Mataleao Combat Sports
About
We are a Gracie Jiu Jitsu School, located in the heart of inner Southeast Portland in the beautiful Hawthorne District. We have have been established since 2007 teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Strength Training and Conditioning. We offer world class instruction from qualified pracitioners. Our coaches exude passion for the arts and for health and fitness.
I enjoy working with all levels and especially brand new beginners. Breaking down the arts in a sytematic way, making them relatable to all types of learners is a passion of mine, to which I thoroughly enjoy seeing students get those "aha" moments in the classroom. Teaching the foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more avanced concepts are my specialty, relating them to all aspects of fighting, self defense, sport competition, and for fitness.
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Science Teaching, Minor in Psychology
7yrs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training, Brown Belt 3rd Degree
6yrs Collegiate Wrestling
2.5yrs Training in Muay Thai
1yr Formal Boxing Training
I have been training Martial Arts since I was ten years old, and have been an athlete all my life, I also body build and can provide strength training and conditioning goal setting.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching wrestling for mma and brazilian jiu jitsu in 2009, after receiving my Blue Belt in 2010, I began teaching fundamentals of brazilian jiu jitsu, all the way through 2016, I have also had the privelege teaching kids and adults classes through Gracie Barra, Cool Springs TN 2013-2015.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all age groups, kids, adults, teens, seniors, I have also worked with a diverse range of people from athletes to beginners, and people who are considered "overweight"
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are couple things I would consider, first of all, do you get a sense from talking with your prospective teacher that he or she believes in you, and has your best interest at heart; do they have a desire to teach you and does it seem to be a positive connection, second, do you believe they are qualified to teach you? Credentials is important, and third, time and money. You can find a great coach but if its an impractical drive to get to his or her school, then it may not be the best fit, also price is something to consider, i try to offer competitive rates and work with diverse income levels to ensure every student has the opportunity to train.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I would do some research first, at least know what it is you are looking for and what it is you are after, personally, i think its just a better use of your time to figure out if you could really see yourself training a particular discipline, once you have made up your mind you are golden. Sometimes it takes trying a class or two, this usually helps people decide almost instantly. Other than that i think everyone should train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts, if not for the health aspect alone and confidence that you are able to protect yourself, your friends, and your family.