Rafael was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in June of 1983. Following the influence of his father, Rafael began studying martial arts when he first started walking. Rafael’s path began by studying Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Escrima, American Boxing, and Thai Boxing under his father and Richard Bustillo. Rafael was very competitive and he soon held titles in Escrima and was well on his way to a promising boxing career.
Rafael first found his love for grappling when he started wrestling in middle school. At the early of age of thirteen, Rafael found his passion when his father introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Rafael made a serious commitment to BJJ at the age of 15, after early competition success.
In August of 2004, shortly after turning 21, Rafael became the youngest American to ever receive a black belt in BJJ at that time. In receiving his black belt Rafael also helped accomplish another feat, as he and his father became the first American father and son black belts.
As Rafael has climbed the ranks he has become part of the “Who’s Who’ in the country, as a professional BJJ and Submission Wrestling competitor. Many consider Rafael to be the top American BJJ competitor, and one of the best in the world.
As a black belt Rafael has accomplished more than any other American competitor. He is a 2x Pan-American Champion and an American National Champion at the black belt level. Rafael is also the first American to submit a Gracie in a BJJ competition at the black belt level. In 2007, Rafael made history by winning four gold medals, at the four major international competitions, including becoming the first American to win the Brazilian Nationals and becoming the second American, after BJ Penn, to win the World Championships at the black belt level. These accomplishments earned Rafael the prestigious BJJ competitor of the year award for 2007.
Rafael continues to teach, and train with all levels of Jiu-Jitsu at his school in Oklahoma City. On top of his own competition training, Rafael makes the time to train the Lovato’s Jiu-Jitsu Competition Team which is, arguably, the best Jiu-Jitsu team in the region.
Despite his early success in life Rafael has managed to remain humble and respectful of all people. He praises his excellent coach, the legendary Saulo Ribeiro and his incredible training partner, Saulo’s brother, Xande Ribeiro. Rafael also gives thanks to his family, friends, students, and sponsors for all their support.