Fabio Novaes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Fabio, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
We got an award for Best of Central Florida Martial Arts School
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Fabio Novaes. I am a 5th degree Brazilian jiu-Jitsu black belt, under Marcelo Saporito, head coach of the Carlson Gracie school, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. me and my wife, Roberta Novaes, a black belt under me, run our school, where we offer adults and kids classes. I am an immigrant from Brazil and also an American citizen. I have been teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes in the Lakeland and Tampa area for over 23 years. I am 2 x an IBJJf (Internation Brazilian jiu-Jitsu Federation) Pan American Champion, an IBJJF World No-Gi Champion and medalist innumerous times for the IBJJF. I am an architect graduate from Brazil that originally moved to USA to pursue my master’s in architecture, but upon my arrival here, I had different offers to teach BJJ while I also worked for as an architect for a company in Lakeland. My classes started growing and I had to make a decision, to quit the office work and dedicate myself to only teaching BJJ. I have built throughout the years, a second family and a place where students can call “home”. We have won, lots of trophies as a team, for different BJJ organizations and competitions and I have created lots of IBJJF World Champions and Pan American Champions throughout the years. My students are like a family to us and I proud myself, to always have put my heart and soul in order to build, what we have today, through hard work and never “selling” my principles and integrity to make more money or keep students.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I had a couple of these throughout the last years of teaching and competing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When I left the Community Recreation Center, in Lakeland, where I use to teach, to open my own school, was one of them, but also becoming an IBJJF Pan American Champion for the first time, was an amazing feeling I will never forget
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I think human beings are constantly evolving and it’s important to understand, that sometimes, what it seemed to be right and truthful can change. You learn as you go, and it’s important to always have an open mind and heart to listen what the world is showing you. I had lots of moments like that, in my personal life and career and the fact that I have a beautiful, strong and healthy family and was also able to build a successful business, has shown me, that I have been doing the right thing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe in treating others with the same respect and honesty I expect for myself. Genuine connections matter more than appearances.
Yes, what you see, it’s what you get.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I always tell people, that the only thing you take with you, when you are gone, is your name, and how people will remember you. I hope I’ll be remembered for someone that truly loved his family and friends. Someone that never compromised his principles, integrity and character to please others, that tried to do what is right, even when it wasn’t the easiest choice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fabionovaesbjj.com
- Instagram: fabionovaesbjjfl
