🥋 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion Milton Bastos: Leading from the Front in Nashville
- Liberdade Jiu Jitsu

- Aug 4, 2025
- 4 min read
In the heart of downtown Nashville, Liberdade Jiu Jitsu stands as more than just a martial arts academy—it’s the home of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion Milton C. L. B. P. do Nascimento, known throughout the community and global competition circuit as Milton Bastos.
A decorated competitor turned head instructor, Milton brings decades of international experience to every class he teaches. His leadership has shaped not only champions on the podium—but also hundreds of students who found confidence, community, and purpose through BJJ.

🏆 The Journey of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion
Highlights from Milton Bastos’s Career
Milton’s journey through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of discipline, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His resume spans over a decade of championship victories and elite-level competition, including:
🥇 Milton Bastos — Career Highlights at IBJJF
World & Pan Championship Titles (Gold Medals)
• 2009 IBJJF World No‑Gi Champion – Brown belt, Master 1, Light‑Featherweight 🥇
• 2010 IBJJF World Champion (Gi) – Brown belt, Adult Rooster division 🥇
• 2010 IBJJF Pan American Champion (Gi) – Brown belt, Rooster division 🥇
• 2012 IBJJF Pan American Champion (Gi) – Black belt, Master 1 🥇
• 2012 IBJJF World No‑Gi Champion (Master 1) – Black belt 🥇
• 2013 IBJJF World No‑Gi Champion (Master 1) – Black belt 🥇
• 2014 IBJJF World No‑Gi Champion (Master 1) – Black belt 🥇
• 2015 IBJJF World No‑Gi Champion (Master 1) – Black belt 🥇
• 2017 IBJJF World Masters Champion (Gi) – Black belt, Master 1, Light‑Featherweight 🥇
• 2021 IBJJF Pan American Champion – Black belt, Master 2, Light‑Featherweight 🥇
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Notable Runner‑Up & Podium (Silver/Bronze Medals)
• Runner‑Up – IBJJF Pan American Championship, Master 1 🥈
• Runner‑Up – IBJJF Masters World Championship, Master 1 🥈
• Runner‑Up – USBJJB American National Championship, Master 1 🥈
• Runner‑Up – IBJJF European No‑Gi Championship, Master 1 🥈
• 3rd Place / Bronze – IBJJF Masters World Championship, Master 1 (2012, 2015, 2016) 🥉
• 3rd Place / Bronze – IBJJF Pan American Championship, Master 1 (2013, 2016, 2017) 🥉
• 3rd Place / Bronze – USBJJF American National Championship, Master 1 (2012) 🥉
These titles aren’t just trophies on a shelf—they’re proof of a system and mindset that now drive everything he teaches at Liberdade.
🧠 What Sets Milton’s Coaching Apart
Championship Pedigree Meets Student-Centered Instruction
As both a competitor and instructor, Milton has developed a rare ability to bridge world-class technique with day-one fundamentals. His classes focus on:
Pressure-tested technique and positional awareness
Smart sparring habits tailored to skill level
Conceptual learning over just “move collecting”
Mentorship that builds leadership qualities in every belt
At Liberdade Jiu Jitsu, beginners don’t just survive under a world champion—they thrive.
🔗 Related: Training with Mixed Belt Levels in Jiu Jitsu
💬 Milton on the Mat: Humility, Focus, Results (H2)
Despite his competitive success, Milton’s presence on the mat is calm, humble, and intentional. He brings a grounded energy to every class, greeting white belts and black belts alike with equal respect and attention.
In his words:
“I’ve won championships, but my favorite moments are watching my students achieve things they thought they couldn’t—on the mat or in life.”
🥇 Liberdade’s Podium Results Reflect Its Roots
Nashville Summer Open 2024: A Snapshot of Success
In July 2024, Liberdade Jiu Jitsu sent just 7 athletes to the IBJJF Nashville Summer Open. The results?
5 Gold Medals
2 Silver Medals
2 Bronze Medals
Under Milton’s leadership, the academy continues to outperform schools double its size. His training system instills a high-performance mindset—even in hobbyists.
🌍 International Experience, Local Roots in Nashville
Milton has trained and competed across Brazil, Europe, and the United States. But Nashville is where he chose to build a legacy—creating an academy that welcomes everyone, regardless of age, background, or belt.
His students include:
Working professionals
High-level competitors
Parents and teens
Complete beginners looking to grow
🔗 Related: BJJ for Professionals in Nashville
🙌 Why Training Under a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion Matters
It’s not just about bragging rights—it’s about the mindset you absorb when you learn from someone who has walked the hardest path in the sport.
When you train under Milton Bastos, you gain access to:
Competition-tested details others overlook
Real-time coaching feedback based on world-class scenarios
A support system rooted in decades of teaching and competing
🔗 Related: Adult BJJ Classes in Nashville
📍 Join Liberdade Jiu Jitsu and Train with Purpose
Whether your goal is to compete, lose weight, build confidence, or simply challenge yourself, Liberdade Jiu Jitsu offers a proven path—led by one of the sport’s most decorated black belts.
🔥 Ready to start training with a world champion in downtown Nashville?
🔗 Book your free BJJ class and meet Coach Milton on the mats.




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