Champion Judo And Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Says He’s ‘Vegan For The Animals’

Bernardo Ficarella, a champion in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has been vegan for a decade and attributes his choice to being "vegan for the animals." Despite being the lightest athlete in his division, Ficarella has managed to win multiple titles, including four in his weight category and two in the open-weight "absolute" division. He co-owns a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Ireland, where he and his business partner both follow a vegan diet.

Another athlete, MMA fighter Ahmed Labban, also recently adopted a vegan diet and believes in using his strength to protect the vulnerable, rather than cause harm. Labban has seen positive effects on his energy, performance, and recovery since switching to plant-based foods. Both Ficarella and Labban advocate for cruelty-free diets and believe in the importance of using their strength to promote a more just and compassionate world.