Nicholas Meregali

Name: Nicholas de Barcellos Meregali (Nickname: Alemão)

Current Rank: Black Belt under Mario Reis and Jeferson Adan

Notable Achievements:

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2017, 2019, 2022)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2023)

• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2018, 2019, 2022)

• 1st Place BJJ Stars Grand Prix (2019)

• 1st Place IBJJF Grand Prix (2023)

• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2022)

• 2nd Place ADCC (2022)

• 3rd Place ADCC (2022)

• 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2018)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie --> Helio Gracie --> Alvaro Barreto --> Sylvio Behring --> Mario Reis --> Jeferson Adan --> Nicholas Meregali

Meet Nicholas Meregali, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Mario Reis and Jeferson Adan, and a force to be reckoned with in the grappling world. Born in Santo Antônio, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Meregali is a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion and a Pan American Champion. Known for his mastery of the Lasso and De La Riva guards, Meregali is a grappling prodigy who has taken the sport by storm.

Early Life

Nicholas Meregali was born on May 27, 1994, in the small municipality of Santo Antônio in southern Brazil. His journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu began at the age of 16, thanks to his younger brother, who was the first in the family to train. Intrigued by the martial art, Meregali joined the ACJJ academy in his hometown, where he trained under Jeferson Adan.

Initial Training and Influences

Under Adan's tutelage, Meregali's talent began to shine. He won numerous state-level titles and even clinched a Brazilian National title as a blue belt. Recognizing the need for a more competitive training environment, Meregali relocated to Porto Alegre to train under Mario Reis, one of Brazil's most accomplished athletes. Although he moved, Meregali continued to pay homage to his first instructor, visiting his old academy regularly.

Formative Years in Jiu-Jitsu

Meregali's formative years were nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of Mario Reis, he dominated the colored belt divisions, winning multiple IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships. His consistent performance led to his black belt promotion in December 2016, awarded by both Reis and Adan.

Ascension to Prominence

Nicholas Meregali's rise to prominence has been meteoric. He has won the IBJJF World Championship three times and recently clinched the Pan American Championship in 2023. His grappling record is impressive, boasting 80 wins, with 58 of those coming by submission. In 2022, Meregali also began working with John Danaher and Gordon Ryan, joining their New Wave Team.

Achievements and Titles

Meregali's list of achievements is extensive. He is a three-time IBJJF World Champion, a Pan American Champion, and has won the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals multiple times. His favorite techniques include the Lasso Guard and DLR Guard, and he competes in the Peso Pesado weight division (94.3 kg/195.0 lbs).

Personal Philosophy and Style

Known for his aggressive and technical style, Meregali is a master of the Lasso and De La Riva guards. His approach to the sport is analytical, always seeking to innovate and improve. He is often referred to as "Alemão" by his coach and teammates, which means "German" in Portuguese, a nickname that derives from his German-like features.

Current Endeavors and Legacy

Currently a part of the New Wave Team, Meregali continues to be a dominant force in the grappling world. His influence on the sport is undeniable, and he is widely regarded as one of the best competitors to have ever graced the mats.

Conclusion

Nicholas Meregali is not just another black belt; he's a grappling sensation who has left an indelible mark on the sport. With his technical prowess and relentless drive, the Jiu-Jitsu community eagerly awaits what Meregali will achieve next.