Joaquim Valente Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Height, Children, Career, Family
Joaquim Valente is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and a co-founder of the Valente Brothers martial arts academy in Miami, Florida. He manages the academy alongside his older brothers, Pedro and Gui Valente. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Valente moved to the United States in 2007 to attend Barry University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He is known for his disciplined lifestyle and dedication to martial arts, viewing Jiu-Jitsu not just as a sport but as a philosophy for self-defense and personal well-being.
He hails from a prominent martial arts family with deep historical ties to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Valente family is the only clan outside of the Gracie family to have four black belts and professor diplomas awarded directly by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. Joaquim and his brothers were trained by Hélio Gracie from the age of two, inheriting a traditional method of instruction that focuses on self-defense techniques rather than tournament competition. This lineage has established him as a respected figure within the martial arts community.
Valente gained significant public attention through his relationship with supermodel Gisele Bündchen. The two initially met in 2021 when Bündchen enrolled her son in his academy, and she later began training there herself. Their relationship evolved from friendship to romance following Bündchen’s divorce in 2022. They welcomed their first child together, a son, in February 2025. Most recently, the couple married in a private ceremony at their home in Surfside, Florida, on December 3, 2025.
Early Life and Family Background
A Legacy of Excellence
Joaquim Valente was born on November 6, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He hails from a distinguished lineage that values education, public service, and martial prowess. The Valente family is unique in the world of martial arts; they are the only family outside of the Gracie clan to have four black belts and professor diplomas awarded directly by the legendary Grandmaster Hélio Gracie.
Education and Academic Background
Move to the United States
While his martial arts education began in the cradle of Rio de Janeiro, Joaquim’s formal academic pursuits brought him to the United States. Following the path laid out by his older brothers, he moved to Miami, Florida, in 2007.
Upon arriving in Miami, Joaquim enrolled at Barry University. He pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, graduating in 2011. His choice of major was complementary to his martial arts career; the study of criminology provided him with an intellectual framework for understanding violence, criminal behavior, and the legal aspects of self-defense.
Training under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie
Joaquim Valente’s martial arts credentials are impeccable. He trained directly under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, the father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from the age of two. He spent his childhood and teenage years absorbing the “Valente method”—a strict adherence to the original teachings of the Gracie Academy which emphasizes leverage, timing, and patience over brute strength.
In 2007, he received his black belt and the Professor’s Diploma directly from Hélio Gracie. This is a significant honor in the Jiu-Jitsu world, as Grandmaster Gracie was known for his high standards and reluctance to promote students who did not embody the full spirit of his art.
Founding the Valente Brothers Academy
Joaquim serves as a co-founder and lead instructor at the Valente Brothers headquarters in North Miami Beach. The academy is celebrated for its “753 Code,” a philosophy inspired by the samurai code of Bushido and the holistic lifestyle of the Gracie family. The facility itself is a state-of-the-art center that eschews the “fight club” atmosphere of many modern gyms in favor of a clean, clinical, and respectful environment closer to a university than a dojo.
Teaching Philosophy and Methodology
At the core of Joaquim’s teaching is the belief that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone—men, women, children, and the elderly. He specializes in self-defense rather than tournament competition (Sport Jiu-Jitsu). His methodology focuses on survival in street altercations, weapon defense, and conflict de-escalation. This approach garnered the attention of high-profile clients who sought effective training without the risk of injury common in sport-focused sparring.
Physical Attributes
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Height: 5 feet 11 inches (approx. 180 cm)
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Weight: Approx. 160–170 lbs (72–77 kg)
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Build: Athletic and lean
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Eye Color: Dark Brown
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Hair Color: Dark Brown
Joaquim maintains a peak physical condition year-round, a necessity for his profession. His physique is a result of decades of functional grappling training, combined with a strict diet likely influenced by the “Gracie Diet,” which emphasizes natural foods and specific food combinations to optimize digestion and energy.
Relationship with Gisele Bündchen
How They Met
Joaquim Valente met supermodel Gisele Bündchen in 2021. The connection was initially professional; Gisele had enrolled her son, Benjamin, in the Valente Brothers academy for self-defense training. Impressed by the philosophy and the positive impact on her son, Gisele began training herself. She publicly credited Joaquim and his brothers for giving her “new tools” to navigate life, praising their teaching style in a magazine interview in 2022.
From Friendship to Romance
Following Gisele’s high-profile divorce from NFL star Tom Brady in October 2022, rumors of a romance with Joaquim began to swirl. The two were spotted on several trips to Costa Rica, often training or jogging together. However, sources close to the couple insisted for months that their relationship was platonic. It was not until June 2023 that their friendship reportedly blossomed into a romance.
Marriage and Family Life
The couple’s relationship deepened rapidly but quietly. In December 2025, confirmed reports surfaced that Joaquim Valente and Gisele Bündchen had married in a private, intimate ceremony. The wedding took place on December 3, 2025, at their home in Surfside, Florida.
Children
First Child with Gisele
In early 2025, Joaquim Valente became a father for the first time. Gisele gave birth to their son in February 2025. The couple chose a home birth, prioritizing a calm and private environment for the arrival of their child.
Relationship with Stepchildren
Joaquim has reportedly built a strong and respectful relationship with Gisele’s two children from her previous marriage, Benjamin and Vivian. Having been their instructor before becoming their stepfather, he had already established a rapport based on mentorship and discipline.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Financial Standing in 2025
As of late 2025, Joaquim Valente’s estimated net worth falls between $3 million and $5 million. While he does not possess the massive wealth of his supermodel wife, he is a successful businessman in his own right.
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Primary Income: His primary source of income is the Valente Brothers academy, which is one of the most successful martial arts businesses in Florida.
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Private Coaching: The academy charges premium rates for private instruction, and Joaquim has a roster of high-net-worth clientele.
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Seminars and Merchandise: The Valente Brothers brand also generates revenue through international seminars, online training programs, and branded merchandise.
Personal Life and Interests
Lifestyle and Beliefs
Joaquim Valente is known for being intensely private. Unlike the typical modern influencer, his social media presence is reserved, often set to private or focused strictly on his professional work.
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Diet and Health: He follows a rigorous healthy lifestyle, eschewing processed foods and alcohol in favor of a diet that supports athletic performance and longevity.
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Philosophy: He is a proponent of the “753 Code” promoted by his academy, which integrates the 7 virtues of Bushido, 5 keys to health, and 3 states of mind.
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Hobbies: Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, he is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, and spending time in nature, particularly in Costa Rica, a favorite vacation spot for him and Gisele.
Conclusion
Joaquim Valente represents a bridge between the old-world traditions of Brazilian martial arts and the modern demands of life in the public eye. While he may now be globally recognized as the husband of Gisele Bündchen, his identity is firmly rooted in his own accomplishments as a Professor of Jiu-Jitsu and a guardian of the Helio Gracie legacy. His quiet demeanor, dedication to family, and professional excellence have allowed him to navigate the complexities of fame while maintaining his integrity.
FAQs
How old is Joaquim Valente? As of late 2025, Joaquim Valente is in his mid-to-late 30s. He was born on November 6, with estimates placing his birth year around 1988 or 1989.
What does Joaquim Valente do for a living?
He is a Jiu-Jitsu professor and co-owner of the Valente Brothers academy in Miami, Florida. He teaches self-defense to civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel.
When did Joaquim Valente marry Gisele Bündchen?
Joaquim Valente and Gisele Bündchen were married on December 3, 2025, in a private ceremony at their home in Surfside, Florida.
Does Joaquim Valente have any children?
Yes, he has one biological son with Gisele Bündchen, born in February 2025. He is also a stepfather to Gisele’s two children, Benjamin and Vivian.
What is Joaquim Valente’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, which he earned in 2011.
How tall is Joaquim Valente?
Joaquim Valente stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) tall.
Where does Joaquim Valente live?
He resides in Miami, Florida, specifically in the Surfside area, where he lives with his wife and family.
