BRAD THOMPSON

Academy Owner & Black Belt

At the age of 49 he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and proudly received his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. in 2003 and his Fourth degree Black Belt in 2019. Brad competed for four consecutive years after starting the sport. During that time he won four consecutive Master’s World Championship titles and earned 6 gold Medals. He opened OBJJ in 2011 to bring in the best talent to Orlando and further the skills of his friends and members. Brad has a passion for helping everyone learn, improve and reach their goals.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • 2022 Pan American Champion

  • 2020 Second Place World Master Champion

  • 2020 First Place Pan Master Champion

  • 2018 Second Place World Master Champion

  • 2017 First Place World Master Champion

  • 2015 Miami Open World Master Absolute Champion

  • 2014 Second Place World Master

  • 2014 Pan American Champion

  • 2013 Pan American Champion

  • 2012 Pan American Champion

  • 2006 Pan American Champion Open Class Silver


 

LAKEA VARGAS

Head Judo Instructor
Kids Instructor

Lakea Vargas is a highly skilled and accomplished black belt under Shinjiro Sasaki in Judo. He won the Jr. Olympic Nationals in 2018 and now currently represents team USA on the Sr. Olympic Judo team. At only 24 years old, he is working hard to make it to the Olympics one day. He also is a accomplished competitor in Jiu-Jitsu, and holds a black belt rank. Lakea is passionate about both sports and attributes his success in competition to his cross-training.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • 2021 US Open Bronze Medal

  • 2021 IBJJF Oklahoma city Silver Medal

  • 2020 Orlando Open Silver Medal

  • 2018 Senior World Team - Budapest, Hungary

  • 2018 U.S. Junior World Team

  • 2018 Gold Junior Scholastics Nationals

  • 2018 Gold U.S. Junior Olympic Nationals

  • 2018 Pan Am Championships Seniors Bronze Costa Rica

  • 2018 U.S. Pan American Team - Cancun, Mexico

  • World Championships Budapest, Hungary - 9th place

  • 2018 World Cup Dominican Republic Silver

  • 2017 Chile Continental Championships - 5th place

  • 2018 Pan American open Argentina - Bronze

  • 2017 World Cup El Salvador - Bronze

  • 2016 Gold Miami Open Absolute Juniors BJJ

  • 2016 Gold Blue Belt Juniors BJJ

  • 2016 US Open - 1st Place

  • 2016 Junior Olympics 1st place

  • 2015 US Cadet World Team SARAJEVO, BOSNIA


DENILSON PIMENTA

Co-Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Denilson Pimenta is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under the famous instructor Julio Cesar, of the Grappling Fight Team (GFT). Pimenta is regarded as one of the top featherweight competitors of his generation.

Denilson grew up on the Favela’s in Rio de Janeiro and started training Jiu Jitsu in 1991 as a way to occupy his spare time, in order to focus on something positive and escape the dangers of falling victim to crime.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • 2020 1st Place World Master Champion

  • 2020 1st Place Pan Master Champion

  • 2019, 2018 Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Champion

  • 2017 Brazilian National Champion

  • 2016 IBJJF World Master Champion

  • 2016 IBJJF Brazilian National Champion

  • 2015 IBJJF World Master Champion

  • 2014 IBJJF World Master Champion

  • 2013 IBJJF World Master Champion

  • 2009 Rio Open Champion

  • 2009 Brazilian National, Bronze

  • 2009 IBJJF European Champion

  • 2009 World Cup, Bronze

  • 2008 World No-Gi Silver Medallist


 

Editing


 

Luis Eduardo Simoes

Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor- PM

With over a century of tournament experience and a black belt to his name, Luis brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the art that is unmatched. Hailing from Brazil, the birthplace of Jiu-Jitsu, he infuses each session with authentic techniques and a deep understanding of the martial art’s rich history. His dedication to the art is evident in every class he teaches, where he imparts wisdom gained from years of training and competition. Students flock to his sessions, drawn by his reputation for being both a formidable opponent and an inspiring mentor. Under his guidance, they learn not just to fight, but to understand the deeper principles of Jiu-Jitsu that transcend the mat.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • Black Belt- Denilson Pimenta

  • 2x gfteam national champ BR

  • 3x Rio state champ

  • Bjj pro Rio Champ

  • 100+ tournament experience


 

Anthony Rivera

Head Muay Thai Instructor, Co-Head MMA Instructor, and Bootcamp Instructor

Kru Anthony embarked on his martial arts odyssey at the tender age of 7, delving into the world of karate with a passion that would shape his future. By the time he turned 18, his dedication and hard work culminated in the achievement of his black belt, marking the first significant milestone in his journey. However, Anthony's hunger for growth and challenge led him to explore the dynamic realm of Muay Thai, where he soared to unparalleled heights, clinching multiple prestigious titles along the way. What sets Kru Anthony apart is his unparalleled fusion of traditional Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, and cutting-edge techniques, creating a training regimen that is both dynamic and effective. His mastery of the clinch and proficiency across all five styles of Muay Thai ensure that his students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education in the art of combat. Beyond the realm of striking, Anthony's expertise extends into the domain of strength and conditioning, boasting an impressive 20-year background in powerlifting. His commitment to physical excellence is evident in his leadership of our boot camp classes, where he channels his wealth of experience to inspire and empower participants to surpass their limits. Moreover, Anthony's influence transcends the confines of a single discipline, as he assumes the esteemed role of Co-Head Coach in our burgeoning MMA program. With five years of coaching experience under his belt and a resume adorned with the names of luminaries from UFC, One Championship, and Bellator, Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. His guidance is invaluable as he nurtures the next generation of mixed martial artists, instilling in them the same passion and dedication that has fueled his own illustrious career.

Accomplishments

Goju Ryu Black Belt

- Karate US Open Champion

- Multiple-time Muay Thai Champion

- NASAM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt


  • Blackbelt - Brad Thompson and Fabio Caram

  • 2020 Orlando Open

  • Pan American 2020 3rd place

  • Brown Belt- Denilson Pimenta and Fabio Caram

  • Purple Belt- Brad Thompson and Fabio Caram

  • Blue Belt- Leo Gocking and Mike Budnik (MMA)

  • Judo (1988-1992)

Cleber Machado

Brown Belt BJJ

30 years ago, Cleber started his martial arts journey with judo. Life took him in different directions, but his passsion was reignited when a friend invited him to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) session in his garage. Since then Cleber has been training consistently in BJJ for the last ten years. Last December he was graduated a Black Belt

Now at 44, he loves to train Judo under Sensei Lakea Vargas. He believes that learning and growth has no age limits.

Passionate for a simple BJJ, Cleber volunteers at our gym, dedicating his time to others to develop their fundamental skills in life, Judo and BJJ.


 

GARY LENTZ

Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor- AM

Gary started training jiu jitsu at 30 years old and has been training every day since then. Now a black belt and experienced instructor, he leads our morning classes using what he likes to call advanced fundamentals. Demonstrating simple techniques that are used at the highest level along with his passion for seeing his students grow, creates an atmosphere that is only there during the morning class. Training in Gary’s class is personal as everybody in the class has adapted his philosophy towards training which puts an emphasis on helping others. Making his class an amazing way to start the day.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • 2-0 in MMA under Kage One

  • 1st IBJJF Miami open

  • 2nd IBJJF No-gi Pans

  • 2nd IBJJF Atlanta open

  • 2nd IBJJF Orlando summer open

  • 2nd IBJJF Charleston open

  • 2nd IBJJF Miami winter open


 

JUAN CORENLIO

Instructor

Dedicated to our members and fills in when needed. Juan is very technical and knows how to help us improve. I train with Juan and he always helps me enjoy the practice.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • Manages OBJJ

  • Trains in all our classes and one of our most well rounded Martial Artist’s.