Willian Masuda suffers severe spinal injury during Jiu-Jitsu match

Jiu-jitsu athlete Willian Hiroyuki Masuda, known as Kabuto, suffered a severe cervical spine injury during the Super Pro Jiu-Jitsu 2026 tournament in Londrina, Paraná. The injury occurred during a No-Gi match against Juliano Di Pelli Machado when Machado applied a “pile driver” (bate-estaca), a maneuver prohibited by major organizations like the IBJJF due to the high risk of neck and spinal damage.

Masuda sustained fractures to the C5 and C6 vertebrae and underwent a nearly 10-hour surgery. Following the incident, he lost movement and sensation from the chest down, though recent updates from his family indicate he is clinically stable, breathing without assistance, and has begun showing slight movements in his arms and sensitivity in his feet.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Paraná has filed a formal complaint with the Civil Police, requesting an investigation into Juliano Di Pelli Machado for possible serious bodily harm. Prosecutor Renato de Lima Castro noted the significant size difference between the athletes as a factor in the risk posed by the move. The tournament organizers stated they provided immediate medical assistance and are supporting the family, while Masuda’s family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to assist with his intensive rehabilitation and medical costs.