Why did you start BJJ?
I started jiu-jitsu with a bunch of friends, and from there I was hooked.
Purple Belt Competitor
Richard Pilarca
"Kuya Rich"
Purple Belt
Dededo, GuamTraining for 17 years
Richard “Kuya Rich” Pilarca is a purple belt from Dededo, Guam with 17 years on the mats. He started jiu-jitsu with a bunch of friends and was hooked from day one — his first competition even came from a simple bet between them.
A veteran of podiums across Japan, Korea, Manila, and Guam, Kuya Rich keeps showing up to test himself against the young guys. His ultimate goal has never been belts — it's to inspire others, the same way his late friend Carl Cruz inspired him to get back on the mat.
- 2026 Marianas Dumau Open — Gold
- 2026 Manila Pro — Gold & Silver
- 2026 Korea Pro — Double Silver
- 2022 Jager Championship Korea — Double Silver & Bronze
- 2017 All Japan Championship JJFJ — Double Silver
- 2017 Los Concha Dumau — Bronze
- 2015 Dumau Open Championship — Silver
- 2015 All Japan Championship JJFJ — Silver
- 2015 All Japan Dumau — Silver
Athlete interview
In Kuya Rich’s words
What do you enjoy most about competing?
I started competing because of a simple bet between us friends. But I always wanted to challenge myself and see how far I have come from the start. The best part is having your team behind you through it all.
What motivates you to keep training?
Just trying to keep in shape and seeing that I can still go with the young guys.
Who has influenced your BJJ journey the most?
Besides my family and teammates, my support crew that keeps me going in this lifestyle, the person who inspired me to get back on the mat is an amazing friend, Carl Cruz (RIP). The simple words of just inspiring others to do their best have kept me going through this all.
What does representing our competition team mean to you?
The team will always have your back. From all the prep time, mat time, and training, we lay it all on the mat and leave it there. It's not just you on the mat — you have the whole team behind you, win or lose. We rep as a family!
What does representing Guam mean to you?
Guam is home. Being able to represent Guam showcases that the type of training and athletes Guam produces is just as good as everyone all over the world. We may be a small island, but never count us out of the fight.
What are your competition goals for the next 12 months?
To keep going until my body tells me I can't anymore.
What is your ultimate goal in BJJ?
To inspire others has always been my ultimate goal. Belts come and go, but inspiring others will always be there!
On the mats & at the podium
