Meet The Team

Dr. Sorrell began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in May 2007 under the professorship of Mestre Itaborá Ferreira. That same month he entered his first of over 70 local, state, national, and international jiu-jitsu tournaments by competing in the first World BJJ Championship to be held on North American soil in Long Beach, California. Though he did not receive a medal in that tournament, it was an important learning experience in his competition journey that helped him receive over 60 medals across all belt levels of competition. Dr. Sorrell earned his Black Belt from Mestre Itaborá in 2017. He is passionate about this beautiful martial art form and brings that same love and passion to the instruction of each class he teaches. Dr. Sorrell also brings his scientific perspective as a clinical psychologist to Jiu Jitsu by lecturing and publishing on the multifaceted benefits of Brazilian Martial Arts.

 

While having amassed countless learning opportunities in jiu jitsu seminars, private instruction, and going to various schools around the country, Dr. Sorrell has trained under the instruction of Mestre Itaborá since 2007 for the outstanding values and principles held by Mestre Itaborá and taught to the students, excellent instruction and attention to detail, the culture in the academy surrounding care for each member, integrity, supportive learning, and respect. This is a place to learn and grow as an individual as well as a way to be part of a family of Jiu Jitsu practitioners, whether you are training for competition or simply the love of the art.

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Jorge (Guapo) started Brazilian Jiu Jitu with Mestre Itaborá in 2009.  Jiu Jitsu for him has been a continuous learning experience that has helped in grow in many ways.  This is what has kept him coming back over the years.  Guapo is passionate and committed to this martial art.  He has participated in several tournaments including the American Cup, Allstars and others.  Apart from Jiu Jitsu, Guapo also has a background in boxing, Muay Thai and capoeira.  He received his Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu in 2022 and has been teaching classes for several years.

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Alfred (Rapadura) started Capoeira in 2005 with Mestre Itaborá, then began his study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011.  He finds that both Capoeira and BJJ offer a unique and fun approach to fitness, personal development, and community building.  This is what keeps him coming back: an opportunity to contribute to a supportive environment for others to achieve their wellness goals.  Alfred is a Certified Coach in FlowFit, TACFIT Clubbells, and VKNJA Steel Mace.  Outside of training, Alfred is a busy husband, father of 3, and has healthy obsession with coffee and pizza.

 

I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt under Professor Itabora Ferreira.  I started training with him in the summer of 2019.  As a father of four, Jiu Jitsu has given me the opportunity to share time with all of my children on and off the mats. We see Jiu Jitsu as a life skill similar to swimming.   We love sharing the mats with all others eager to learn.

 

I see my self as a committed learner and hope to practice Jiu Jitsu for as long as possible.  In this vein I always look for opportunities to improve either from my professors or from my peers and even my children.  As a man of faith I enjoy serving my community either through my church, West Coast Celebration, or other various youth sports leagues and other community based activities.

 

Professora Lombriga started training capoeira in 2006, as part of a New Year’s resolution to “try new things.” Since then she has visited and trained with different teachers and schools throughout the USA, Europe, and Brazil. Initially drawn to the art form for its dynamic movements, learning how to play capoeira music and instruments has become a more central role in her journey.

 

As a mother of three, she has practiced capoeira through 3 pregnancies and postpartum recovery, and strongly believes that capoeira is a martial art that is adaptable and possible by every body and different lifestyles.

 

She has experience in teaching adults as well as kids classes, and is an active member of the capoeira community. Outside of capoeira she is passionate about her family, strength training, and freelances as a graphic designer.

 

Professora Malagueta started her capoeira journey in 2000 with Mestre Itaborá.  Since then she has been through medical school, residency and started her career as a primary care physician with capoeira nourishing her body and spirit.  She sees capoeira as much more than just exercise, but an art form that allows for self expression, language acquisition, community-building and much more.  There is always more to learn and that is what has kept her connected to capoeira and will continue to do so.  Professora Malagueta has a special area of interest within medicine in the field of Lifestyle Medicine and capoeira has helped her to have the tools to guide patients on their own personal health journeys.

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