Rafael Lang
Rafael Azevedo Lang, born in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a highly accomplished practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu. He holds a 4th degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and has a strong martial arts background. Rafael’s journey began at the age of 4 when he started practicing Judo, and later at the age of 9 in 1995, he took up Jiu-Jitsu. He comes from a lineage of esteemed masters, including Master Rickson Gracie (Red Belt) and Master Romero Jacare Cavalcanti (Red and White Belt).
Most of Rafael’s training and development took place in Rio de Janeiro. In 2006, he earned his Black Belt from Coral Belt Master Vinicius Campelo and 6th degree Black Belt Octavio Couto. Throughout his career, Rafael has demonstrated his skills as a talented athlete and competitor, starting from his early teens. He has achieved significant victories in various tournaments, earning numerous medals. Some notable accomplishments include becoming the middleweight world champion in his category and absolute champion at the age of 17, winning the NOGI absolute gold medal at the IBJJF London Open, securing three gold medals at the IBJJF Houston Open, two gold medals at the IBJJF Dallas Open, and achieving the heavyweight belt for Submission Hunter Pro and F2W. Additionally, he has achieved silver and bronze medals at other prestigious events such as the IBJJF PanAms and IBJJF Europeans.
In addition to his success as an athlete, Rafael has excelled as a coach. He has built a strong and successful team of competitors who consistently rank highly in major tournaments worldwide. Furthermore, he has been invited multiple times to referee professional fights for the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Rafael’s passion for teaching led him to become a professor. He started teaching Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids in 2001 when he was a blue belt, and for adults in 2003. Prior to moving to Dallas, he served as the Head Coach of AKXE BJJ Rio, one of Brazil’s most prominent Jiu-Jitsu schools (formerly Alliance). As a highly experienced professor, Rafael has traveled across the globe, teaching Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense classes to various organizations and institutions. He has provided instruction to the Australian Army, Civil Police Special Forces of Rio de Janeiro – CORE, airline companies, and the Dallas Police Office, among others. Moreover, he acts as a consultant for numerous Jiu-Jitsu schools, conducting workshops and seminars that contribute to the growth and development of the Jiu-Jitsu community with his world-class instruction.