From October 3rd to 5th, the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead, New York, hosted the IBJJF Pan-American No-Gi Championship 2025, one of the most prestigious competitions on the international calendar. The standout performer was Guybson Sá, owner and head coach of Spartan Academy. Known in the Jiu-Jitsu world as “The Spartan,” he won the GOLD medal in the Master Absolute division and silver in his weight class.
A family legacy on the mats
A native of Fortaleza, Ceará, Guybson is a 4th-degree black belt and carries a deep family legacy in Jiu-Jitsu. He is the son of the late Master Francisco Sá, a legendary red belt who received his rank in 1959 and was one of the pioneers of Jiu-Jitsu in the state of Ceará.
This family legacy forms the foundation of Spartan Academy’s teaching philosophy, where Guybson perpetuates the teachings of his father and the SAS Team, the team created by his family. Located in South Carolina, the academy has become a reference for athlete development and the expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States since Guybson settled in the country in 2009.
Heroic conquest in the Absolute
The victory in the Master Absolute (Open Class) was particularly significant and emotional. Guybson faced opponents of various body weights, demonstrating not only refined technique but also courage, strategy, and exceptional physical conditioning.
In the weight class, after a winning streak and demonstrating technical and tactical dominance, Guybson won the silver medal, showing consistency and a high level of performance throughout the competition.
Spartan Academy: Building champions
Guybson’s victory at the 2025 Pan No-Gi reflects the serious and dedicated work developed at Spartan Academy. Established in South Carolina, the academy has become a hub of excellence in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering programs for all ages and levels, from beginners to elite competitors.
Under Guybson’s leadership, Spartan Academy not only shapes competitive athletes but also promotes the fundamental values of Jiu-Jitsu: discipline, respect, perseverance, and team spirit. The Spartan motto “never give up” is lived daily in training and competitions, as evidenced by the professor’s performance in New York.
Each title won by Guybson serves as motivation and an example for Spartan Academy athletes, demonstrating that with dedication, technique, and the right mindset, it is possible to reach the highest levels of the sport.
The event and worldwide broadcast
The 2025 Pan No-Gi brought together thousands of athletes of various nationalities, age groups, and belt ranks, consolidating itself as one of the most important No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu competitions in the World. The live broadcast by FloGrappling allowed Spartan Academy students and fans worldwide to follow every moment of the exciting matches.
Seeing their professor win GOLD in the Absolute and silver in his weight class was a moment of pride and inspiration for the entire Spartan Academy community, which cheered along with every victory through social media and supportive comments.
Inspiration and legacy
With a 16-year career in the United States, Guybson Sá continues to be an inspiration not only to his students at Spartan Academy but to the entire Jiu-Jitsu community. He proudly represents the legacy of his father, Master Francisco Sá, and the tradition of Ceará Jiu-Jitsu.
His achievement in the Master Absolute at the 2025 Pan No-Gi reinforces his position as one of the great names in the Master category and demonstrates that, even in the face of adversity, dedication, faith, and hard work always lead to victory. As he stated: “Defeat does not define you and God is always in control!”
Spartan Academy celebrates not only the titles but primarily the values and the example its founder represents: humility, determination, and excellence. The gold won in New York is further proof that the Spartan philosophy of never giving up and always fighting to the end continues to bear fruit both on and off the mats.
