More Than a Medal: Celebrating Mathias Luna’s American Dream

A New Chapter: Celebrating Mathias Luna’s Journey to U.S. Citizenship

At MOYA, we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art; it is a vehicle for transformation, discipline, and community. Today, we are incredibly proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our own. Mathias Luna has officially become a U.S. Citizen, marking the culmination of a years-long journey defined by resilience and hard work.

From Brazil to the Podium

The road from Brazil to the United States is rarely easy, and for Mathias, it was a test of patience. Moving to a new country meant starting from the ground up—embracing a philosophy of taking life "one inch at a time." Through the daily grind of training and teaching, Mathias proved that consistent effort, no matter how small the increments, eventually leads to monumental success.

This journey wasn't walked alone. Mathias has always been vocal about the importance of the community that surrounded him. He credits early opportunities from mentors like Lucas Leite, Robert Follis, Ricardo Feliciano and the team at Checkmat for opening the doors that allowed him to build a life and a career here in the States.

A Legacy of Community Service

Beyond his personal accolades as a world-class competitor, Mathias has dedicated himself to the growth of his students. Whether he is leading a class or coaching from the sidelines, his focus remains on giving back to the sport that provided him a path forward. His citizenship isn't just a personal win; it’s a win for the entire academy and the students who look up to him as a role model of what is possible through the "gentle art."

The Luna Brothers: A Jiu-Jitsu Powerhouse

Mathias’s impact on the sport has not gone unnoticed by the mainstream media. Alongside his brother, Matheus Luna, Mathias was recently featured on KTLA 5 News. The segment highlighted the "Luna Brothers" and their incredible technical prowess on the mats, showcasing how they have brought their unique Brazilian heritage and world-class skills to the Southern California Jiu-Jitsu scene.

The feature served as a testament to their status in the grappling world—two brothers who moved across the globe to pursue a dream and ended up becoming staples of the American Jiu-Jitsu community.

"Moving here from Brazil was not easy. It meant waking up every day and taking life one inch at a time, working hard, staying patient, and believing that progress matters." — Mathias Luna

We are honored to have Mathias as part of the MOYA Brand family. Please join us in congratulating him on this incredible achievement.

Follow his journey: @mathiasluna_