# Behring Last Stand > Merced, United States ## Overview **Name:** Behring Last Stand **Description:** Merced MMA, established in 2007 in Merced, California, is owned and operated by 3rd degree Black Belt Professor Marcos Tomé. The academy is affiliated with the renowned Flavio Behring Jiu-Jitsu system under 9th degree Red Belt Grandmaster Flavio Behring, connecting students to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Merced MMA is a sister school to Oakdale MMA and Sonora MMA, with membership allowing training at all three locations. The academy teaches traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Flavio Behring system, along with Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling (No-Gi), and Women's Conditioning. Professor Marcos Tomé, born in São Paulo, Brazil, holds a brown belt in Judo and serves as an Athletic Inspector for the California State Athletic Commission. In 2020, he was awarded the Hands on Hero award from the Merced County Office of Education for his work with children. His philosophy centers on the virtues of martial arts: "Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone" and emphasizes that it "does not depend on strength of the body, only the strength of the mind." The academy's instructor team includes Professor Tom Theofanopoulos (4th degree Black Belt, also a 9th degree Kajukenbo Grandmaster and 2nd degree Judo black belt who started Oakdale MMA in 1988), along with black belt instructors Chris Bucao, Chris Curtis, and Daniel De Los Santos. Additional instructors include brown belts Sergio Guerrero and Pardeep Singh, and blue belts Nick Gonzalez, Vinicius Tomé, and Gustavo Guerrero. The facility features a full-range fitness center with free weights, punching bags, pull-up stations, body weight bars, and a full-sized boxing ring available to all members. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 745 W. Main St., Merced, CA 95340 Merced, CO 95340, United States **Phone:** 209-384-0117 **Email:** mercedmma@icloud.com **Website:** https://www.MMAMERCED.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedmma/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedmma ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 3:45 PM - 9:00 PM - Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 3:45 PM - 9:00 PM - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Friday: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM ## Pricing ## Facilities & Amenities Kickboxing ## Instructors ### Marcos Tomé - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Owner and Chief Instructor of Merced MMA. Born in São Paulo, Brazil. Brown belt in Judo. Athletic Inspector for the California State Athletic Commission. Awarded 2020 Hands on Hero award from Merced County Office of Education. ### Chris Bucao - Black **Role:** Instructor ### Chris Curtis - Black **Role:** Instructor ### Daniel De Los Santos - Black **Role:** Instructor ### Elvira Mix **Role:** Instructor ### Gustavo Guerrero - Blue **Role:** Instructor ### Joey Gonzalez **Role:** Instructor ### Johnny Inthavong **Role:** Instructor ### Nick Gonzalez - Blue **Role:** Instructor ### Pardeep Singh - Brown **Role:** Instructor ### Ryan La Fuente **Role:** Instructor ### Sergio Guerrero - Brown **Role:** Instructor ### Tom Theofanopoulos - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 4th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Grandmaster Flavio Behring. 9th degree Grandmaster in Kajukenbo under Gaylord method, KAA. 2nd degree Judo black belt under Sensei Christine Lincoln Penick. Started training martial arts in 1976. Founded Oakdale MMA in 1988. Received Califights lifetime achievement award in 2014. ### Vinicius Tomé - Blue **Role:** Instructor ## Programs ### Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 4-6) **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for young children ages 4-6, teaching discipline, respect, and fundamental techniques in a fun environment. **Classes:** ### Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Ages 7-12) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for children ages 7-12, building confidence, discipline, and technical skills. **Classes:** ### Kids Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Kickboxing classes for children, teaching striking techniques, fitness, and discipline. **Classes:** ### Kids Submission Wrestling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi grappling classes for children ages 7-12, teaching submission techniques without the gi. **Classes:** ### Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the Flavio Behring system for ages 13 and up. Welcomes beginners and all skill levels. **Classes:** ### Adults Submission Wrestling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu encompassing submission techniques without the use of the gi. **Classes:** ### Adults Muay Thai **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Traditional Muay Thai kickboxing training for adults. **Classes:** ### Adults Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Kickboxing classes with full or no-contact options. Full-sized boxing ring available. **Classes:** ### Women's Conditioning **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Intensive conditioning program designed specifically for women to build strength, fitness, and change the way you work out. **Classes:** ### Rock Steady Boxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's disease and similar conditions. **Classes:** ### Open Gym / Mat **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Open mat time for members to practice techniques and train freely. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/colorado/merced/behring-last-stand)