Who Is Gisele Bündchen’s Boyfriend? All About Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Joaquim Valente

Gisele Bündchen and her boyfriend Joaquim Valente are having a baby!

A source close to Bündchen confirmed the pregnancy to PEOPLE on Oct. 28, saying the pair are “happy for this new chapter in their life.”

The supermodel and Miami-based jiu-jitsu instructor first made headlines in February 2022 when Gisele shared a video of her session at his academy in Florida, paired with a caption that thanked him and his brothers for being “awesome teachers.”

Later that year, Gisele and Joaquim sparked romance rumors when the pair visited Provincia de Puntarenas (a province located on Costa Rica’s coast), two weeks after her divorce from NFL star Tom Brady was finalized. They were joined by the supermodel’s two children — son Benjamin Rein and daughter Vivian Lake — and several other people.

In the months that followed, they were seen out and about together on several occasions. However, Gisele denied having a romantic relationship with Joaquim at the time, telling Vanity Fair, “I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that they’re going to try to attach me to anything.”

A love connection later blossomed between the pair, and in February 2024, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Gisele and Joaquim have been dating since June 2023.

Here’s everything to know about Gisele Bündchen’s boyfriend Joaquim Valente.

He’s a co-founder of a self-defense academy in Miami

A third-generation practicer of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Joaquim currently teaches the martial arts sport at a Miami-based academy alongside his brothers (and fellow co-founders) Pedro and Gui. The oldest of the siblings, Pedro, began teaching jiu-jitsu classes throughout Miami after his move from Rio de Janeiro in 1993.

Joaquim, the youngest of the brothers, was the last of his siblings to move to Miami. Upon his arrival, his involvement with instruction played a pivotal role in the development of the brothers’ curriculum due to the knowledge he gained from the Grandmaster when he was in Brazil.

The brothers offer classes to students of all genders and levels of experience. “The techniques of jujutsu are based on natural movements that can easily be performed by anyone. We currently teach several elderly students as well as students with disabilities,” according to the Valente Brothers’ website.

He learned jiu-jitsu before he could walk

Similar to his brothers, Joaquim was introduced to jiu-jitsu before he could walk and began lessons at the age of two. He learned from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, who’s considered a legend in the practice and taught three generations in a span of 67 years.

He’s also trained in boxing and jūdō

In addition to jiu-jitsu, Joaquim is also trained in boxing and jūdō. He and his brothers were introduced to striking and throwing techniques by experts from a young age, skills that were pivotal for holistic jiu-jitsu training methods, as opposed to strategy taught specifically for tournaments.

He holds a professor title in jiu-jitsu

Following in his family’s footsteps, Joaquim received his black belt and Professors’ Diploma from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie in 2007. The honor is significant within the practice, as it denotes an expert level of technical and practical skill. The accomplishment was major for the family, as only 27 people received this diploma from the Grandmaster in 75 years.

He met Gisele at the academy through her son

After learning about the academy and Valente brothers through a friend, Gisele sought out the martial arts school for herself — but she credits her pre-teen son (whom she wanted to “steer in the right direction”) for introducing her to Joaquim.

During an interview with Dust Magazine, Gisele revealed that she wasn’t personally interesting in jiu-jitsu at first. “Initially, I wasn’t even considering it for myself,” she began. “But when I brought [her son] to the first class and started talking to Joaquim, I realized that it was much more than self defense.”

She mentioned that it was the philosophy behind jiu-jitsu that piqued her interest the most. “It felt very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life, and how I have a path to develop and become the best version of myself.”

He and Gisele have been together since 2023

According to several sources, Joaquim and Gisele have been dating since June 2023.

“They’re taking it slow,” an insider told PEOPLE in February 2024. “They started out as great friends. She’s very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”

A separate source added: “They come from similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young. Gisele’s in a great space. Joaquim is perfect for her.”

He earned a degree in criminology

Joaquim moved to Miami in 2007 to study criminology at Barry University where he earned his degree in the field. His eldest brother, Pedro, holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami while his other brother, Gui, holds a master of science in sport management from Barry University’s School of Human Performance and Leisure Sciences.

He was mentioned during Tom Brady’s Netflix comedy roast

Netflix’s The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady aired on May 5, 2024. Brady was roasted by his A-list friends and several comedians — most notably, Kevin Hart, who poked fun at the NFL star’s divorce from Gisele and the model’s relationship with Joaquim.

“You know who also f—ed their coach? Gisele, she f—ed her karate coach,” Hart said to Brady, who was visibly uncomfortable. “Tom, how did you not see this coming? Eight karate classes a day?”

He and Gisele are expecting their first child together

On Oct. 28, a source close to the supermodel confirmed to PEOPLE she is pregnant with her first child with Joaquim. “Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they’re looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family,” the source said in a statement.

The baby will be Gisele’s third. She shares son Benjamin and daughter Vivian with her ex-husband Brady.