THE CIA PAULISTA SPORT DIVISION

THE CIA PAULISTA SPORT DIVISION

The Cia Paulista brand was conceived in the early 1980s when friends Waldomiro Perez Jr. — who would later found Cia Paulista in 1988 — and Geraldo Zanotto — a renowned surf-wear designer of the 90s with iconic collections for brands like Surf Explosivo, HD Hawaiian Dream, Rip Curl, and many others — came together to create a line of shirts related to Jiu-Jitsu. The brand carried the name Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a time when Brazilian was not yet a common identifier for the sport.

Always at the forefront of fashion, the duo decided to form partnerships with surf brands, as the surf audience was beginning to experience the first strong influence of the Jiu-Jitsu world, an influence that remains globally present to this day. The first partnership was with Hawaiian Dream, featuring a line of sweatshirts and shirts.

The first line under the name Cia Paulista de Jiu-Jitsu was created in 1991 — the iconic black and silver t-shirt that became a must-have item — even for those who did not practice Jiu-Jitsu. This t-shirt was reproduced in two successful partnerships with the brands Da Hui and later with Kipling, both in the 90s.

In the same decade, products were also developed with designer André Nastas, in collaboration with the brands QuadrIlex and Umbro. Other successful partnerships included Red Nose and Bad Boy.

As the team grew, the brand began to be developed in different countries and continents, with many successful partnerships. In the United States, the brand established an almost 20-year relationship with designer Brian Talbert — a top name in the MMA world, personal designer for pro fighters and brands like UFC, Pride, TapOut, among many others. Today, he has his own brand, VG Violent Gentleman, and continues to partner with Cia Paulista.

Due to the wide variety and limited quantities, our products often become rare pieces that are part of the personal collections of most of our community.

To continue the Cia Paulista legacy, we are fully embracing the digital world and launching an online store with exclusive and limited products. We will continue our line to meet sporting needs, and in addition, we will introduce an exciting new casual line for everyday use and leisure moments.