Amanda Monteiro - An Elite BJJ Black Belt

Amanda Monteiro Nogueira Canuto was born in Brasilia, the Capital of Brazil on 5th December 1994. She grew up in the state of Brazil, Sao Paulo, and remained there till her 19th birthday. During the early years of her struggle, she made a name in lower belt categories and earned titles in the Brazilian National and IBJJF Championships. After that, she earned her first Black Belt in the IBJJF No-Gi Championship and UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

From her childhood, Monteiro was a great player in soccer and football. Different clubs like Clube Atletico Juventus used her extraordinary talent. But because of commute issues, she could not remain up with the Juventus. After that, she struggled to find a good academy to continue her innate passion for sports.

From very early life, Amanda Monteiro Nogueira Canuto was interested in Combat games. Ryan Gracie Academy in the Capao branch was the first academy Monteiro signed up for during her teen years. But she practiced Muay Thai at this academy. Many of Monteiro’s friends also signed up for jiu-jitsu at the same academy. Motivating by them Monteiro changed her goal in December 2021 from Muay Thai to a gi-based BJJ competition.

The head coach of Ryan Gracie Capao, Sergio Soares was the first teacher of Amanda Monteiro Nogueira Canuto. He was also the person who helped her to achieve the Blue Belt. it was all because of Soares that Amanda won her first double-gold CBJJ Brazilian National title in 2014 and the silver medal for the very first time in UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro in 2014. After winning two of the most important sports competitions, Monteiro believed in herself, and solely because of this reason, she moved to Rio de Paulo from Sao Paulo to join a more focused and bigger academy, the GF team. She said about the GF Team,

Renato Dominguez was Monteiro’s instructor at GF teams. He helped Monteiro to achieve the Purple Belt. Afterward, she was transferred to Meyer, the GF Team’s headquarters in 2015. During her time in Meyer, Amanda lived inside the gym and she was always occupied by BJJ. In an interview, she said,

This lifestyle left a huge impact on her personality and helped her to win so many games. Due to a lack of sponsorships, and the difficulty saved by almost every sports enthusiast, Monteiro tried quitting several times. But her coach, Julio Cesar, always advised and supported her in her career journey.

At the age of 19, Monteiro married her classmate, Jaime Canuto, and changed her name to Amanda Monteiro Nogueiro Canuto. Now, she is a mother of 2 beautiful daughters.

In the IBJJF World Championship 2018, Monteiro faced Ana Talita Alencar. The opponent started with an Open Guard and tried to take down Monteiro. But Monteiro maintained her base and defeated the opponent by Legbar submission.

In the IBJJF World No- Gi Championship 2019, Monteiro confronted Patricia Magalhaes. Magalhaes initiated with Closed Guard which was easily sweeped by Monteiro. At last, Monteiro won by Arm Triangle Choke submission.

In the final stage of the IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship 2017, Monteiro fought with Patricia Fontes. Fonted started the fight with the Close Guard which was swept by Monteiro and ultimately she scored 4 within the first three minutes. At last, Monteiro won the fight by Armbar submission.

Amanda Monteiro vs Ana Talita Alencar / World Chmapionship 2018

Amanda Monteiro VS Patrícia Magalhães / World No-Gi 2019

Amanda Monteiro VS Patricia Fontes / Pan NoGi Championship 2017

Amanda Monteiro v Bianca Basilio / European 2018

Photo Credit: @amandamontbjj