David Viera
"From a young age, my heart and soul were captivated by the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This passion became a guiding force in my life, and I've dedicated myself to the 'Gentle Art.' BJJ isn't just a sport; it's a source of inspiration that has continually driven me to become a better person.
Today, I stand with a profound sense of achievement, not just as a competitor but also as an instructor. Sharing the art of Jiu-Jitsu is my calling, and I'm wholeheartedly committed to helping my students reach their personal aspirations. I firmly believe that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to."
The Beginning
Vieira's martial arts journey began in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his hometown. At the age of seventeen, he took his first steps into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). His initial mentors in this discipline were none other than Alexandre de Lima and Rogerio Poggio, who served as his guides and instructors at the esteemed Infight Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2002, Vieira's dedication and training paid off when he clinched the Gold medals in the -77 kg and Absolute divisions of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This victory catapulted him into the spotlight of the BJJ world.
In pursuit of excellence, Vieira embarked on a journey to São Paulo to train with Totila 'Pitoco' Jordan Neto, a 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt and the visionary founder of Infight Academy. It was here that he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of this martial art.
In 2004, Vieira's quest for mastery led him to the United States, where he participated in the Pan American Championship. During his time in the States, he was introduced to Gracie Barra by Eduardo de Lima. Intrigued by the opportunity and the quest for improvement, Vieira made the life-altering decision to return to Brazil and join the ranks of the Gracie Barra Academy. His commitment and unwavering dedication to BJJ bore fruit in 2005 when he was proudly awarded his black belt, a testament to his exceptional martial arts journey.
Today
Vieira's martial arts achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He proudly holds the title of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5-time World Champion, a 5-time National Champion (both GI and No GI), a 10-time State Champion (in both GI and No GI), a 2-time Pan American Champion, and an astounding 15-time International Open Champion (in both GI and No GI), among other accolades.
However, Vieira's impact transcends the competitive arena. Beyond his own success as a BJJ competitor and MMA athlete, he has proven to be an outstanding instructor. His guidance and mentorship have consistently led his students to numerous victories in BJJ, MMA, and Grappling Tournaments.
Today, Vieira is not only a champion and a mentor but also the visionary founder and head instructor at the DVBJJ Academy. This academy has also expanded its reach with affiliated schools in Brazil, France, Morocco, Belgium, and Australia. His influence and dedication have truly made an indelible mark on the world of martial arts..
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Early career
Vieira became a professional MMA fighter in 2007, and that same year he was featured in the MMA Authority Magazine as the new up and coming fighter, and was described by the magazine as the "Brazilian Prodigy." After 4 successful MMA fights in the United States David went back to Brazil to improve his MMA game and become a more complete fighter. Even though Vieira continued his MMA training, he decided to take some time off from professional MMA fighting to focus on running his jiu-jitsu school in Brazil.
The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil
David was chosen from an initial list of over 300 applicants at the TUF™ tryouts in Rio de Janeiro. Ranging from 18 to 35 years of age, these fighters came from all corners of Brazil, as well as countries such as Argentina and the United States. The fighters underwent interviews, medical exams and were tested on their striking and grappling skills until the final 28 emerged.
The group of 28 welterweights battled it out in elimination scraps in episodes one and two until only half of them remained. The 14 winners became the official cast members of The Ultimate Fighter house, where they were divided into two opposing teams.
Episode One: In March 2013, it was revealed that Vieira was a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2.
Episode Two: Vieira won his elimination fight to get into the TUF house, defeating Leandro Silva (11-0) by unanimous decision and he was chosen to be a member of Team Nogueira.
Episode Three: In his second fight Vieira clashed with another undefeated fighter Yan Cabral (10-0) and lost by submission in the second round.
Episode Nine:Luis Dutra had to withdrawal due to injury, and Vieira was chosen to replace his teammate. It was announced that he would face the experienced Viscardi Andrade in the quarterfinals.