Junior Fernandes

Junior, born and raised in the United Kingdom, started his martial arts journey at the age of 7 with Muay Thai through his father who’s a former world champion. Under his coach & fathers tutelage training Thai boxing in London for 7 years fighting domestically in the UK gained experience & knowledge for the sport.

Soon in 2013 his father changed gyms to become a head Muay Thai instructor at Fightzone London held in the heart of East London, where Junior met his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu professor to be, Marco Canha, who managed to persuade a young Jr at the time to try out a BJJ session. Marco, a 4th degree BJJ black belt awarded all of Junior’s belts from kids belts to his adult black belt.

At 13, he found a new passion & challenge that BJJ brought as he instantly became hooked onto, traveling around the world teaching and competing throughout his early teens to fighting at the biggest tournaments as an adult such as IBJJF World Championships (winning 3 times) all of this being done through his educational years too!

In order to progress further in his career & follow his dreams he moved to Long Beach California from London England to train and compete for amongst great athletes and Leo Vieira at Checkmat HQ.

Today, with his: charisma, good energy & passion for the sport gives back his knowledge coaching at Praia Brazilian Jiu Jitsu creating a safe, fun & family-friendly environment community welcoming everyone. As well as coaching he looks to keep building his name in the martial arts world that he set out to do so in the States.

Achievements:

2X IBJJF World Champion
1X IBJJF NoGi World Champion
1X IBJJF Pan American Champion
IBJJF European Medalist
3X UAEJJF Grand Slam Champion
F2W Winner

Irma Tina

2024-09-07

As Christian parents we strive to make sure our son is an a wholesome environment, and we can honestly say that about Academy. Our son was apprehensive about attending. He was worried he wouldn’t feel comfortable. During his first week of attending he came back home talking about how professors Hector and Mateo took the time to instruct him and he enjoyed the respect the students showed one another. He learned skills that lifted his self esteem and he continues to share with us every new move he learns. We are forever grateful to Academy and its wonderful professors!!

Jay Jay

This place is garbage they tried to make my brother bow down to a Mat,an object,we only bow to Jesus Christ. I drove an hour to get here and they waited till the end to tell me he had to bow to a mat and that he couldn't bow to Jesus Christ. waste of time.

marco madrid

2024-06-02

I had my son going there for a year and they teach same stands over and over again. They also mix beginners with advanced students and they always have the advanced students teach the beginners

Abraham Torres

2024-01-13

Great place to learn kickboxing for beginners and friendly environment

Jerry Guzman

2023-12-23

Great place and good coach’s I recommend this place for your little ones.

T R A S H Daddy

2023-12-20

Hands down for the first combat sport gym I’ve ever been to the best, great coaches good environment friendly atmosphere overall

Manny Amar

2023-12-16

The Academy and all of their professors, coaches and staff are awesome! Aside from the physical strength training, kids learn a foundation for commitment and discipline. Their location is convenient near stores and coffee shops for parents while kids train.

Alberto Oviedo

My son has been going to the Academy for 5 years and he loves it! It's always been clean and well kept. The coaches do an amazing job with coaching my son and other kids, especially when they are new, and make it fun for them to learn and want to keep coming back. The always stay vigilant with them when they spar to make sure they are applying their techniques and making sure they stay safe. They always accompany the kids when they go participate at the tournaments so they never feel alone. Overall it's an amazing facility and the staff is fantastic!

Ricardo Beivides

2023-12-15

My 3 kids attend Academy and have been for the past 4 years(respectively). The boost in confidence has been amazing, and their physical health has greatly improvement. The coaches are amazing, they really have a passion for working with kids and the love for the art of Jiu-jitsu and the hard work it takes is so apparent my kids have also shown that passion in wanting to learn. This is a great investment in my kids, they are benefitting now and I know it will be even better in the future.

Ely G.

2024-08-11

Our teens come here and we think it's a 10/10 place! They've already learned so much. I like that the coach's are attentive! I also like that they have many classes to choose from and they have two locations in Downey

David D.

2024-06-22

Amazing place to learn and grow. Professors/coaches are extremely knowledgeable and personable. You can tell a lot about a place by how the kids are treated/trained. This place goes above and beyond. Professor Mateo and Hector are amazing! Give this place a shot- you won't regret it.

Ricardo B.

Ariel R.

2023-12-13

Such a great gym in the city of Downey! I have been bringing my sister here for Jiu Jitsu for over 2 years now and she has improved so much and she loves it. The coaches are amazing and great teachers. The place is inviting and friendly but also competitive which is great for the students.

Emilio R.

2023-12-09

I've been training at Academy Jiu-Jitsu/Kickboxing for years, and it's been an incredible journey. The professors are not just great instructors but also role models who instill discipline and respect. With their multiple classes and locations, it's easy to stay committed. The safe environment ensures that you can train without worry, and the sense of community among members is heartwarming. It's truly a place where you can learn, grow, and have a blast!

R M.

2023-12-08

I've been coming here for a few years now and I have had nothing but positive experiences. The coaches are very welcoming as well as the front desk staff. They are always going the extra mile to help me out. If you come with a good attitude and are respectful to all, you will have an amazing experience. I recommend this place for all levels. From beginners to the more advanced.

Gilbert C.

2023-12-07

Top notch coaches and gym! My son has been coming here for almost 2 years. I was nervous about where to start my son being that he was very timid and really not into any aggressive sports or Marital arts. I'm glad I chose academy because their beginner kids class is great to introduce jiu jitsu for kids. Not too long after he made it to the advanced class and now he's competing winning medals more confident than ever.

Michael L.

2023-11-30

I've been training since December last year. I never really did jiu jitsu before but always watched mixed martial arts like UFC and prize fight boxing. I've been coming one a week and I love the program. I train no-Gi and Gi in the same day. Day 1 they let you start sparing which I really liked. They also offer beginner classes at the downtown location if your interested. Come on in and give a trial class a try! Worse case you tried it and don't like it.

Amber M.

2022-05-14

Everything about the academy is superb. I am enrolled in the one day a week plan for $109/ month but I plan to switch to the 3x week pass for $199/month. I participate in the adult kickboxing and gi jiu jitsu classes and am 100% a beginner in both. The instructors and the other participants are more than helpful and even though the classes are mixed levels, I have never felt uncomfortable. It truly feels like a community and I get so much out of every class. The staff is also amazing. It was my first time getting gear and everything was either just barely too big or too small, but they helped me throughout until I had the perfect fit for everything. I am super appreciative of their stellar customer service. The location is great. There's lots of eateries in the same plaza and Movita a few doors down, perfect for grabbing a protein smoothie before or after class. I can't stop recommending this place enough to friends and family. If you're looking for a combat community, search no further. Academy is where everyone belongs!

Adrian L.

2022-01-19

Signed our daughter up when covid died down, very clean place and big/spacious. Mask is not required, its up to you. but the teachers are very patient and good with the all the kids. They include fun as a part of training as well so the kids do really enjoy it . This is a very good start if you want your kid to learn jujitsu or kickboxing. we cannot wait to send our daughter back once this omicron situation dies down. but we really recommend signing up here if you are looking for your kid. Mom dad and grandma approved