Who are the fresh faces shaking up brazilian jiu jitsu this year, and why are so many people talking about them?
I ask myself this every time I scroll through highlight reels or chat with students after class. The sport feels like it’s moving at lightning speed right now. Big names are still around, but younger athletes are crashing through the ranks and creating huge waves. As a coach and gym owner here in Melbourne, I’m fascinated by how these new talents are reshaping not just competitions overseas, but also what we do on the mats at home.
Why new athletes matter in 2025
When I think back to when I first started, brazilian jiu jitsu was still underground in Australia. Fast forward to 2025 and it’s everywhere. Gyms are full, comps are stacked, and fans are glued to live streams. Rising athletes play a big role in that growth. They change how matches look, introduce new approaches, and give younger students role models who feel more relatable. That’s one reason our brazilian jiu jitsu programs are always evolving. If someone’s pulling off slick back takes at BJJ Stars, you can bet students here want to practise it the next day.
The names turning heads right now
mica galvão is impossible to ignore. He’s been on a tear, including a statement win over roberto jimenez at BJJ Stars that had people buzzing worldwide. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out this breakdown. Then there’s helena crevar still a teenager, but already fearless against seasoned pros. Her rise is covered in this profile, but watching her compete tells the story better than words on a page. Every time she steps on the mat, she looks like she belongs.
andrew tackett is another standout. His pressure passing and relentless pace are breaking down opponents who should, on paper, be much harder to beat. His background is on wikipedia, but what matters is how much he’s pushing the tempo in every match. These three athletes alone make 2025 feel like a generational shift.
What the community is really saying
If you’ve spent time reading BJJ discussions online, you’ll know people don’t hold back. Lately, the hot topic has been whether some of these athletes are “natural” or “juiced up”. Fans break down body types, recovery times, and insane endurance levels. What stood out to me wasn’t the arguments themselves, but the passion behind them. It shows how invested people are. They’re not just casually watching they care deeply about the direction of the sport and the athletes driving it forward.
How it connects to training in Australia
Here in Melbourne, I see the ripple effect. Students come in after watching Worlds or ADCC trials and want to copy a move they saw galvão hit. Or parents ask me if their kids could ever reach that level someday. And the answer is yes because every big name we see started the same way, in a gym like ours, with basic grips and guard drills. That’s why we focus so much on fundamentals in both adult classes and our kids program. It builds the foundation that lets you chase those higher levels later.
Competitions that are shaping the year
The IBJJF Worlds this year were massive. Detailed results are up on flo grappling and bjj heroes. What struck me most was the number of younger black belts making it through brackets packed with veterans. That sends a clear message: the sport is shifting, and experience alone doesn’t guarantee victory anymore.
Events like BJJ Stars add fuel to the fire. When pedro marinho won the absolute grand prix, as shown in this recap, it proved again how unpredictable the scene is right now. For me as a coach, it’s exciting because it keeps training fresh. You never know what style or approach might break through next.
Why it’s not just about competing
I want to be clear: you don’t need to chase a world title to enjoy BJJ. Plenty of people step on the mats simply to get fitter, learn self-defence, or challenge themselves in a new way. Rising athletes are inspiring, yes, but their influence extends to the everyday student. That’s why I often share our piece on the benefits of brazilian jiu jitsu or practical advice like tips for bjj beginners. Those blogs show how much you can gain from training, regardless of whether you ever compete.
The bigger picture for mma fans
BJJ doesn’t exist in a bubble. It feeds directly into MMA, and the intensity younger grapplers bring affects fighters across all disciplines. That’s why at our gym, we blend grappling with mma classes, wrestling, and striking like muay thai. Watching how galvão or tackett adapt on the ground only reinforces why balance across all areas is so important for modern fighters.
What this means for you
If you’ve been thinking about training but haven’t taken the leap, this is the moment. Rising athletes are making brazilian jiu jitsu one of the most watched and talked about martial arts on the planet. Why just watch it online when you can experience it yourself? You can join our martial arts classes in melbourne and feel firsthand what’s driving the excitement. And if you’re curious but unsure, reach out on our contact page we’ll happily guide you into your first session.
For me, seeing athletes like crevar, tackett, and galvão dominate at such young ages is inspiring. But what excites me even more is watching new faces walk through our gym doors and discover their own potential. That’s the real magic of brazilian jiu jitsu: no matter where you start, there’s always another level to reach, and always someone new to chase.
About the Author
Lachlan James
Marketing Coordinator at Extreme MMA
Lachlan James is the Marketing Coordinator at Extreme MMA, responsible for creating engaging content and building the brand’s online presence. With a passion for mixed martial arts and digital marketing, Lachlan combines his knowledge of the sport with strategic marketing expertise to help grow the Extreme MMA community. He works closely with coaches and fighters to share their stories and expertise with both current members and aspiring martial artists.
When he’s not creating content or managing social media campaigns, Lachlan can be found training at the gym, always looking to improve his own skills while gaining deeper insights into what makes Extreme MMA special.
When he's not creating content or managing social media campaigns, Lachlan can be found training at the gym, always looking to improve his own skills while gaining deeper insights into what makes Extreme MMA special.