Your Coaches Walked The Path Before You
Deise Leonanjo
Deise Leonanjo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Born in Itamaraju/BA, she began training in 2016 under Professor Rodrigo “Pitbull” Teixeira de Freitas and was promoted to black belt in 2022 by Professor Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa. She is recognized both for a decorated competitive record and for her passion for passing knowledge and technique to her students. As a coach she blends discipline and empathy, her methodology is built on technical detail, movement efficiency, and constant encouragement, whether she's working with a first-timer or a high-level competitor. On the mat she is firm; off it, an example of dedication and focus.
- IBJJF World Champion, Gi & No-Gi
- 3× Pan American Champion, No-Gi
- Brazilian & American National Champion, Gi
- IBJJF Multiple-Time Open Champion
João Matheus de Melo Assonitis
João Matheus is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he started training at 14, influenced by his family, and was promoted to black belt by Professors Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa and Darwin Falcão, with direct lineage from great names in the Gracie/Carlson tree. His career is marked by discipline, deep practical knowledge, and a genuine passion for developing people. Students describe his approach as direct, human, and committed: he has a rare ability to see each person's potential and guide them toward it with purpose.
- UFC Fight Pass Invitational Champion
- IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion
- 2× IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi Champion
- 2× IBJJF South American Champion
- IBJJF Multiple-Time Open Champion
Train With Champions
Your first class is free. Come see what world-class, ego-free coaching feels like.