Great to finally be able to connect with Dennys after many years. He grew up skateboarding and spent many years designing Skateboarding Shoes. He received his Black Belt from the legendary Nino Schembri. Gentlemen’s Fight Club was a way to merge his passions of punk rock, skateboarding and the fight scene. You can find him at his clothing store East West Shop in Chinatown or his gym Eastside Jiu-Jitsu in Boyle Heights.

Professor Wander Braga is a 6th degree black belt under Jorge Pereira, being one of the most well known competitors in the BJJ and no-holds-barred (NHB) circuit during the mid 1990’s and early 2000’s decades. Wander Braga is also revered for his coaching success, having co-founded the famous Big Brother team and formed high calibre grappling competitors such as Gabriel “Napão” Gonzaga. He also lived, taught and had gyms for many years in the Los Angeles area until he ran in to some immigration issues and had to leave everything behind in the US and stay in Brazil for over 10 years with his family. It was great to catch up with this Legend in person.

Sophia McDermott is a 4 time Pan American Jiu Jitsu Champion, as well as the first female Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt of Australian Nationality. Regarded as one of the top grappling competitors of her generation, Sophia is also known for her work in the fitness industry, having developed several programs for women.

. Great to catch up with my friend Aaron and talk about Jiu-Jitsu, TACFIT, Marketing and a lot more!

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Met Professor Jimmy years ago at a local BJJ tournament and then would see him at all other tournaments, either as a competitor or referee and most of the time as both. It was great to hear from a few of our senior students at Legacy that they began their training with him at Dan Inosanto Academy and Jiu-Jitsu Club at UCLA and the influence he had on them. Thank you Jimmy for making the time to meet up and share some of your story.

First American to win a world judo championship. She has founded four companies, raised four children, been one of Forbes 40 Women to Watch over 40, a Next Gen Leader of the International Game Developers Association Foundation. Sensei Ann Maria De Mars and her daughter, Ronda Rousey, are the only mother-daughter combination in the International Sports Hall of Fame. An honor to sit down with her to listen and learn.

Ron is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Bang Muay Thai Orange Belt when he’s not training he works in Medical Device Sales. He shares how he changed his lifestyle after beginning training in the martial arts. It’s been an honor watching his growth and transformation over the years.

John is an Animator, Life Long Martial Artist, Wrestler, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, TACFIT Certified Instructor and more. Loved hearing some of our talented “Medium” John’s Journey.

Had a blast listening to Sensei Ron share some of his history in the Martial Art/Sport of Judo and more. From his dad enrolling him in Judo at a Young Age to representing his Country of El Salvador on the World Stage and his travels around the World. It is an honor to call him a friend.

The very talented Rikki is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, was a Sprinter for the Slovakian National Team, speaks multiple languages and a lot more! Great to sit down with my brother Rikki and hear his journey from Slovakia to Los Angeles.