Peruvian Sensation Eduardo Castillo Readies for Elite No-Gi Challenge at Pan IBJJF 2025

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Eduardo Castillo Zimic, a name synonymous with resilience and exceptional skill, is set to compete in the highly anticipated Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2025. The Peruvian black belt sees this prestigious event as a crucial step in his illustrious career, aiming to test his mettle against the world's best no-gi grapplers.

Castillo, whose journey in BJJ began at the tender age of 13, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the sport. His father, a passionate blue belt, instilled an early love for the art, paving the way for a career defined by perseverance and an impressive list of international accolades.

"I will be competing because it’s one of the most prestigious no-gi tournaments in the world," Castillo stated, highlighting the significance of the upcoming championship. "The IBJJF brings together the best athletes, and this championship will be a great opportunity to showcase my level on an elite stage."

While no stranger to the IBJJF circuit, having earned numerous international medals, Castillo views the Pan No-Gi 2025 as a pivotal moment. "It’s not my first time competing in IBJJF tournaments, but this will be a very important step in my athletic standing. I’m motivated to test myself against top-level opponents and continue growing as a competitor," he explained.

Castillo will compete in his respective belt and weight division, with a clear objective. "My goal will be to give everything I have in each match, represent my academy, and aim for a place among the best in the tournament," he affirmed. Known for his versatile approach, he added, "I am able to win by either points or submission, so I am ready to respond to whatever the opponent brings."

The IBJJF's standing in the jiu-jitsu world is undisputed, a fact Castillo underscores. "The IBJJF is the most influential organization in the jiu-jitsu world. Its tournaments are the international standard and the place where athletes truly measure their level. Competing in their championships means being part of the sport’s elite."

Preparation for such a high-stakes event is rigorous, and Castillo is leaving no stone unturned. "I’m focusing on a complete preparation: sharpening my most effective no-gi techniques, training with different sparring partners and styles, developing specific strategies for tournament scenarios, and practicing under pressure to simulate real competition intensity," he detailed.

His training regimen, diet, and discipline will intensify significantly. "Everything will become more demanding," he noted. "I’ll increase the intensity of sparring and physical conditioning. Diet will maintain a clean, balanced plan tailored to peak performance. And discipline will involve a strict routine of rest, visualization, and recovery to arrive in the best shape possible."

Castillo's path to the elite level has been marked by extraordinary challenges, including a severe car accident in 2018 that nearly cost him his hand. Despite medical orders for six months of rest, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu drove him back to the mats just one month after surgery, adapting his style to train with one arm. Remarkably, only three months post-accident, he competed and became the 2018 National Jiu-Jitsu Champion of Peru.

This comeback ignited a career that has since seen him accumulate a string of prestigious titles, including:

• Champion in the -91 kg division at the ADCC São Paulo Open (2023)
• Absolute Black Belt Champion at the Jiu-Jitsu Con IBJJF, Las Vegas (2023)
• Heavyweight Champion at the São Paulo Open IBJJF (2024)
• Absolute Champion at the São Paulo Open ADCC (2024)
• Sub champion ADCC OPEN LATAM, Perú (2024)
• Absolute Champion at the Miami Open ADCC (2025)
• Sub champion at ADCC NATIONALS (2025)

Currently, Castillo trains at two world-class academies: Fight Sports under Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and Vagner Rocha Martial Arts, honing a style known for its strategy, explosiveness, and creativity.

Looking beyond the Pan No-Gi, Castillo also has his sights set on the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2025, scheduled for December 11-13 in Las Vegas. "This championship is one of the most prestigious no-gi tournaments in the world, and stepping onto the mats in Las Vegas will be an honor," he said, reiterating his commitment to "bring my best version, execute my game plan under pressure, and test myself against the highest level of competition."

Beyond his competitive pursuits, Castillo is a passionate instructor with over eight years of experience, dedicated to passing on discipline, respect, and love for Jiu-Jitsu to the next generation. His mission remains clear: to continue representing Peru at the highest level, reach the pinnacle of the Jiu-Jitsu world, and contribute to the sport's growth through his teaching and inspiring example.

As the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Eduardo Castillo Zimic, a competitor whose journey embodies the spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.