BJJ

Israel Sousa - Top BJJ Black Belt

Israel Sousa - Top BJJ Black Belt

1. Israel Sousa’s Details

Israel Sousa’s Details
Name Israel de Sousa Almeida
Nickname Rael
Born Fortaleza,  Ceara, Brazil
Date of Birth  April 25, 1998
Weight Division Peso Pena (70 kg / 154.5 lbs)
Last Weigh-in N/A
Height N/A
Disclosed Career Earnings N/A
College N/A
Rank Black Belt
Last Fight         N/A
Fighting Style  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Favorite Position Well Rounded Guard
Head Coach  Julio Cesar Pereira
Lineage Luis França > Oswaldo Fadda > Monir Salomão > Júlio César > Israel Sousa
Fighting out of  N/A
Team Association  GF Team Academy
Current Streak N/A
Facebook Logo Instagram Logo

2. Israel Sousa Biography

Israel de Sousa Almeida is a highly competitive BJJ fighter and a black belt under Julio Cesar Pereira, who represents the GF Team in the international sports circuit. Cesar has also worked with Israel’s father, Elinor Batista. Israel Sousa gained fame in the BJJ’s belt rankings, after his marvelous performances in the IBJJF Pan Championships and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship. Israel excellently showed his grappling skills and successfully won the gold medals.

2.1. Israel Sousa’s Early Life Stages

Israel de Sousa Almeida was born on April 25, 1998, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. His father, Elinor Batista, and elder brother were strongly connected with jiu-jitsu. Israel started his jiu-jitsu training at the age of five. Initially, he learned various grappling techniques from his father.

2.2. Signing up for Jiu-Jitsu

During his first year, Israel simply considered jiu-jitsu as a physical activity. But after a year, his father immediately enrolled him in a jiu-jitsu competition that occurred in their own gym. Almedia excellently performed and won the match. At that time, he was super confident after winning that super fight, so he decided to participate in more jiu-jitsu competitions. Unfortunately, he faced losses in the first four rounds of the match. Then he again started his training and worked on himself for one year. His comeback after a year was so flawless that it led him towards the path of victory. 

2.3. Initiation of Judo Training

Israel Sousa started judo training at the age of 13. His main concern was to improve his effectiveness and efficiency in BJJ competitions. He trained under the supervision of Sensei Alex Sampaio and learned a lot. He competed in four judo tournaments and won in three of them. He only lost one match due to an arm injury that he sustained during a takedown defense.   But for later judo competitions, he decided to compete by employing pre-defined strategies to prevent any future injuries.

2.4. Strong Association with the GF Team

In 2013, Israel’s brother and team member moved to Brazil to get training at the GF Team’s headquarters. During their training period, their bond was developed with this notable academy. This bond became strengthened when the academy's coach, Julio César, and the top BJJ fighters of the team came to Fortaleza for competitions.

2.5. Traveled to GFT Fighter-House

 Israel Sousa first traveled to Cachanga, a GFT fighter house located in Rio de Janeiro. As a black belt, he started traveling to multiple places to compete and learn. After getting this first experience, he decided to travel more as he completely embraced the lifestyle of a BJJ competitor. Then he traveled to Ohio and Rio de Janeiro to compete for more.

2.6. Israel Sousa’s Brown & Black Belt Promotion

When Israel was a purple belt, Julio Cesar invited him to California to get full-time training in Orange County. Israel agreed to the offer and went for the training. He eventually received the brown belt on American soil. In the 2019 IBJJF World and Pan championships, Israel Sousa earned winning titles with his commendable performances. Then in 2019, Julio César promoted him to black belt.

2.7. Announced his Move to Atos Jiu-Jitsu Academy

In May 2023, Israel Sousa Almeida announced his move to Atos Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters located in San Diego, California. This announcement was made before his participation in the 2023 IBJJF World Championships in the featherweight division. Previously, Israel was getting training under  Andre Galvao. However, according to the IBJJF documents, Israel Sousa has officially announced his switch to Atos. Israel will compete in the 2023 IBJJF World Championship. After getting the titles at the blue belt and brown belt levels, Israel will appear at the IBJJF Worlds for the third time. In this face-off, Israel will compete against his team member Daniel Sathler.

In his announcement, he said:

"The decision to come to Atos was a significant one for me," Israel told FloGrappling in an exclusive interview. "I'd always admired what Professor Andre does here and sought to learn from him. I can say he exceeded my expectations."

Israel Sousa also stated that he is already familiar with the advantages of transitioning to Atos. He said:

"Every day after training, I feel like I've joined a seminar, and the energy here is amazing. I feel at home.”

3. Israel Sousa’s Historic Fights

3.1. Marcio André vs. Israel Sousa

In the 2020 World Pro, Marcio André competed against Israel Sousa. Andre played amazingly well,  initially using the spider sweep technique to take control of Israel Sousa. Andre also attempted a foot attack and knee-on-belly position, which earned him points. But in the last 20 seconds, Israel Sousa surprisingly performed the guard pass and scored 3 points. Based on the results, Israel was declared the winner.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2020 World Pro Marcio André Win Points N/A Featherweight

3.2. Israel Almeida vs. Meyram Maquiné

In the finals of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami, Israel Sousa faced Meyram Maquine. Both showed their proficient grappling skills; however, based on the referee's decision, Israel Sousa secured the victory.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami Meyram Maquine Win Refree Decision F Featherweight

3.3. Fabricio Andrey Batista Junior vs. Israel Sousa Almeida

In the 2023 IBJJF European Open Championship quarter-final,  the featherweight battle was between Fabricio Andrey and Israel Sousa. Both tried to attempt submission techniques, but  Andrey scored two points and achieved success with the knee-on-belly position.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Stage Weight Class
2023 IBJJF European Open  Fabricio Andrey Loss Points 4F Featherweight

4. Israel Sousa’s National and International Accomplishments

Year Event Medal/Position Weight Division
2019 Las Vegas Open Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2019 Grand Slam LA Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2019 Houston FO Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2019 Long Beach Open Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2020 Grand Slam AD Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2020 Grand Slam RJ Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 Brazil Nat. Pro Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 Grand Slam AD Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 WP BR Qualifier Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 World Pro Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 BRA Qualifiers Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2021 World Pro Silver Silver Medal Icon Featherweight
2022 Guarapari Pro Gold Gold Medal Icon Medium weight
2022 Gramado Pro Gold Gold Medal Icon Medium weight
2022 Porto Pro Gold Gold Medal Icon Medium weight
2022 Orlando SMO Silver Silver Medal Icon Lightweight
2022 N. Haven Open Gold Gold Medal Icon Lightweight
2022 Grand Slam MIA Gold Gold Medal Icon Featherweight
2022 BJJ Stars Bronze Bronze Medal Icon Lightweight
2022 Fortaleza Open Gold Gold Medal Icon Mediumweight
2022 Fortaleza Open Gold Gold Medal Icon ABS
2023 North East BRA Gold Gold Medal Icon Mediumweight
2023 Fortaleza Open Gold Gold Medal Icon Lightweight

5. Israel Sousa’s Main Achievements

Year Event Position Belt
2021 AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro 1st Black
2021+ AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro 2nd Black
2020 AJP Grand Slam, AD 2nd Black
2019  IBJJF Long Beach Open 1st Black
2019 IBJJF Houston Fall Open 1st Black
2019  IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open 2nd Black
2019 AJP Grand Slam, LA 2nd Black
2019 AJP Grand Slam, MSK 3rd Black

5.1. Israel Sousa’s Main Achievements (Colored Belts)

Year Event Position Belts
2019  IBJJF World Championship 1st Brown
2019 IBJJF Pan Championship 1st Brown
2016 IBJJF Pan Championship 1st Blue
2018 AJP Grand Slam, LA 1st Brown
2018 IBJJF World Championship 3rd Purple
2017  CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 1st Blue
2017 IBJJF Pan Championship 1st Blue
2017 IBJJF World Championship 1st Blue
2015  IBJJF World Championship Juvenile 1st Blue

6. Israel Sousa’s Professional Record Breakdown

Matches 78 Wins 19 Losses
By Points  35 13
By Advantage  1 1
By Submission  40 1
By Decision 2 2
By Penalty  0 0
By DQ  0 0

6.1. Methods of Submission

Methods 40 Wins 1 Loss
CHOKE FROM BACK 17 0
TRIANGLE 4 0
AMERICANA 2 0
WRISTLOCK 1 0
RNC 1 0
ARMBAR 9 0
CHOKE 2 0
SUBMISSION 2 0
ARMLOCK 1 0
BOW AND ARROW 1 0
STRAIGHT ANKLE LOCK 00 01

7. Israel Sousa’s  Fight History

Opponent W/L Method Competition Weight Stage Year
A. Mogomadov W Pts: 6x0 Grand Slam MSK Featherweight 4F 2019
Victor Matos W Pts: 2x0 Grand Slam MSK Featherweight RPC 2019
Diego ‘’Pato’’ Oliveira L Referee Decision Grand Slam MSK Featherweight SF 2019
A. Mogomadov W Pts: 6x0 Grand Slam MSK Featherweight 3RD 2019
Joao ‘’Bisnaga’’ Mendes W Referee Decision Las Vegas Open Featherweight SF 2019
N/A W Choke Las Vegas Open Featherweight R1 2019
Bruno “Little Bruno” Barbosa W Choke from back Las Vegas Open Featherweight 4F 2019
Richar Nogueira L Pts: 8x6 Las Vegas Open Featherweight F 2019
Jonathan Buren W Pts: 15x0 Grand Slam LA Featherweight R1 2019
Lee Ting W Pts: 6x2 Grand Slam LA Featherweight 4F 2019
Thiago Macedo W Pts: 0x0, Adv Grand Slam LA Featherweight SF 2019
Thiago Macedo W Pts: 2x0 Houston FO Featherweight F 2019
Diego ‘’Pato’’ Oliveira L Pts: 4x2 Grand Slam LA Featherweight F 2019
Giovanni Carvalho W Armbar Houston FO Featherweight SF 2019
Cameron Graves W Armbar Long Beach Open Featherweight SF 2019
Brandon Walensky W Armbar Long Beach Open Featherweight F 2019
Thiago Macedo W Pts: 5x2 Grand Slam AD Featherweight SF 2020
Ali “The Beast From The Middle East” Monfaradi W Pts: 7x6 Grand Slam AD Featherweight R1 2020
Ariel Tabak W Points Grand Slam AD Featherweight 4F 2020
Gabriel Sousa L Points Grand Slam AD Featherweight F 2020
Lee Renaut W Pts: 8x2 European Open Featherweight R1 2020
Alex Sodre L Referee Decision European Open Featherweight 4F 2020
Davi Oliveira W Wristlock Grand Slam RJ Featherweight 4F 2020
Murilo Amaral W Pts: 4x2 Grand Slam RJ Featherweight R1 2020
Luiz Paulo W Pts: 3x0 Grand Slam RJ Featherweight 8F 2020
Leo Saggioro W Pts: 4x3 Grand Slam RJ Featherweight SF 2020
Gabriel Figueiro L Pts: 2x1 Grand Slam RJ Featherweight F 2020
Cristian Polnov W Pts: 9x0 Brazil Nat. Pro Featherweight SF 2021
Joao Guilherme W Choke from back Guarapari Pro Featherweight 4F 2021
Guilherme Ribeiro W Armbar Guarapari Pro Featherweight SF 2021
Alex Sodre W Pts: 5x2 Brazil Nat. Pro Featherweight F 2021
Diogo Freitas W Choke from back Grand Slam AD Featherweight 4F 2021
Diogo Freitas W Pts: 7x3 WP BR Qualifier Featherweight RR 2021
Gabriel Sousa W Pts: 12x1 Grand Slam AD Featherweight SF 2021
Leo Saggioro L Pts: 3x2 Grand Slam AD Featherweight F 2021
Marcio ‘’Marcinho’’ Andre W Pts: 3x1 WP BR Qualifier Featherweight F 2021
Yaroslav Blazhko W Pts: 6x2 World Pro Featherweight R1 2021
Juan Calderon W Pts: 13x1 World Pro Featherweight 4F 2021
Lucas Gripp W Pts: 17x0 Rio Winter Open Featherweight 4F 2021
Gabriel Sousa W Americana World Pro Featherweight SF 2021
Ali Monfaradi W Pts: 6x1 World Pro Featherweight F 2021
Ricardo Primo W Armbar Rio Winter Open Featherweight SF 2021
Brian Mahecha L Pts: 5x4 Grand Slam MIA Featherweight 4F 2021
Christian Mueckay W Choke from back Grand Slam MIA Featherweight RPC 2021
Thiago Macedo W Pts: 2x0 BRA Qualifiers Featherweight 4F 2021
Lucas  “Bad Boy” Pinheiro W Armbar Grand Slam MIA Featherweight RPC 2021
Brian Mahecha W Armbar Grand Slam MIA Featherweight 3RD 2021
Diego Medeiros W Choke from back BRA Qualifiers Featherweight SF 2021
Leo Saggioro W Pts: 5x2 BRA Qualifiers Featherweight F 2021
Pablo Lavaselli L Pts: 2x0 World Pro Featherweight F 2021
Alejandro Carreras W Choke from back World Pro Featherweight R1 2021
Isa Karasanov W Triangle World Pro Featherweight 4F 2021
Fabricio Andrey W Pts: 2x0 World Pro Featherweight SF 2021
Robson Silva W Choke Guarapari Pro Medium weight 4F 2022
Alan Barcelos W Choke from back Guarapari Pro Medium weight SF 2022
Andre Almeida W Choke from back Grand Slam LDN Medium weight R1 2022
Marlus Salgado W Choke from back Guarapari Pro Medium weight F 2022
Wallisson Souza W Pts: 4x2 Gramado Pro Medium weight SF 2022
Marlus Salgado W Pts: 4x0 Gramado Pro Medium weight F 2022
Lucas Protasio L Pts: 4x4 Grand Slam LDN Medium weight 4F 2022
Gustavo Gonzalez W Triangle Pan American Featherweight R1 2022
Nick “Tamandua”  Salles W Pts: 10x8 World Champ. Featherweight R1 2022
Isaac Doederlein L Pts: 4x2 Pan American Featherweight R2 2022
Luiz Rodrigues W Submission Porto Pro Medium weight SF 2022
Omar De Sousa W Pts: 2x0 Porto Pro Medium weight F 2022
Isaac Doederlein L Straight ankle lock World Champ. Featherweight 8F 2022
Nian Booth W Armbar American Nat. Lightweight R1 2022
Michael Liera L Pts: 6x4 American Nat. Light weight 4F 2022
Chris Mueckay W N/A Orlando SMO Light weight SF 2022
Daniel Maira W Armlock N. Haven Open Lightweight F 2022
Elijah  “Big Breakfast” Dorsey L Referee Decision Orlando SMO Lightweight F 2022
Italo Moura L Points Orlando SMO ABS 8F 2022
Pedro Fernandes W Points N. Haven Open Lightweight SF 2022
Thiago Macedo W Choke from back Grand Slam MIA Featherweight 4F 2022
Pablo Lavaselli W Pts: 2x0 Grand Slam MIA Featherweight SF 2022
Nixon Belo W Choke from back Fortaleza Open Medium weight F 2022
Meyram Maquine W Referee Decision Grand Slam MIA Featherweight F 2022
Darlan Casaca W Pts: 7x0 BJJ Stars Lightweight 4F 2022
Matheus Gabriel L Pts: 4x2 BJJ Stars Lightweight SF 2022
Italo Aprigio W Armbar Fortaleza Open Medium weight SF 2022
Joao Aleksander W Choke from back Fortaleza Open ABS 4F 2022
Jonas Campos W RNC Fortaleza Open ABS SF 2022
Herico Hesley W Triangle Fortaleza Open ABS F 2022
Higor Lima W Pts: 15x0 North East BRA Medium weight F 2023
Lucas Silva W Submission North East BRA Medium weight 4F 2023
Valerio Cunha W Pts: 17x1 North East BRA Medium weight SF 2023
Michael Mehl W Choke from back European Open Featherweight R1 2023
Fabricio Andrey L Pts: 2x0 European Open Featherweight 4F 2023
Samuel Nagai W Choke from back Pan American Featherweight 8F 2023
Valerio Eduardo W Americana Fortaleza Open Lightweight SF 2023
Marcio  ‘’Marcinho’’ Andre L Pts: 2x2, Adv Pan American Featherweight 4F 2023
Daniel Sathler L Referee Decision World Champ. Featherweight R1 2023
Alexis Stangen W Choke from back Fortaleza Open Lightweight 4F 2023
Margus Salgado W Choke from back Fortaleza Open Lightweight F 2023
Gabriel Cardoso W Bow and arrow ADGS Miami Featherweight 8F 2023
Ademir Barreto W Choke from back ADGS Miami Featherweight SF 2023
Artur Oliveira W Triangle ADGS Miami Featherweight 4F 2023

8. Israel Sousa Top Fight Links

Marcio André vs. Israel Sousa ● World Pro 2020

Alex Sodre VS Israel Almeida / European Championship 2020

Israel Almeida VS Thiago Macedo / Houston Fall Open 2019


Photo Credit: @raelalmeidabjj

Related Readings

Reading next

Top 9 BJJ Couples
Top 9 BJJ Couples

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.