Joaquim Valente, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor who recently married supermodel Gisele Bündchen, has spent decades building a life defined by discipline, teaching and martial arts philosophy. While his relationship with Bündchen has brought him global attention, Valente's story stands firmly on its own — rooted in family tradition, academic study and a lifelong commitment to self-defence.
Born in Brazil, Joaquim was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu almost as soon as he could walk. He began training at the age of two under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, one of the most influential figures in the martial art's history.
