Jiu-jitsu star left paralysed after being slammed head-first into mat in illegal move
A Jiu-Jitsu fighter has tragically lost all sensation and movement in his legs after suffering a horrific spinal injury during a recent tournament.
Willian Hiroyuki Masuda was slammed head first onto a mat while competing in the Super Pro Jiu-Jitsu 2026 championship in Londrina, Brazil last week and remains in intensive care at the time of writing.
Masuda has 'dedicated his life to teaching' the martial art and now looks to be paralysed from the waist down after suffering a serious spinal cord injury following the illegal 'spike' move.
He was competing against fellow black belt Juliano Di Pelli Machado when the incident occurred and although he wasn't willing to accept any fault, police and lawyers are now reported to be investigating the shocking injury.
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Masuda, meanwhile, was rushed to hospital and underwent a nine hour surgery to treat the fractured vertebrae in his neck, which has now allowed him to breathe as normal and move his arms and hands, although his legs sadly remain motionless at this point.
A criminal complaint has since been submitted, which also points out the alarming 40kg difference in weight between the two fighters, while calling for footage and security recordings to be studied before any decision.
It said: “It is not socially acceptable, in any sport, to let the weight of one’s own body fall onto the head of an immobilised and motionless opponent, with only the head and neck as a point of support.”
Machado’s lawyers have also spoken out to insist that he was left 'deeply shaken' by the injury to his fellow grappler and confirmed that he would be more than willing to partake in any investigation, but also insisted that he wasn't at fault.
He said: “He put himself underneath me in a very dangerous position. I couldn’t see him underneath me. I didn’t let go.
“He had his head on the floor. I can’t slam him into the ground, it’s illegal. He went underneath me. I wasn’t at fault. I didn’t see him.”
On GoFundMe, a family friend wrote: "On August 22 an illegal move in a jiu jitsu tournament left our friend Kabuto with a severe spinal cord injury. He survived a nine hour emergency surgery, but now faces a hard recovery that needs constant medical monitoring and physical therapy to get better.
"Kabuto dedicated his life to teaching jiu jitsu, and while the sport is his passion, right now he needs our help. His mobility is very limited, so he requires around the clock support.
"The funds we raise will pay for his hospital bills, cover his daily care at home, and buy medical equipment to adapt his house for his new needs. Because Kabuto is Brazilian and cannot set up a GoFundMe himself, I am acting as his beneficiary for this campaign and will forward all donations directly to him.
"Every donation helps, but sharing this campaign is also a huge help. Kabuto always supported his students and friends, and now it is our turn to stand by him.
"Stay strong, Kabuto. We are in this together."
His wife is providing regular updates on his condition through his Instagram page and can donate to his GoFundMe here.
James Moorhouse