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While most were home at the onset of COVID-19, we had the idea to create a technique series featuring long time friends and athletes.  The purposes of this series is to keep the Jiu Jitsu Community engaged with free instructional's especially those who / were training at home, sharing these techniques with friends and supporters with the goal of keeping the Aloha Spirit during trying times.    Check out the first in a series of techniques by Professor Marcelo Capo Martins - P …

Cancelled seminars and closed academies, World Champion Lucas Leite talks COVID & Small BusinessThe affects of COVID-19 and Small Businesses are profound. Empty dinning halls and crowded drive thrus for takeout. Closed Jiu Jitsu Academies and zoom classes behind a computer screen. We recently had a chance to catch up with our long time friend and Half Guard Master Professor Lucas Leite. Lucas had been in the processing of building his Competition Team not only with his US based st …

Congratulationsto our newest black belt, Rich Van Houten! He’s been working towards getting his black belt for almost 13 years now. He began training since 2006 while also opening up his gym, LA Boxing in Hoboken, New Jersey. At the time he was more focused on MMA but he was still training with guys like JT Torres and Jay Hayes. Eventually, he kept progressing and received his purple belt under Marcio Bittencourt. It was around this time where he decided to focus more on Jiu Jitsu so he s …

Just over 10 years ago when she was a 15-year-old living in Brazil, Pati Fontes only dreamed about becoming a black belt World Champion. That dream pushed her all the way until she got promoted to black belt on the podium at last year's IBJJF Worlds by Lucas Leite. She wasted no time and immediately hopped on the highly-competitive tournament scene. Just 5 months after receiving her black belt, she became the IBJJF NoGi Worlds Light-feather Weight Champion. This year, Pati got 3rd …

It's crazy to see how kids are evolving in the Jiu-Jitsu community. It's not hard to spot the ones with amazing technique and well-rounded game throughout the many tournaments each year. MOYA Brand definitely found a gem within the youngsters, Anaya Falcon. She is an 11-year-old orange-white belt training out of Checkmat La Habra under Pati Fontes. She was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5 years ago by her father (David Falcon) when he came across a Gracie Barra academy (Anaya's …

Our rising star Alyssa Wilson has always been a household name in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world. Her age never stopped her from putting on a show every time she competed. This year, she began a new journey when she did tournaments in the adult blue belt division. She's done 7 tournaments so far this year, winning the gold for 5 of them, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. This might seem a lot for the normal competitors, but for Alyssa, she thought this was taking a step back from the tournament scene. She …

It has always been said that people who do good, end up getting rewarded for their deeds no matter what. For our teammate, Ryan, his acts of leadership, generosity, and unwavering work ethic come naturally. He carries no intention of being recognized at all, but that doesn't mean that these things won't eventually come his way, TWICE! Ryan made it known early in his life that although he has ADHD and Asperger, absolutely nothing will stop him from accomplishing many great - and selfless - things …

Our team was well-represented across the pond in London at the IBJJF British National tournament by our black belt Chico Mendez, an avid competitor, instructor and Father. He had long days on June 25 and 26, competing in both the middle weight division and the open, competing in both Gi and No-Gi. With the Gi on, Chico took the gold medal in his division by winning 2 fights, the first via points and the final via wrist lock. He took 3rd in the open. For No-Gi, he took 2nd in both his …

Big Congrats to "The Half Guard Master Lucas Leite" on receiving his 3rd stripe (3rd degree) on his Blackbelt this past week, by his Master Leonardo Vieira (Checkmat Co - Founder).  Leite will be competing in his 14th IBJJF Worlds of his career, while at the same time building a successful academy and affiliation program.  Not only is Lucas an avid competitor and multi World Champion, he is also a dedicated mentor and professor to his students who will carry the Lucas Leite flag i …