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Carpe Diem Studio

LOCU JIU-JITSU STUDIO is Tokyo's first completely private Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio, located in the heart of Roppongi. Founded in April 2022 by Koya Okazaki, LOCU offers an exclusive, reservation-only experience where practitioners can train one-on-one or in small private groups away from the hustle of traditional gyms. The studio name "LOCU" (ロク) is derived from Roppongi (六本木), meaning "six" in Japanese. The studio specializes in fully customized, private Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction tailored to individual goals including weight loss, body conditioning, self-defense, and competitive training. Each training plan is personally designed by experienced instructors who work directly with students in a comfortable, distraction-free environment. Whether training solo or with family and friends, LOCU provides a peaceful sanctuary where practitioners can focus on developing their strength and technique at their own pace. Head instructor Koya Okazaki brings extensive experience as the former head instructor of CARPE DIEM BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU, one of Asia's largest BJJ organizations with over 20 branches across Japan and internationally. After years of leading group instruction, Okazaki pioneered Japan's first private-lesson-only jiu-jitsu studio to provide personalized attention and customized training experiences. The studio also features additional experienced instructors and active competitors on staff.

Carpio Jiu-Jitsu

Carpio Jiu Jitsu is a Checkmat affiliate in Long Beach, California, offering comprehensive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for all ages and skill levels. The academy focuses on the learning process rather than external rewards such as medals or belts, emphasizing comprehension and continuous improvement. Their philosophy is straightforward: "Learn. Stay Curious. Enjoy the Process. Master your Craft." The gym's mission is to share the countless benefits of jiu jitsu with the community. Through structured programs, students develop not only physical fitness and proven self-defense skills, but also increased confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. The academy provides a training environment that creates an immersive learning experience through an all-inclusive, direct approach to teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Professor Gustavo Carpio, the head instructor, began training in October 1998 in Lima, Peru under Professor Jorge Balarin. He later trained under Professor Sergio Correa "Marra" who awarded him his purple belt, brown belt, and black belt. As a competitor, Professor Gustavo achieved gold at the American Nationals at purple belt, and earned bronze medals at the Pan Americans as both a purple and brown belt. His most notable achievement was a bronze medal at the 2008 World Championship as a brown belt. After working in psychology, he moved to the United States in 2009 to teach and compete in jiu jitsu full time. From 2004 to 2009, he taught and trained at Sniper Gym in Lima, Peru.

Carpio Jiu-Jitsu Peru

Carpio Jiu Jitsu, also known as Checkmat Lakewood, is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy located in Long Beach, California. Founded by Professor Gustavo Carpio, the gym is part of the prestigious Checkmat team, one of the most successful BJJ organizations in the world. The academy's philosophy emphasizes learning over external rewards, encouraging students to view comprehension and skill development as the ultimate goals rather than medals or belts. Professor Gustavo Carpio began his jiu jitsu journey in October 1998 in Lima, Peru under Professor Jorge Balarin. In 2004, he began training under Professor Sergio Correa "Marra" who awarded him his purple belt, brown belt, and black belt. As a competitor, Professor Carpio achieved notable success including gold at the American Nationals and bronze at the Pan Americans as a purple belt, bronze at the Pan Americans as a brown belt, and bronze at the 2008 World Championship. After working in the Psychology field, he moved to the United States in 2009 to pursue teaching and competing in jiu jitsu full time. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels, including Kids/Youth programs, All Levels classes for beginners, and Advanced programs for experienced practitioners. The training environment prioritizes learning, curiosity, and mastery of the craft. With a focus on building both physical fitness and mental resilience, Carpio Jiu Jitsu provides students with proven self-defense skills while developing confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a supportive community atmosphere.

Casa Chimeyo Mexico

Casa Chimeyo is a comprehensive combat sports academy founded by Enrique "El Especialista" Chimeyo, a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and professional MMA fighter (4-1-0 record). The academy represents the Chimeyo Combat Systems and KINEZYS methodologies, reflecting Enrique's deep expertise in multiple martial arts disciplines. Located in Mexico City, Casa Chimeyo offers a diverse range of programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Sambo, mobility training, self-defense, and wellness programs. The academy's philosophy centers on three core principles: "We teach with vocation, we train with direction, and we grow in community." This approach emphasizes cultivating health, developing talents, and utilizing systematic training methods. Enrique "El Especialista" Chimeyo serves as the head instructor and brings extensive competition experience from his MMA career, having been inducted into the XFL MMA Hall of Fame. He is also an author and entrepreneur, having established Casa Chimeyo USA in Merced, California. The academy is part of the Casa Chimeyo Team network, with multiple affiliated academies across Mexico. The training environment focuses on the power of leverage in jiujitsu while incorporating mobility and wellness components to develop well-rounded martial artists.

Casa Chimeyo USA

Casa Chimeyo is an international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts network founded by Professor Enrique Alfonso Rivera Chimeyo, also known as "El Especialista" (The Specialist). With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Professor Chimeyo holds a 3rd degree black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido, and is a former MMA fighter and national champion in Mexico. He is the President and Founder of Casa Chimeyo Association, which has developed into an international network with affiliated schools across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The academy's philosophy centers on three core principles: "ENSEÑAMOS CON VOCACION" (We teach with vocation), "ENTRENAMOS CON DIRECCION" (We train with direction), and "CRECEMOS EN COMUNIDAD" (We grow in community). Casa Chimeyo emphasizes cultivating health, developing talents, and utilizing systematic training methods. The association offers comprehensive martial arts training including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, Sambo, mobility training, self-defense, and wellness programs. Professor Enrique Chimeyo has built Casa Chimeyo into a respected martial arts organization known for its structured approach to combat sports training and community-focused environment. As a Hall of Fame XFL MMA inductee, author, and entrepreneur, Professor Chimeyo brings extensive competitive and teaching experience to the Casa Chimeyo network. The California headquarters in Merced serves as the foundation for the association's growing international presence.

Cascão Jiu Jitsu Brasil is a martial arts academy in João Pessoa, Paraíba, that has been operating since 2009. The academy is part of the Cascão Jiu-Jitsu team, founded by Walter "Cascão" Vital Jr., a 5th degree black belt and accomplished competitor with titles including 2007 No-Gi World Champion, multiple-time World and Pan American medalist. Under the management of Marcílio Medeiros, the academy offers training in multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, No-Gi grappling, and MMA. The academy is registered with Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP) and competes in IBJJF tournaments. The team emphasizes a mission of promoting health and quality of life, with a special focus on encouraging sports practice for those in economically and socially vulnerable situations. With the motto "Uma família para pertencer!" (A family to belong to!), Cascão Jiu Jitsu Brasil has built a strong community presence in João Pessoa with over 4,900 followers on Instagram.

Castro Team is a well-established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy based in Belém, Pará, Brazil, operating since 2008. Under the leadership of Mestre Alexandre Castro, the team has built a strong reputation in the northern region of Brazil, ranking #1 in their area. The academy is affiliated with CBJJ (Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu) and competes internationally through organizations such as the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit. Castro Team emphasizes a family-oriented training environment where members develop not only technical skills but also the values of discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Mestre Alexandre Castro is described by students as more than just a professor—he is a mentor and leader whose dedication to jiu-jitsu extends beyond the mat, fostering personal growth and community building. The academy welcomes practitioners of all ages and skill levels, offering training in traditional gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With over 15 years of experience and a strong competition track record in regional and international tournaments, Castro Team continues to grow the BJJ community in Belém while maintaining its commitment to technical excellence and personal development.

Castroviejo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Castroviejo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a welcoming academy in Redwood City, California, offering authentic Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for both children and adults. Founded in October 2024 by Leandro Castroviejo, the academy was established after six years as part of the Charles Gracie network of academies, representing a new independent chapter while maintaining strong connections to the Gracie legacy. The academy's mission is to promote the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through exceptional training programs that cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The training philosophy focuses on building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness while fostering a strong sense of community among members. Classes emphasize technical proficiency, self-defense skills, and competition preparation in a safe and supportive environment. Lead instructor and academy owner Leandro Castroviejo brings over 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the academy. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Leandro earned his black belt in 2016 and has since become an accomplished competitor with more than 50 medals from the highest levels of competition. His achievements include multiple National Championships, two American Cup Championships, four U.S. Open Championships, and medals at the IBJJF World Championships (2014, 2015, 2016) and Pan American Championship (2015). As an IBJJF Certified 3rd Degree Black Belt, Leandro has been teaching for over twelve years and is particularly passionate about empowering students through self-defense training, especially women and teenage girls.

Category Five Jiu-Jitsu

Category Five Jiu-Jitsu is a welcoming Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Hurricane, West Virginia that emphasizes community and camaraderie. Originally established by Shannon Newhouse in 2014, the gym was fully inherited by Wes and Kristi Thompson during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The academy maintains a tidy and clean training environment that allows students of all backgrounds to focus on technique and physical improvement. Category Five's lineage comes from Jiu-Jitsu legends and multiple time World Champions Saulo and Xande Ribeiro. Saulo received his black belt from Royler Gracie in 1995 and passed on his knowledge to Chris Blanke, his first American Black Belt. The gym continues to grow and improve through the guidance of Chris, who is the owner of the Toledo Jiu-Jitsu Center / Badger Style Team, senior member of the Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Team, IBJJF 4th degree Black Belt, multiple time champion, and a certified defensive tactics instructor for the state of Ohio. The instructors at Category Five represent various martial arts backgrounds and specialties including Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, and defensive tactics. Head instructor Wes Thompson is a black belt under Scott Layton with over 20 years of combat sport experience. Shannon Newhouse received his Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Scott Layton in 2018 and has over 15 years of BJJ experience. Other instructors include Samuel Hedrick (black belt, 2024), Jacob Mills (black belt, 2025), Ted Malone (black belt under Saulo and Xande Ribeiro, certified Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor), and Matthew Haid (black belt, 2024, 15+ years experience). The academy values community, passion, perseverance, fun, and respect, building resilient athletes both on and off the mats.

RCA Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Mostardas, Rio Grande do Sul, specializing in traditional BJJ training with a strong focus on kids' programs. The academy is part of the RCA (Ricardo Cavalcanti Association) lineage, one of the most respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Led by head instructor Tomas Matos, a black belt 2nd degree with postgraduate qualifications in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, the academy emphasizes technical excellence and educational methodology. Professor Matos brings extensive experience in martial arts education, combining traditional BJJ techniques with modern pedagogical approaches. The academy is particularly recognized for its specialized kids' BJJ program, offering age-appropriate instruction that develops physical skills, discipline, and confidence in young practitioners. With a welcoming community atmosphere, RCA Jiu-Jitsu Mostardas serves as an important center for martial arts education in the coastal region of Rio Grande do Sul.

Cazador Jiu-Jitsu & Kudo Multi Gym (카사도르 주짓수 쿠도 멀티짐) is a martial arts academy located in Gimpo, South Korea, offering authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kudo (a Japanese hybrid martial art combining striking, throws, and ground fighting). The academy is officially certified by the Korea Jiu-Jitsu Association (대한주짓수회 공인 인증 체육관) and operates as a direct affiliate of the Korea Kudo Federation (한국쿠도연맹 총본부 직할 도장). The head instructor is Jang Hyunwoo (장현우), an IBJJF-certified black belt (4th degree) holding multiple certifications including Korea Jiu-Jitsu Association Level 1 Certified Instructor. The coaching team brings a combined 15 dans across multiple martial arts disciplines including BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, Taekwondo, and Wrestling. The academy emphasizes a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where students of all ages and experience levels can learn systematic and professional martial arts training. Cazador operates comprehensive programs for children (ages 6+), teens, and adults, with dedicated curricula for kids' BJJ and Kudo. The academy provides safe vehicle transportation for children in the Janggi-dong and Unyang-dong areas. Adult programs focus on fitness, self-defense, weight loss, and recreational training. The gym participates regularly in competitions and external activities, fostering a competitive yet supportive training environment.