Caio Cesar Oliveira: “Good Things Take Time”

Caio Cesar Oliveira: “Good Things Take Time”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved a lot over the years, but Caio Oliveira is old school. He was around in the “Golden Days of Chicago Jiu-Jitsu” when all of the now black belt gym owners used to train together under Carlson Gracie Sr. A lover of life, Caio always has a big smile for me whenever I see him. You can tell that he genuinely loves Jiu-Jitsu and cares about those around him. This Chicago Open and F2W Pro Champion loves to compete as much as he can because, “why not travel and have fun while doing something you love?” When he’s not training, you might find him riding his motorcycle, cooking, or getting a new tattoo. Meet Soul Fighters brown belt and food enthusiast, Caio Oliveira.

BJJ Tees: Where are you from originally, and where do you currently train?

Caio: My Name is Caio Cesar Santesso Oliveira. I am from São Paulo ,Brazil. I currently Train at Soul Fighters, Chicago under André “Maneco” Leite.How long have you been training? How did you get into Jiu-Jitsu?

I have been training since I was 14 years old. I am 30 years old now, so 16 years.I first tried Jiu-Jitsu just for fun. At the time I was training Judo at Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, and on my way home there was this gym in a garage. I always had the curiosity, so one day I decided to go in and try and I was hooked. I couldn’t stop training and wanting to learn more .

What brought you to Chicago? How did you end up with Maneco?

My mom was here before, so I came to live with her in ‘98/’99. Back then I was already a blue belt. I knew Maneco and everyone else from FFC downtown Chicago. The old Carlson Gracie HQ. Everyone used to train together. Vives, Valko, Izao, Jason Collins, and everyone else. Daniel Wanderley… even Hanette Staack and Andre Terencio used to train there. This was back when old man Sr. was alive. Those were the Golden Days of Chicago Jiu-Jitsu. That’s why the majority of Jiu-Jitsu black belts here in Chicago are from Carlson Sr. and Jr., but they all opened their own gyms. 

In what ways have you seen Jiu-Jitsu change over the years?

A lot has changed. The rules, the strategy, the gameplan. The preparation nowadays is so different from 10-15 years ago. The accessibility we have with the Internet to study our opponent’s game, to study how he/she moves, is surreal.

How much do you train every week? Do you do Jiu-Jitsu full-time? What does an average day look like for you?

I train an average of 25-30 hours a week. My trainings are usually in the mornings. I do Jiu-Jitsu part-time in the morning, and in the evening I have a full-time job in the restaurant industry.

You compete a lot. Do you do anything special to prepare for competitions? Do you have any superstitions or pre-tournament rituals?

I try to compete as much as I can and as much as my work schedule allows. I tend to compete a lot and travel as much as I can to bring good results back to the gym . Pre competition season, I tend train more focused and more strategic ways to finish or win the match. I eat very healthy normally, so cutting weight isn’t a big deal, if needed.

My pre tournament rituals  are getting my mindset ready three weeks before and focusing. I’m always thinking about the fight. Always  training with my Professor Maneco and preparing hard to face any challenge that comes my way.

Congratulations on your recent F2W Pro win! What do you like about competing for F2W, as opposed to other tournaments?

Thanks!!I like to Compete on F2W Pro because it is a sub only competition. The setup , the organization, the weigh ins, and the whole show are all pretty damn cool.

What are some goals for you in Jiu-Jitsu?

My goals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are to become a Pan American and World Champion, and  to be a successful gym owner.Who are some people you are inspired by?

My Jiu jitsu Inspirations are:Grand Master Hélio GracieSensei Rocian GracieSensei Severino “Dida” SoaresGrand Master Carlson Gracie SeniorSensei André “Maneco”Leite Ricardo AronaRyan Gracie

What are some challenges you have faced on your journey?

My biggest challenge was overcoming a long break I took from training Jiu-Jitsu.I had to get back in shape, make technique adjustments, break bad habits, and finally get back on track.

What are some of your hobbies outside of Jiu-Jitsu?

Some of my hobbies include riding my motorcycle, skateboarding, cooking, traveling, and tattoos.

What are your favorite foods?Brazilian, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, French, Peruvian...

What is some advice you would give to someone who is thinking about trying Jiu-Jitsu?

My advice for someone new is to be persistent and don’t give up. Trust the technique because it works and remember, good things take time.  Perseverance and patience are key.

What shout-outs would you like to give?

I would like to give thanks and a big shoutout to my Sponsors, @bjjtees , @brazilianbowl , and @fuji . Big Shout out to Andre Maneco, Nick Mitria, Steve Hope, Pierre Pires and Mark Vives. My mother Simone and my Dad Julio. My brothers Derek, Morris, and Júlio César Filho, and all my family back home in Brazil. I love y’all and miss you so much .
What's coming up next for you?

Worlds No Gi, Pan Ams 2019, Chicago Open, and Worlds 2019. If any other IBJJF competitions come along the way, why not travel and have fun while doing something you love? Oss.

You can follow Caio on Instagram @brazilyobjj .