Octavio Couto Obituary and Death Who Was Octavio Couto?
by Swetha P | Updated Aug 27, 2023
Octavio Couto Obituary and Death
Octavio Couto, affectionately known as "Ratinho," was a revered figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Tragically, he passed away in Italy at the age of 52, leaving the entire Jiu-Jitsu community in a state of shock and mourning. Ratinho's contributions to the sport were profound, as he wore many hats throughout his illustrious career, including that of a teacher, referee, event organizer, and competitor.
On the fateful day of his passing, Ratinho was attending a wedding near Lake Como, Italy. Early in the morning, around 6:30 am, a tragic accident occurred. While near the Villa Carlotta museum garden, he accidentally fell into the lake. The local authorities suspect that the trauma from the fall, rather than drowning, led to his untimely demise.
This heartbreaking incident has left a void in the Jiu-Jitsu world, as Octavio Couto was not just a black belt under Romero Cavalcanti but also one of the founders of the esteemed Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Academy. His influence on the development of numerous fighters, including the likes of Fernando Terere and the Vieira brothers, will be remembered and deeply missed.
Who was Octavio Couto?
Octavio Couto, famously known as "Ratinho," was a highly respected grappling coach and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the tutelage of Romero Cavalcanti. He was an integral part of what many refer to as the Golden Era of Alliance, contributing significantly to the sport's evolution. Ratinho played a pivotal role in the formation of the Brasa Team, a testament to his commitment to nurturing world-class athletes. His legacy extends to the development of renowned fighters such as Fernando Terere, the Vieira brothers, Felipe Costa, and many others.
Ratinho's journey into grappling commenced during high school in 1988 when he began practicing Judo. However, his preference for ground fighting led him to seek out Jiu-Jitsu, which he found at Romero Cavalcanti's gym in Rio de Janeiro. His dedication to Jiu-Jitsu was unwavering, with countless hours spent training and assisting with beginner classes.
Despite his promising competitive career, personal circumstances led Ratinho to shift his focus to teaching, where he co-founded the successful Alliance Barra Academy. This academy, which prioritized teaching airline staff, thrived under his guidance, producing over 20 black belts. Ratinho's impact on the sport continued as he became a key figure in the formation of the Equipe Brasa de Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most significant Jiu-Jitsu teams in the early 2000s.
Octavio Couto BJJ Death
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community mourns the tragic loss of Octavio Couto, affectionately known as "Ratinho." At just 52 years old, Ratinho's passing in Italy has left the community deeply saddened. His contributions to BJJ were vast, spanning teaching, refereeing, organizing events, and competing at a high level. Ratinho held a black belt under the esteemed Romero Cavalcanti and was instrumental in the formation of the renowned Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
The circumstances surrounding Ratinho's death are heart-wrenching. While attending a wedding near Lake Como, he accidentally fell into the lake early in the morning. Authorities suspect that the trauma from the fall, rather than drowning, caused his untimely demise. This loss has sent shockwaves through the Jiu-Jitsu world, as Ratinho's influence and mentorship extended to some of the sport's most notable fighters, including Fernando Terere and the Vieira brothers. His legacy will continue to resonate within the BJJ community.
Remembering Octavio Couto: A Jiu-Jitsu Legend
Octavio Couto, also fondly known as "Ratinho," was a legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). His journey into the sport began in 1988 when he encountered Judo in high school. However, his fascination with ground fighting led him to Jiu-Jitsu, which he discovered at Romero Cavalcanti's gym in Rio de Janeiro. Ratinho's passion for BJJ was undeniable, and he dedicated himself to training relentlessly, often spending entire days at the dojo.
As his skills in BJJ evolved, Ratinho made a name for himself in competitions, notably with a memorable victory over Francisco Albuquerque (Toco) in 1994. Despite his promising competitive career, personal circumstances prompted a shift towards teaching. He co-founded the successful Alliance Barra Academy in 1994, which later became known as AKXE BJJ. This academy focused on training airline staff and produced over 20 black belts, solidifying Ratinho's reputation as a mentor and instructor.
In 2007, Ratinho moved to the USA, transitioning from a full-time instructor to a consultant for the academy. He played a pivotal role in forming the Equipe Brasa de Jiu-Jitsu, a team that left an indelible mark on the sport in the early 2000s. Ratinho's legacy lives on through the fighters he nurtured and the impact he made on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Octavio Couto Obituary and Death - FAQs
Octavio Couto, known as "Ratinho," tragically passed away due to an accidental fall near Lake Como, Italy. Authorities suspect that the trauma from the fall led to his untimely demise.
Octavio Couto, or "Ratinho," was a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, coach, referee, event organizer, and competitor. He was a key figure in the formation of the Brasa Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Ratinho's contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were profound, including mentoring notable fighters like Fernando Terere and the Vieira brothers, and co-founding the Alliance Barra Academy, which produced numerous black belts.
Octavio Couto's interest in ground fighting was sparked during his high school Judo class, where he practiced both Judo throws and newaza (ground fighting) under Marcus Vinicius de Lucia.
In 1994, Octavio Couto co-founded the Alliance Barra Academy, which later became known as AKXE BJJ. This academy focused on teaching Jiu-Jitsu to airline staff and produced numerous black belts.