INSTRUCTORS
Sensei 'Papalegua' has been practicing the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 24 years. As a young kid, he was very fast which earned him the nickname of Papalegua, which means Roadrunner. Professor Papalegua began his training in Fortaleza, Brazil. Papalegua competed and won several competitions in his home state of Ceara. In 2010, Papalegua continued his jiu jitsu training under the guidance of Saulo Ribeiro at the University of Jiu Jitsu. Papalegua has competed in various Jiu Jitsu tournaments including the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Open, IBJJF World Championship, IBJJF American National Championship, Subcon BJJ Championship, and Fight 2 Win. In 2004, he was also the Ceara State Muay Thai Champion. He was also champion in several amateur MMA fights in Brazil. In addition to his vast training and skill in Jiu Jitsu, Papalegua also has over 33 years training and teaching Capoeira (a Brazilian Martial Art) and holds the rank of third level Master.
Yan 'Pica Pau' began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 11. Papalegua introduced him to the gentle art under the guidance of his friend Professor Pirillo Roriz. Yan's nickname Pica Pau means Woodpecker in portuguese. Pica Pau quickly fell in love with Jiu Jitsu and began making a name for himself in the sport. He won many championships throughout Brazil. In 2015, Pica Pau came to the United States to compete in the IBJJF World Championship, where he won the gold. Later that year, he competed in the American National Championship and won his weight AND the absolute weight division, defeating the absolute champion Mahamed Aly (a super heavy weight) in the final. Pica Pau received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in February 2016. In 2017, Professor Pica Pau placed third in the IBJJF World Championship. In 2018, Pica Pau won the Brazilian National Championship.
Professor Carmen began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in December 2015 at the University of Jiu Jitsu, at the age of 40. Her husband (Papalegua) and all her children train Jiu Jitsu. Carmen started her Jiu Jitsu journey not only to empower herself, but to be able to 'lead by example' for her family. Carmen attended UC Berkeley and possesses an M.B.A. Aside from being a business executive and working full time, Carmen trained and competed in numerous IBJJF Championships, and medaled in every single one. Despite being Master 3 when she began training, Carmen competed in the Adult division as a white and blue belt, and was ranked among the top 100 athletes. Professor Carmen is a Brazilian National Champion and 2x IBJJF NoGi World Champion. Carmen was the athlete to win the first gold medal ever for the Six Blades Association. She received her black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in December 2022.