Francesco Fonte is a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), awarded by the renowned Octavio Couto. His martial arts journey began in 2003, with regular training starting a couple of years later. Now 46 years old, Fonte has built an impressive career spanning both competition and coaching.
As a competitor, Fonte has achieved notable success in BJJ tournaments. Some of his main achievements include:
Fonte also ventured into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), winning his debut match with a first-round armbar. However, a severe injury in his second match led him to focus more on BJJ competitions before eventually transitioning to coaching.Currently, Fonte is the owner and head coach of Next Level MMA / Fonte Jiu Jitsu, located in Hanau, Germany. His academy offers training in various martial arts disciplines, with a primary focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Fonte has cultivated an exceptional training environment, known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond his own academy, Fonte is the founder of We Grapple, a competition platform that brings together practitioners from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Luta Livre in a structured competitive format. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to fostering growth and competition within the grappling community.
Fonte is also an active member of the BJJ Globetrotters community, participating in and instructing at numerous camps. His favorite camps are the less crowded ones, such as the Zen and Winter camps, with a particular fondness for the Winter camp's combination of snowboarding and jiu-jitsu.
As an instructor, Fonte is known for his conceptual approach to teaching BJJ. He enjoys conducting classes on broad topics, allowing him to share his unique perspective on various aspects of the art. Some of his most well-received classes have covered subjects like closed guard, guard passing, sweeps, and guard retention.
Francesco Fonte's journey in martial arts exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and a passion for sharing knowledge. From his competitive days to his current role as a coach and academy owner, he continues to make significant contributions to the BJJ and MMA communities in Germany and beyond.
