Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Willian “Kabuto” Masuda has returned home to continue his recovery under a domestic care arrangement nearly a month after sustaining a severe cervical spine injury during a match in Londrina, Paraná. Masuda lost the mobility of his torso and lower body following an illegal “slam” technique executed during the Super Pro Jiu-Jitsu 2026 tournament on August 22.
Return to Home and Ongoing Medical Treatment
Masuda addressed the public for the first time since the accident via an Instagram video published on September 28, 2026, confirming that he is no longer in the hospital but remains under strict medical supervision. He explained that he is undergoing home hospitalization because he requires ongoing medication and specialized professional care. Due to these medical requirements and his current recovery phase, the black belt is maintaining an isolated routine and limiting visitors strictly to close family members and healthcare providers.
Reporting from SBT News notes that the fighter spent weeks hospitalized following the incident, which included a surgery on his spine the day after the tournament that lasted nearly 12 hours. Masuda suffered a high cervical fracture that robbed him of movement and sensation from the chest down. The athlete admitted that he is still processing the life-changing trauma and focusing on mental and physical rehabilitation.
Legal Investigation and Tournament Incident
The severity of the injury has triggered formal legal scrutiny in Brazil. Prosecutor Renato Castro, who was attending the tournament as a spectator and holds a jiu-jitsu black belt himself, formalized a criminal complaint regarding the incident. According to SBT News, civil authorities are investigating whether the opponent, Juliano Di Pelli Machado, could have foreseen the risk of a severe injury.
The banned technique—known as the “bate-estaca”—involves lifting an opponent who has secured a guard and forcefully projecting them head-first or downward onto the mat. Practitioners note that the maneuver is strictly illegal because the defending athlete cannot control their descent, increasing the risk of severe spinal trauma. Reached by reporters, Machado stated that he remains in prayer for Masuda and asserted that he never intended to cause physical harm.
Support from the Jiu-Jitsu Community
Despite the physical and psychological challenges of his convalescence, Masuda expressed deep gratitude for the messages, prayers, and community support he has received throughout his hospitalization and return home. He noted that well-wishes from supporters have provided vital strength to his heart and head as they face the long-term uncertainty surrounding his rehabilitation and future involvement in the sport.
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