From the Raffle Mat to the Podium: Ricardo Tavares Takes Silver at Fuji Middletown
Every month, one name gets pulled from our Fuji BJJ raffle. This month, that name belonged to Ricardo Tavares — and he made it count.
Ricardo, who trains out of Renzo Gracie New York and competes locally with a club team in Manchester, CT and Fite Fit in Glastonbury, CT, stepped onto the mat at the Fuji BJJ tournament in Middletown, CT on April 18, 2026. Competing in the M40 / White Belt / Under 195 lbs division, he fought his way to a silver medal.
That's what this raffle is about — getting real athletes onto the competition floor.
A community competitor
Ricardo isn't chasing headlines. He's a recreational competitor with deep local roots, training across multiple Connecticut gyms while representing the Renzo Gracie lineage. When we asked about where he trains, he put it simply:
"I represent Renzo Gracie NY but my local gym is technically a club team out of Manchester, CT and also Fite Fit in Glastonbury, CT."
That kind of multi-gym, community-rooted competitor is exactly who this raffle was built for. Entry fees add up fast. We wanted to help.
How the Fuji raffle works
The raffle is free to enter. Here's the simple version:
Enter your email once at jiujitsuinsurance.com/fuji
You're automatically entered into every monthly drawing — no re-signing up
One winner per month receives a free Fuji BJJ competition entry
No purchase required
Whether you're a white belt entering your first tournament or a seasoned competitor trying to keep competition costs down, the pool is open to everyone.
Stay protected when you compete
Getting a sponsored entry is one thing. Getting injured with no coverage is another.
Our athlete injury insurance plans are designed specifically for BJJ competitors — covering sprains, breaks, concussions, and more, whether they happen in class or at a Fuji event. Plans are affordable, the claims process is straightforward, and coverage works with or without existing health insurance.
Congrats to Ricardo on the silver. See you on the mats.
