Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may have originated in South America, but it appears the future of the sport is right here in DFW. An SMU student recently became the most decorated brown belt in history after his performance at the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2022. Now, the young fighter has been promoted to a black belt, officially becoming a professional in the sport.
Steffen Banta may be one of the most accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters in the world, but the 23 year old only began training in the sport six years ago. Now, he has become the most decorated American brown belt in history after not losing a single competition in 2022. The number one ranked brown belt in the world dominated the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2022 in California, which is considered by many to be the Olympics of Jiu-Jitsu.
According to NBC DFW, Banta has mastered both variations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wearing or not wearing a gi. Now, he hopes to take his career to the next level after being promoted to a black belt. Soon, the top fighter in the world may be someone that calls DFW home.
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