Some athletes reach the top once. The truly special ones find a way to do it again.
At the 2026 IBJJF World Championships, Fuji Sports athlete Janaina Lebre added another chapter to her incredible career, capturing her second black belt World Championship title in one of the toughest divisions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With a hard-fought victory over Sarah Galvão in the lightweight final, Lebre once again proved why she remains one of the most respected competitors in the sport.
For Janaina, success has never been about shortcuts. It has always been built on years of consistency, technical excellence, and the willingness to learn from every challenge along the way.
Long before becoming a two-time World Champion, Janaina was already making history. In 2022, she became the first-ever IBJJF Female Grand Prix Champion, defeating multiple World Champions on her way to the title. Reflecting on that breakthrough performance, she shared:
“I had a strong desire to win.”
That mindset continues to define her approach today. Rather than dwelling on setbacks, Janaina has consistently used every experience as an opportunity to improve. Looking back on previous losses against top opponents, she explained that learning from those moments helped shape future victories.
Known for her dynamic passing game and dangerous lapel guard, Janaina’s style combines relentless pressure with technical precision. One of her favorite techniques, the knee-cut pass, has become a signature part of her game.
“This is my favorite guard pass. I love the knee cut.”
Just as important is the lapel system she has refined throughout her career.
“I’ve been using the lapel since blue belt… it’s my main game.”
Those details are what separate good competitors from champions. Years of refinement, repetition, and trust in the process eventually lead to moments like standing atop the podium at the World Championships.
Throughout her run at Worlds, Janaina showcased the same composure and confidence that has made her one of the most consistent athletes in the lightweight division. Against a field stacked with elite talent, she once again found a way to rise to the occasion and leave California with gold around her neck.
Competing in the FUJI Sekai Gi, Janaina represented the brand with the professionalism, determination, and championship mindset that define Fuji athletes around the world. The Sekai was built for the highest levels of competition, and Janaina once again demonstrated exactly what it is capable of on the sport’s biggest stage.
Winning one World Championship is a dream for most athletes. Winning two places you in rare company.
Congratulations to Janaina Lebre on becoming a two-time IBJJF World Champion. We are incredibly proud to have her represent Fuji Sports and look forward to watching what comes next in her journey.
SOURCE: www.ibjjf.com
