Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athlete

The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to establish a one-time achievement or meet at least three of the 10 EB-1A criteria. Specifically, criteria for lesser awards (i), memberships (ii), published material (iii), original contributions (v), and artistic exhibitions (vii) were not met. For awards, the context for excellence was not established. For memberships, the black belt requirements did not necessitate outstanding achievements. For published material, the publications were not proven to be 'major trade publications or other major media'. For original contributions, the organized tournament was not shown to be of 'major significance'. For exhibitions, Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions were deemed athletic, not artistic, and thus did not qualify.

The appeal was dismissed because the Petitioner satisfied only one criterion (awards) instead of the required three. Specifically, the IBJJF black belt membership was found to be based on training requirements rather than expert-judged outstanding achievement, and refereeing was viewed as rule enforcement rather than judging. The Petitioner also failed to establish that athletic competitions qualified as artistic exhibitions.

The appeal was dismissed because the Petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that he is among the small percentage at the very top of his field. Specifically, the Petitioner only met one of the ten EB-1A criteria (lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards). Evidence for 'published material' was deemed insufficient due to the publications' limited reach and demise, and 'original contributions' lacked proof of major significance or widespread adoption. The criterion for 'judging' was not evaluated as it would not change the outcome.

The Petitioner failed to meet the minimum requirement of three evidentiary criteria, satisfying only those for awards and judging. Specifically, he did not demonstrate that his coaching techniques or the BJJ Tournament had a widespread impact on the field (original contributions) or that his roles at specific gyms were leading or critical. Consequently, the record did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or that the Petitioner is at the very top of the field.