Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt - 4th Degree
Pedro Pacheco Fernandes is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under “Tonicão” Collares. Professor Pedro founded Tu Kaha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2004, after immigrating to New Zealand and putting down roots in Auckland. Since then, he has nurtured and promoted a number of students to reach the most significant milestone in anyone’s jiu jitsu journey – the black belt.
Main Achievements/Record:
- Pan Pacific Masters Gi and Nogi Champion (2014)
- Pan Pacific Nogi Champion (2010);
- South Brazilian Champion (1996, 1997);
- Santa Catarina State Champion (1994, 1995)
Pedro Pacheco Fernandes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1974. He started grappling Judo when he was 5 years old, though he changed to “Luta Livre Esportiva” (a Brazilian form of submission wrestling) when he was 16. After one year training Luta Livre in Rio de Janeiro, Pedro moved to the south of the country, Florianópolis. His neighbour, Antonio Claudio Collares “Tonicão”, was a black belt in BJJ, the only operational jiu jitsu black belt in the south of the country (before Crolin Gracie arrived to the region). Fernandes began training with “Tonicão” at the Ataque Duplo Academy in 1990. Master Antonio Claudio Collares “Tonicão” awarded Pedro all his belts, including his black belt in a ceremony that took place in October 2002.
