It’s Science: The Miyao Brothers
Full study available in the next issue of Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine.
Notable Study Stats:
- 86% win rate
- 88% of submissions came from the back
- Finished a submission 75% of the time they got the back
- Submit their opponent in 60% of matches
- Average match length was approximately 6:50
- 57% of sweeps were berimbolo-based
- 50% of passes were of the leg drag variety
- Scored first in 11 of 15 matches
The Breakdown: When we did our study on Rafael and Gui Mendes we felt it was important to separate their data and evaluate each individually. We did this because both of their games were statistically different. With Paulo and Joao Miyao, this is not the case. The extraordinary Brazilian duo possess nearly identical competition approaches, and so we found it appropriate to include their data together. This way we can all see exactly what the Miyaos’ secrets actually are.
The Study: Anyone who has ever watched one of the Miyao brothers compete should already have a really good idea of where this study is headed. Most of us can imagine the dynamic duo pulling guard and spinning their way to the back for the win; however, what you might not know is just how effective they are at this strategy and how diligent they are with it.
In the matches we viewed the Miyao brothers possessed an 86% win rate. Not only that, but their submission rate was approximately 60%. This means they are finishing nearly 70% of their wins with a submission, at black belt!
Both Paulo and Joao are often criticized for having a very one dimensional game plan and approach in competition. However, we would argue that the consistencies in their game don’t differ much from the diversity that you would see in someone like Rafa Mendes, Rafael Lovato Jr., or Bernardo Faria.
The Miyaos’, as expected, are extremely effective at getting the back via berimbolo. In fact, we even had to add several categories to our static data log to track things appropriately; as it was the only way to categorize correctly what they do. The duo was able to complete a Berimbolo to the back in over 60% of their matches. Once on their opponents back, Joao and Paulo had a 75% finishing rate.
What’s important to keep in mind is that the Miyao brothers are not deficient in other areas of their game as much as they are extremely efficient with the Berimbolo and leg drag. In the instances where they were forced to use other sweeps or guard passes, they were extremely successful.
Ultimately, what’s most impressive about the Miyao’s is how they’ve been able to successfully overcome the learning curve that others have experienced when adapting to their game. At this point, all other competitors know exactly what to expect when they step on the mat against Joao or Paulo. Fortunately for the two brothers, this hasn’t stopped them from executing their strategy. And, while only one of the two currently holds an IBJJF world title, it is fair to expect that it will not be the only one that these two are able to achieve between themselves.
