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.