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Train Jiu Jitsu with a World Champion

Marcelo Mafra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The Premiere Brazilian Jiu Jistu Academy in the High Desert Region of Southern California. We teach “Real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu” from reigning World Champion & Head Professor Marcelo “LaPela” Mafra.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu CHECKMAT Academy in hesperia, ca

Marcelo Mafra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the Premiere Jiu Jitsu Academy in the High Desert region of Southern California. “We teach Real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!”

Marcelo Mafra, commonly known as ‘Lapela’, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Demian Maia, having worked extensively with other well-known instructors such as Everdan Olegário (Mestre Dan), Fernando Tererê, Lucas Leite and Leonardo Vieira. Mafra is well known for his achievements as a competitor on the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) circuit, with medals at the Brazilian, Pan, World NoGi and World Masters Championships.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti (Cavalcante) > Fabio Gurgel > Demian Maia > Marcelo Mafra

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

BJJ revolves around the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend him/herself against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution, taking the fight to the ground and using a number of holds and submissions to defeat them. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling and self-defense situations. Sparring, commonly referred to as “rolling” within the BJJ community, and live drilling plays a major role in training and the practitioner’s development. BJJ can also be used as a method of promoting physical fitness, building character, and as a way of life.

Marcelo Mafra BJJ Class Schedule

(Click Schedule for Printable PDF of Class Schedule)

Click on the Links Below to Learn More About Each Class

CLASSES

Click on the Links Below to Learn More About Each Class

Adult Jiu Jitsu

Description:
Our Adult Jiu Jitsu classes focus on developing technique, strategy, and physical conditioning for practitioners of all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to compete, learn self-defense, or just get in shape, our classes offer a welcoming environment with world-class instruction.

Benefits:

Build strength, flexibility, and endurance
Learn effective self-defense techniques
Improve mental toughness and problem-solving skills
Join a supportive and motivating community

Kids Jiu Jitsu

#signupDescription:
Designed for children ages 7–14, our Kids Jiu Jitsu program introduces the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe, structured, and fun environment. Kids learn respect, discipline, and focus while developing their athletic ability. Sign Up to take a Free Week Trial Class today!

Benefits:

Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
Develop coordination, balance, and agility
Learn discipline, patience, and teamwork
Gain lifelong skills for self-defense and anti-bullying

Play Jiu Jitsu

Description:
Play Jiu Jitsu is a beginner-friendly class for our youngest future champions (ages 3–6). Through fun games and activities, children build the basic movements, awareness, and social skills that prepare them for more structured martial arts training later on.

Benefits:

Foster early motor skills and body control
Improve listening and cooperation skills
Build confidence in a playful, encouraging setting
Spark a lifelong love for fitness and learning

Kids Advanced Jiu Jitsu

Description:
For kids ready to take their skills to the next level, our Advanced Kids Jiu Jitsu class focuses on deeper technical development, competition preparation, and advanced positional understanding. Students must be recommended or evaluated for this class.

Benefits:

Sharpen advanced techniques and strategies
Prepare for competition with focused coaching
Increase confidence through higher-level training
Learn goal setting and perseverance

Kids No-Gi Jiu Jitsu

Description:
Our Kids No Gi Jiu Jitsu program teaches young athletes how to grapple without the traditional uniform (gi), emphasizing speed, technique, and control. It’s fast-paced, fun, and helps build a complete grappling skillset.

Benefits:

Enhance agility and reaction time
Learn modern submission grappling skills
Adapt to different styles and opponents
Improve athleticism and conditioning

KICkBoxing

Description:
Our Kickboxing class teaches the fundamentals of striking with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows in a high-energy, technical setting. Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, this class focuses on proper technique, footwork, defense, and combinations. All levels are welcome — no experience needed!

Benefits:

Learn powerful and effective striking skills
Improve cardio, strength, and overall conditioning
Boost self-confidence and mental sharpness
Develop coordination, timing, and footwork
Relieve stress while getting an intense, full-body workout

Adult Fundamentals BJJ

Description:
Our Adult Fundamental Jiu Jitsu class is designed for beginners and those looking to solidify their foundation. You’ll learn key positions, escapes, submissions, and movements that form the core of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Benefits:

Build a strong, technical foundation
Learn self-defense techniques safely and efficiently
Boost fitness in a beginner-friendly setting
Increase confidence and reduce stress

Mixed Martials Arts (MMA)

Description:
Our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) class blends striking, wrestling, and grappling techniques into one powerful system for self-defense, competition, and fitness. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or simply looking for a challenging, full-body workout, this class delivers real-world effectiveness under expert coaching.

Benefits:

Learn striking, takedowns, and ground control in one system
Build unmatched conditioning and mental toughness
Gain practical self-defense skills for any situation
Train in a competitive yet respectful environment
Develop confidence, discipline, and resilience

Grappling

Description:
Our Grappling class focuses on the art of controlling, submitting, and defending without the use of strikes. Students will learn techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and submission grappling to dominate opponents on the ground. Open to all levels, this class sharpens your ability to move efficiently, apply pressure, and execute submissions with precision.

Benefits:

Master control, escapes, and submissions from all positions
Improve balance, timing, and body awareness
Build strength, endurance, and explosiveness
Learn highly effective self-defense skills
Develop strategy, patience, and problem-solving under pressure

OPEN MAT

Description:
Open Mat is an unstructured training time where students of all levels can practice techniques, spar, drill, and learn from each other. It’s a great opportunity to refine skills, work on personal goals, and build camaraderie.

Benefits:

Apply what you’ve learned in live practice
Get personalized tips from teammates and coaches
Improve conditioning and real-world application
Build friendships and enjoy the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle

Meet Marcelo Mafra - Head Professor

Founder, Head Professor

Marcelo MAFRA

“I owe everything to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It changed my life and took from the streets of São Paulo and brought me here to the United States. My goal is to give back to the community and teach the next generation of kids and adults the Jiu Jitsu way of life. ”