The People behind our Success
Behind every success at the academy is a committed team that leads by example. Our instructors and staff are more than coaches—they are mentors dedicated to building character, discipline, and confidence in every student. United by a shared mission, they create a supportive and structured environment where individuals of all ages can grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential both on and off the mats.
Kids and Adults Jiu Jitsu, Capoeira, and Muay Thai
Ninja is the Head Professor and owner of Brazil Academy. He moved from Sao Paulo, Brazil to pursue his dream of changing lives through martial arts. He's been teaching professionally since 2000 and regularly competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Womens Jiu Jitsu
Morena is the head coach for our Women's Jiu Jitsu Program and has taught seminars in the US, Japan, Saint Martin, Mexico, and Brazil. She has won titles in various competitions. Morena is an experienced teacher and always ensures that everybody gets something from her classes, despite skill level
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Bethany start training Jiu Jitsu as a kid and immediately fell in love with the art. She has experienced how it can build confidence, respect, discipline, and community. She has a passion for working with kids and began volunteering in the kid's classes in 2017 and has been teaching since 2021
Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai
Albino Mendes began his martial arts journey in 1995, dedicating himself to the discipline and structure of Muay Thai at a young age. By 1999, he had already stepped into the role of instructor, demonstrating not only technical skill but a commitment to developing others. He entered competition as an amateur in 2000 and transitioned to the professional ranks in 2004. Over the course of his professional career, Albino completed 36 Muay Thai fights, earning 28 victories and sustaining 8 defeats—an experience that reflects both resilience and high-level performance. He represented Brazil in two World Championships in Thailand, competing in 2010 and 2014 under the World Muaythai Federation (WMF) as an athlete of the Brazilian national team through the CBMT (Confederação Brasileira de Muaythai). As a professor, Albino’s mission is clear: to transmit his knowledge with discipline and integrity, using the art of fighting as a vehicle to transform lives—just as it transformed his own.
Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA
Renato “Nato” Claudemiro Nato Sobrinho has devoted over 30 years to martial arts, earning distinction as a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing . With more than 20 years of coaching experience, he has developed athletes and students through disciplined, structured, and performance-driven training . Since 2012, he has led Nato Training Center, building a system focused on technical excellence, safety, and long-term athlete development . Recognized by respected senior authorities in both Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , Renato continues to shape disciplined competitors and confident leaders through martial arts.
Adult Capoeira
Training Capoeira since 2008, Chuva has been teaching since 2014. "I fell in love with the art from the beginning. Capoeira has given me so much! I have been exposed to new cultures, an innumerable amount of people, new friends, and a world of opportunities"
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Alex Ramirez began his martial arts journey at just eight years old as a student in the kids program. Through years of disciplined training, he evolved from a young beginner into an accomplished competitor, demonstrating resilience, technical growth, and a strong competitive mindset. Today, Alex serves as a dedicated kids instructor, bringing his full-circle experience back to the mat. Having once stood in the same place as his students, he teaches with authenticity, patience, and high standards—guiding young athletes not only to compete at a high level, but to build confidence, discipline, and character through martial arts.
Jiu Jitsu kids/Adults
Russell started training in 2015 and began teaching as a purple belt. Jiu Jitsu has taught him to stay calm under pressure, confident in any situation, and to keep moving forward. As a kid's instructor, his goal is to help out littlest students build confidence, discipline, and to keep trying when something feels challenging.
