If you've ever wondered whether you need to be "ready" before competing, changing direction, or making a major life move, Professor Eduardo Santoro's story offers a compelling perspective. He has spent more than 30 years on the mat, competed at a high level, coached students, and built academies — including starting over in the United States at 40 with his family and no students.

Our conversation pointed to three lessons: competition can create motivation, steady progress matters more than belt color, and fear doesn't have to stop you from taking the next step.

Competition Can Create Motivation

Eduardo began training in São Paulo in 1993, around the time the UFC was bringing wider attention to Jiu Jitsu. His brother-in-law introduced him to the sport, and Eduardo quickly fell in love with training and competing.

In the early days, classes were tough and competition was central to the culture. Eduardo told me he remembers training hard, sparring for long stretches, and competing within months of starting. He was motivated by the challenge — and by the desire to keep improving and win.

Competition remains an important source of motivation for him. Preparing for an event gives his training a sharper focus and encourages him to pay attention to conditioning, diet, and recovery. He says the process makes him feel healthier and more alive.

You Don't Have to Wait Until You Feel Fearless

Eduardo says he still feels adrenaline before competing, even after decades on the mat. Nervousness, in his view, is part of the experience — not a sign that you don't belong there.

His advice to students considering a tournament is to register early enough to prepare. Signing up a couple of months ahead gives you time to adjust your training and build better habits. Signing up at the last minute leaves little room for that process.

Competition isn't for everyone, Eduardo acknowledges, but he believes trying it once or twice can be a valuable experience. Stepping onto the mat against an opponent can be a powerful way to learn about yourself.

Belts Are Markers, Not the Whole Journey

Eduardo says he never focused much on belt color for himself. His priorities were training, becoming tougher, and competing. But he recognizes that belts matter to many students — and that unclear expectations can make promotions stressful.

At his academy, a more structured system helped reduce confusion. Attendance cards give students a clearer picture of the work and consistency expected for stripes and belt progression. That shifts the conversation from comparing yourself with someone else to understanding your own path.

Students Learn at Different Speeds

Not everyone progresses in the same way. Some students learn quickly; others need more repetition. And knowing a technique doesn't always mean being able to use it in sparring or competition.

Eduardo cautions against treating a slower learning pace as proof that someone doesn't deserve to progress. Students have different strengths, and coaches should consider whether people are learning the material and meeting the expectations — not just whether everyone performs identically.

He also suggests looking at the overall level of a school. If most students are struggling with the same fundamentals, that may point to a broader issue with instruction. If the academy is generally strong, individual differences in learning may be part of the picture.

Starting Over at 40

In 2016, Eduardo moved from Brazil to California with his wife and two children. He had already built a career as a black belt and instructor, but establishing himself in a new country brought unfamiliar challenges.

He arrived without students and found it difficult to rent space and open a gym. He had to learn how business worked in the United States, including things he hadn't dealt with in the same way in Brazil. It took seven months to open his academy.

Although it was a major transition, Eduardo brought years of teaching and training experience with him. He also credits his wife's support and advice from people in the Jiu Jitsu community for helping him navigate the move.

His story is a reminder that starting over in one part of life doesn't erase what you've learned in another. Skills, experience, and relationships can travel with you — even when the surroundings are new.

Growth Means Continuing to Learn

Eduardo believes learning doesn't stop at a particular belt or career milestone. He continues to study teaching, academy management, and ways to improve the experience for students.

He's also seen Jiu Jitsu become more professional. Rather than placing everyone in one class, many academies now offer different programs for beginners, advanced students, children, women, and gi or no-gi training. Eduardo sees this kind of structure as important because different students need different experiences.

He applies the same principle to his own future. Rather than imagining retirement as an abrupt stop, he hopes to gradually reduce his teaching schedule while continuing to train, teach, travel, and spend time with family.

Fear can make it hard to move forward — but letting fear decide for you can keep you from discovering what's possible.

Eduardo's story isn't only about Jiu Jitsu. It's about using a challenge to build commitment, creating clear expectations, and staying open to change.

You don't need to feel completely ready before you take a meaningful step. You can start with a plan, make adjustments along the way, and keep learning as you go.

Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Eduardo

• Competition can sharpen your training even if you never plan to go pro — preparing for an event builds focus and discipline on its own.
• Nervousness before competing is normal, not a sign you don't belong there.
• Belts mark consistency and effort, not a comparison against other students.
• A slower learning pace isn't a reason to assume someone doesn't deserve to progress.
• Starting over in a new place doesn't erase the skills and relationships you've already built.
• Growth doesn't stop at a belt or title — there's always something left to learn, as a student and as a coach.

To connect with Eduardo: his academy's Instagram is @ESJJSouthBay, and his personal Instagram is @ESJJPortuga. His gym is in Torrance, California.