# CheckMat Rgv > Palmview, United States ## Overview **Name:** CheckMat Rgv **Description:** Founded in 2015 under the lineage of Master Leo Vieira, CheckMat South Texas is part of the internationally renowned CheckMat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team. CheckMat was founded in 2008 by Master Leo Vieira and has gyms in 34 American cities and 16 countries worldwide. CheckMat BJJ practitioners are world-renowned for winning prestigious tournaments such as the World Championship (The Mundials), The Brazilian National Championship, and The Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship. At CheckMat South Texas, the mission is to engage students through physical and mental training in Jiu-Jitsu, helping them become disciplined, confident, and healthy individuals. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages including children's jiu-jitsu, adult jiu-jitsu (both Gi and No-Gi), women's self-defense, bully-proof courses, law enforcement training, and private lessons. The gym proudly offers a 40% discount for military veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders, as well as family discounts. Head instructor Professor Danian Torres is a 2nd degree black belt with 35 years of experience in martial arts and teaching. His martial arts journey began in 1989, obtaining black belts in Goju Ryu Japanese Karate, Korean Taekwondo, and Martial Science before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2004. The coaching team includes Professor Kay Torres (black belt, 14 years experience), Professor Rico Abarca (1st degree black belt, 15 years experience and the first black belt under Danian Torres' lineage), Professor Peng Zhou (black belt, retired combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient), Instructor AJ Garza (brown belt, competitive IBJJF competitor), and Coach Ryan Gaus (blue belt, competitive IBJJF circuit athlete). **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 1000 E Center Ave, Suite "B", Pharr, TX 78577 Palmview, TX 78577, United States **Phone:** (956)-607-6197 **Email:** Checkmatsouthtexas@gmail.com **Website:** https://checkmatstx.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checkmat_south_texas/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkmatsouthtexas ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Friday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Saturday: Closed - Sunday: Closed ## Instructors ### Danian Torres - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** A lifelong martial artist, Danian began training in 1989, and over the course of his life obtained black belts in Goju Ryu Japanese Karate, Korean Taekwondo, and Martial Science. In pursuit of further developing his skill set, he began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2004 and eventually was awarded the rank of 2nd degree black belt. Danian possesses a bachelor's degree in Business Management and has been a physical education teacher for the past 18 years. Danian passionately has been teaching martial arts for the past 35 years and is the proud father of 3 children, all of which train Jiu-Jitsu. ### AJ Garza - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** A native of Cleveland, Ohio, AJ's path in combat sports was filled with amateur MMA fights, kickboxing, and Muay Thai bouts, but ultimately he chose the path of being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He often competes in IBJJF competitions and is an avid outdoorsman. As a father he takes great pride in teaching his two children life lessons through Jiu-Jitsu. ### Kay Torres - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Fueled by her competitive nature, Kay sought out a new challenge in the form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has been training for the past 14 years and is the most recent black belt produced by Checkmat South Texas. Kay possesses a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is a school teacher with 12 years experience. Kay utilizes her experience as a teacher to adapt to different learning styles while instilling in her students values such as discipline, respect, and good sportsmanship. Kay encourages women of all ages to train Jiu-Jitsu. ### Peng Zhou - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Originally from China, in 2004 Peng moved to the United States at the age of 17. He would soon enlist in the Army with the hopes of establishing a better life. In 2010, while on deployment in the Middle East, Peng was hit by an IED. He sustained traumatic injuries to his hand, arm, neck, and back. He was awarded a Purple Heart and is a retired combat veteran. In 2015, after years of being an avid mixed martial arts fan, Peng turned to Jiu-Jitsu. He is a passionate Professor who encourages people to ask questions and works alongside them to problem solve. ### Rico Abarca - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** A black belt with 15 years experience on the mat, Rico was the first black belt under the lineage of Danian Torres. His interest in Jiu-Jitsu began at a young age, as an avid wrestler and passionate fan of early mixed martial arts fights. As the father of 5 young girls, he makes it a point to teach his daughters a self-defense system. Jiu-Jitsu has granted his daughters the ability to mature and learn lessons of perseverance, determination, and discipline. ### Ryan Gaus - Blue **Role:** Assistant **Bio:** The son of two black belts, Ryan has spent a lifetime on the mats learning the gentle art. He actively competes on the IBJJF circuit, with the intention of growing and establishing himself as an elite grappler. ## Programs ### Kids Jiu-Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Our Jiu-Jitsu program for kids is more than just a self-defense system—it's a powerful tool for personal growth and development that lasts a lifetime. Through structured, full body and mental workouts, we instill confidence, discipline, and resilience; kids in our program develop strength, flexibility, coordination, agility, spatial awareness, and—most importantly—respect. ### Adult Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Jiu-Jitsu develops both mental toughness and physical strength; offering endurance, flexibility, and cardio benefits that go far beyond what you'd find in a traditional gym. Our classes are carefully structured to challenge each student and create an environment where they can push their own limits through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. **Classes:** ### Adult No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is known for its fast-paced scrambles, wrestling, and dynamic submissions. Without the Gi, students learn innovative techniques, speed, and control—essential skills for grappling in No-Gi. For those with a wrestling background, No-Gi is an ideal path to build on existing skills. It's also an excellent way to prepare for wrestling competitions or lay a foundation for aspiring MMA athletes. ### Home School Jiu-Jitsu **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Specialized program for homeschool students providing martial arts training during school hours. --- **Last Updated:** March 13, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/texas/palmview/checkmat-rgv)