We're Kicking It | The Stories Behind the Legends and warriors of Martial arts greats

George Acosta nicknamed "El Yuyu",  is an American boxer from Whittier, California. He stands at 5'8"  and competes in the Super Feather Weight division (130lbs) (59kg) in the Super Feather Weight Division.  George has been competing professionally since 2017 and currently holds a record of 14-1-0 with 2 knock out victories. George  is currently ranked 14 in the U.S. and #60 Worldwide. and has won the WBA Fedecentro Title. Ranked 14th in the US for Super Feather Weight Boxing Ranked 60th Worldwide for Super Feather Weight boxingWBA Fedecentro TitleBlue Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu7 straights wins in Professional DebutWant to train with George "El Yuyu" Acosta you can contact him at:Facebook: ElYuyuBoxingYouTube: ElYuyuBoxingTikTok:ElYuyuBoxingTwitter: elyuyuboxingInstagram: georgeacosta562George "El Yuyu" Acosta webpage

Alan is the Founder, Owner and Chief Instructor of 360 Krav Maga. He is also the Director of Krav Maga Global North America. Originally from Vicenza Italy.  Alan also served in both the Italian and U.S Airborne.  • Served in a special unit of the Italian Airborne • Was introduced to Krav Maga in 1995 in Israel • Joined the US Army in 1996; Was in the 82nd Airborne • Started the first official Hand to Hand Course in the US Army Airborne Division • Attended the Krav Maga Instructor Course under Haim Zut in 2001 • Started teaching at the Krav Maga Worldwide HQ in 2003, where he led regular classes as well as Train the Trainer classes for both civilians and Law Enforcement. • In 2003 he also started teaching in Long Beach, CA and opened 360 Krav Maga Academy. • Trained with Eyal Yanilov, successor of Imi Lichtenfeld – Founder of Krav Maga. • Was appointed Director of International Krav Maga Federation North America and then Director of Krav Maga Global North America * Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Leo Vieira and Checkmat HQ * Kru in Muay Thai Want to train with Alan:Website: https://www.360kravmaga.com/Learn more at:  https://www.360kravmaga.com/long-beach-californiaInstagram: @360alanyoutube

UFC vet Todd Medina nicknamed “El Tiburon”, is an American mixed martial artist from Santa Ana, California. He stands 5’10” and competes in the Light Heavyweight (205 lbs.) . He competed in MMA from 1995 to 2009. Medina was one of several Gracie training partners and students to enter the UFC in its early years. He studied under Carlson Gracie, eventually earning his black belt. His early career was notable for the number of fights he took against top competition at the time. He ended up with very little to show for his hard work, going 5-9-1 between 1995 and 2006, but found a rhythm on the regional circuit closing out his career with a 6 fight win streak. He is currently the owner and head trainer of Todd Medina's Fight School in Costa Mesa, California, where he trains fighters in his own "freestyle" system. 13x World ChampionCarlson Gracie Sr fight teamM-1 World Champion1st Mexican American in UFCWant to train with Todd Medina? Todd trains fighters at his Martial Arts gym Todd Medina Fight School. Address 16912 Gothard St I, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Instagram: Todd MedinaTik Tok: TheFightCoachPhone: (949) 759-2464https://toddmedina.com/

Raymond Daniels was five years old when his black-belt father began teaching him the art of Kenpo Karate. It was the beginning of a long, hard road that saw the younger Daniels earn his own black belt seventeen years later. Raymond is now a 6the Degree Black Belt.Consistently the top-ranked karate fighter in the USA, Daniels has won every national and international title and tournament worth mentioning, usually more than once. Many American fight fans know Daniels for his run in Chuck Norris’ World Combat League, a full-contact fight promotion, which had some of the USA’s best martial artists on its roster.A lifelong martial artist, Daniels’ unique style and extensive experience make him a very challenging opponent for his opponents. His timing and power are legendary among his fellow karate fighters and his numerous knockouts by way of spinning-kick have made him a firm fan favorite. Want to train with Raymond Daniels at his studio World Champion Karate in Orange County California:Raymond Daniels is an American Kenpoist, Karateka, Tae Kwon Do practitioner, kickboxer and mixed martial artist known for his flashy and aggressive style of fighting.  He currently competes for Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing, where he is the current Bellator Kickboxing Welterweight Champion. Bellator KickboxingHe defeated Francesco Moricca at Bellator Kickboxing 1 on April 16, 2016 in Turin via TKO (liver kick) in the first round.[38][39]He defeated Stefano Bruno at Bellator Kickboxing 2 on June 24, 2016 in St. Louis via TKO (liver kick) in the first round.[40]He defeated Zsolt Benedek at Bellator Kickboxing 3 on September 17, 2016 in Budapest via unanimous decision.[41]He defeated Csaba Gyorfi at Bellator Kickboxing 6 on April 14, 2017 in Budapest via TKO (liver kick).[42]He defeated Karim Ghajji at Bellator Kickboxing 7 on September 23, 2017 in San Jose via TKO (doctor stoppage).[43]He defeated Giannis Boukis at Bellator Kickboxing 8 on December 9, 2017 in Florence via unanimous decision (29-28, 30–27, 30-27).[44]He defeated Djibril Ehouo at Bellator Kickboxing 9 on April 6, 2018 in Budapest via unan

Jace Gutierrez is a Master of Muay Thai, he is a  Muay Thai Kru, professional Muay Thai fighter and the Owner of Mission Muay Thai.  Mission is an authentic Muay Thai/Boxing training facility focusing on traditional Muay Thai Arts and Boxing curriculums for professional combat sports, self-defense, and fitness located in Long Beach, CA. Jace is a professional Muay Thai fighter and visit s Thailand at least once a year to train and be with his teammates and teachers. While in Thailand Jace competed and fought on a high-level and trained on a high-level in the motherland of Thailand. Jace's mission is to teach and share the authentic culture of Muay Thai while also guiding students throughout life’s journey.Prior to opening Mission Muay Thai, Jace was a Professional nightlife DJ/Music Producer in Las Vegas,. He lived the performers dream for 10 years by performing at world-famous nightclubs in Vegas.If you would like to train with Jace, his contact info is below.Contact info:Email: jace@missionmuaythai.comWebsite: www.missionmuaythai.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionmuaythailb/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionmuaythaiTwitter: https://twitter.com/missionmuaythaiSoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djjacemusicOther: www.djjace.com

Tara Van Deusen has been studying Kenpo since 1998, though she started karate at the age of 4 years old!   She is a 7th Degree Black belt in Kenpo Karate, 9 time National Black Belt League World Champion, 1 time National Association Sport Karate (NASKA) World Champion and won the overall Woman’s Grand Champion Irish Open in 2003, an event that had 69 fighters from 33 Countries.  She also has over 160 National Wins, was a 4 time Compete national overall grand champ, as well as the Australian ISKA Open and England Open champion.  She has won over 36 women’s over all grand championships from Nationally and Internationally rated tournaments and has a Black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a Jr Black Belt in Butokukan Karate.Fought for Chuck Norris World Combat League Tara is the President of the Power of One Martial Arts & Fitness Studios, 

Professor Gerson “Grillo” Schilipacke  began studying Muay Thai and MMA at the famed Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba Brazil. After receiving his black belt in 2004 and competing in both Muay Thai and MMA he wanted to pass his knowledge on to others and focus his work towards a coaching career. In 2006 he moved to Southern California to coach the Chute Boxe USA team in Huntington Beach. In 2009 he founded the official Chute Boxe USA headquarters in Long Beach , CA. Today Gerson is the owner/ head trainer of the top Muay Thai gym Fight Solutions in Long Beach CA. Gerson also trained Michael Bisping mixed martial artist, who competed in the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight division of the UFC.Coach Gerson has over 23 years of competitive and training experience. His passion for improving physical fitness, mental discipline, and spiritual strength is apparent in every class he teaches.  Gerson has been a positive influence in the lives of many, and continues to strive towards making his fighters dreams of becoming a champion a reality.Gerson believes in a principled approach to martial arts, that includes the development of personal character as well as mental and physical strength. His vision of the sport , focus on respect, confidence, discipline, and hard work has made him one of the most sought after Muay Thai and MMA instructors in Southern California.Train with Gerson  Schilipackea at his Muy Thai, MMA,  Jiu Jitsu  gym Fight Solutions.

Professor Leonardo Vieira,  is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Romero Cavalcanti, being famous for combining one of the most crowd-pleasing games in BJJ with an amazing track record. Leo Vieira was also the co-founder of important teams such as Brasa Clube de Jiu-Jitsu and Checkmat BJJ, becoming in the process one of grappling’s most important coaches by developing athletes such as Marcus Almeida ‘Buchecha’, Lucas Leite, João Assis, and many others. Leozinho is also one of the Top BJJ Competitors of All Time by BJJ Heroes.Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo VieiraMain Achievements:1st Place ADCC (2003, 2005)1st Place IBJJF World Championship (1999)1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2002/2004)1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (1998)2nd Place ADCC (2011/2007)2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (1997)3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2000)1st Place IBJJF World Championship (1996 brown)Weight Division: Peso Leve (76 kg / 167 lbs)Favorite Position/Technique: Brabo Choke, Guard Passing.Association/Team: CheckmatThe following year, his first as a black belt, Leo fought his way to the final against Marcio Feitosa in the first of many historical duels between the two. This first fight went to the Gracie Barra fighter, Feitosa, but in 1998 when the two met once again in the final, Leonardo was the victor in one of the hardest fights of the event. 1998 was the last time Leonardo won the World Championship, although he did make the final again in 1999 (losing to Royler Gracie) and placed 3rd in 2000.His career’s highest point had not been reached however, that came in 2003 when Leonardo won the World’s most prestigious Submission Grappling title, the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), a gold medal achieved again in 2005.In between this period, Leozinho moved to Sao Paulo and was training under Fabio Gurgel at the Team Alliance HQ there until 2002 when a group of competitors joined up against the head coach Gurgel. Leonardo left the team together with most of the black belts that trained there. The argument (in broad strokes) was over the ‘Mundial‘ (World Championships by IBJJF federation) which occurred a week after the Copa do Mundo (World Cup). As the Copa do Mundo offered a good prize money to its competitors and the Mundial didn’t, Leonardo and his teammates felt they should support this organization (CBJJO – Confederação de Jiu Jitsu Olimpico) and compete in it, Gurgel however decided against it for reasons that were never made public. The fighters went on to fight at the ‘Copa’ and Gurgel banned them from the gym, and so Leozinho and the others formed another team, ‘Master Team’ to honor the gym where this group had started training in the 1980’s. The Master Team later became Brasa Clube de Jiu Jitsu.

Jose Flores Interviews Gabriel Almeida  a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Ricardo and Leonardo Vieira, having also worked extensively with Eduardo Flexa while being a representative of the Checkmat team in the sport’s international circuit. Almeida earned the reputation of being one of the top competitors of his generation by conquering medals in important events such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World, Pans, and European Championships as well as United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) Abu Dhabi Pro.Gabriel Almeida Jiu-JitsuFull Name: Gabriel Salles Muniz AlmeidaNickname: Gabriel is often referenced as “Todd”, the byname started being used by Almeida’s first coach, Mr. Eduardo Flexa, right at the start of his BJJ training. The reason for the nickname came from Gabriel beginning his BJJ tuition together with his cousin Raphael, the two sharing very similar features, being mistaken as brothers. Gabriel and Raphael were also raised Catholic, and were known as regular churchgoers; given these characteristics coach Flexa (who was known for handing nicknames to all his students) compared the two cousins to The Simpsons characters, Rod and Todd, sons of Ned Flanders. The nickname carried on through Almeida’s career from then on.Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Hélio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Rico Vieira/Leo Vieira > Gabriel AlmeidaMain Achievements:1st Place ADCC São Paulo Trials (2019)1st Place IBJJF American Nationals NOGI (2020**)1st Place SJJIF World Championship (2019)1st Place UAEJJF Grand Slam, MIA (2020)2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2019)2nd Place IBJJF American Nationals (2020*)2nd Place SJJIF World Championship (2018)3rd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2020)Main Achievements (Colored Belts):1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2014 blue)1st Place ACBJJ World Championship (2018 brown)1st Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2014 blue, 2018 brown)1st Place CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals (2014/2016 purple, 2017 brown)1st Place IBJJF European No-Gi Open (2017 brown)1st Place ACBJJ European Open (2018** brown)1st Place IBJJF American Nationals (2018** brown)2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2017 brown)2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2018 brown)2nd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2014 Blue, 2016 purple)2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2017 brown)2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals (2017* brown)2nd Place IBJJF American Nationals (2018 brown)2nd Place IBJJF Pans No-Gi Championship (2018 brown)3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2017*/2018 brown)3rd Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2017 brown)3rd Place IBJJF Pans Championship (2014* Blue)3rd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2015** purple)3rd Place IBJJF American Nationals (2018* brown) Watch Gabriel Almeida's next match with Nicky Ryan to see who's Number One On May 28https://www.flograppling.com/watch

Jose Flores talks with Professor Renato Sobral da Cunha  also known as "Babalu" He is a retired Brazilian Wrestler, Mixed Martial Artist, and was the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion. Sobral previously fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and has also competed for Bellator, RINGS, Jungle Fight, Cage Rage, Affliction, and ONE FC. Professor Renato “Babalu” Sobral got in 2014 officially Inducted into U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a “Combative Martial Arts Master of the year”.Professor Babalu is IBJJF World master European champion in Jiu jitsu.Professional record breakdown49 matches 37 wins 12 lossesBy knockout 9By submission 15By decision 13.He is the Head Instructor of Babalu's Iron Gym Cerritos and has a “Vale Tudo” black belt under Marco Ruas, Muay Thai Master under Rafael Cordeiro and also a student and partner trainer of Roberto “Gordo” Correia Lima who gave him his 3rd degree on his jiu-jitsu black belt that Babalu received by the hands of Carlos Gracie Jr. - Babalu’s Iron Gym is part of R1NG competition Global team association and affiliate to Gordo Jiu jitsu. Inducted into U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a “Combative Martial Arts Master of the year”.Prof Babalu is IBJJF World master European champion in Jiu jitsu.Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship Fighting Network RINGS - 1999 RINGS King of Kings Tournament Runner-upInternational Fighting Championships Light Heavyweight Tournament WinnerCome learn from Babalu at his Martial Arts studio in Cerritos California:  Babalu's Iron Gym -Awarded Best Martial Arts School of the Year per 8 consecutive years! 

Join Jose as he Interviews his American Kenpo Karate Instructor Colin Van Deusen.  Colin is an 8th Deg. Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate and Founder of Power of One Self Defense Institute. 8th Deg. Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate35 years of Martial Arts ExperienceUndefeated Head coach of The Los Angeles Stars (Chuck Norris Full Contact World Combat League)Multiple Men's overall sparring grand champion Australian World CupMen's overall Sparring Grand Champion titles in four countriesTeaching seminars around the world for over 30 yearsFounder of Power of One Self Defense Institute (EST. 1992) Click here to train with Colin Van Deusen at his Power of One Kenpo Karate Studio

Jose Flores Interviews Jiu-Jitsu legend Prof. Evaldo Lima about his inspiring career and journey in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Prof. Evaldo is a direct Black Belt under Royce and Rodrigo Gracie.Evaldo was in the Brazilian Airforce, he knows first-hand the effectiveness of jiu jitsu in self defense & combat.   He is also an IBJJF Gold Medalist as well as in other leagues.  Prof. Evaldo is still active in competing and teaches world-wide. He was appointed as one of the Board Members  of Kuwait's International Jiujitsu league due to the knowledge and passion of the art. He opened Neutral Grounds jiu jitsuin Long Beach in Dec 2003. Neutral Grounds  currently has 9 Black Belts under Prof. Evaldo Lima. Royce Gracie’s Sparring partner during the days of Pride, K-1, UFC.IBJJF- Gold medalist in World.Pan Ams, European, Long Beach, Dallas, Las Vegas, Best of the West, Grappler’s Quest.Appointed Board member of Kuwait’s International ’ jiu jitsu Federation.Interested in training with Evaldo Lima, visit him at Neutral Grounds Jiu Jitsu

Sifu Thomas Martin *Founder & Master of LAMA KENPO Martial Art System  * 48 years Martial Arts experience  *Lama Kenpo system 6th Degree Black Belt *Black Belt in Judo *Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do/Chang Moo Kwon (same instructor) *Skilled in Kaihewalu Lua (Hawaiian Martial Art) *Skilled in Escrima, Kali (Filipino fighting and weapon arts) *Military Service U.S.M.C. /GRUNT/Guarded Nuclear & Nutron weapons/Specialist in Counter Gorilla Tactics/Trained hand to hand quick kill course 1st Marine Division  *L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy  *Law Enforcement Force Expert/Instructor *3 time Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee

Entertaining and super funny interview with the amazing Joel Santiago. Joel is a Black Belt in jiu jitsu studying under Evaldo Lima. He is also a main coach at Neutral Grounds JiuJitsu Academy, in Signal Hill, California.  Joel Santiago 30 years old, been training jiu jitsu since 17 years old. Started competing as a black belt, claims to be "the next big thing" "future world champion" When you ask him what got him started in jiu jitsu, his answer is always the same, "wwe and video games"

Jose Interviews Paulo Guillobel as we learn about his  outstanding career in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Winning or going to the finals in almost every tournament he has competed in, he is considered one of the top fighters of his generation.Paulo was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the birthplace of Jiu-Jitsu. He began his Jiu-Jitsu training in 1988 with Professor Jorge Pereira, a black belt trained by Master Rickson Gracie. In 1996, at the age of twenty-two, Paulo was awarded his black belt. In 1997, Paulo also competed in his MMA competition and came out as champion. At the same time that Paulo was becoming a Jiu-Jitsu expert, he graduated and got a degree in Business from one to the top universities in Brazil. However, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu drove Paulo to keep up with his athletic career and also to begin his career as an instructor.Toward the end of 1999, Paulo arrived in the United States. He had been invited by the world-renowned Machado family to be part of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team in the USA and to become one of their instructors. After arriving in the U.S., Paulo continued his winning streak in major Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling competitions including the World No-Gi championship, Pan American Championship, U.S. Open, Grappling Games and many others. He is indeed an international master of Jiu-Jitsu. He is now combining his athletic skills with his business skills to teach children and adults.Today Paulo has opened his own academy in San Clemente and expanded his involvement with the community teaching Jiu-Jitsu and promoting a healthy style of self-defense here in southern California.2 Times World Champion No Gi 2008 and 20116 Times  Pan American Champion: 2015, 2012, 201 1, 2010, 2006 and 20035th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-JitsuAuthor of the best seller, Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu;Certified by International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu FederationStudying BJJ since 1988More than 20 years of teaching (since 1991)Dedicates 100% of his time teachingMore than 50 titles as a CompetitorBorn in Rio de Janeiro, birth place of BJJBusiness DegreeHe is under guidance of 6x World Champion Saulo RibeiroHis hobbies are surf, snowboarding, paintball and chessPurchase Paulo's Book: Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Mike Pombeiro is a Kenpo Karate instructor and MMA artist. Mike has been considered one of the Worlds greatest Sport Karate  fighter. A few of his accolades are Diamond nationals champion, International sport karate association world championship champion, NASKA Tournament champion, National Black belt league world title, #1 light heavyweight fighter in NBL.3 X NBL (National Blackbelt League) Champion2 X NASKA Overall ChampionBlack belt Hall of Fame “Competitor of the year” 2 X Rolex Challenge winnerWAKO Gold and Bronze medalist for team USA84kg WAKO World ChampionIrish Open Open Weight ChampionTeam Paul Mitchell member/sponsor. Hear more about Mike and his fighting tips at his podcast Compete national champion.Point Fighter Live PodcastBlack Belt Magazine Article about Mike Pombeiro

Senior Master Bob White holds a 10th degree in American Kenpo Karate. Bob is also the  Author of the book "Life in Session: The Senior Master Bob White Story".  Passing up a professional baseball career at a young age, Senior Master Bob White has been contributing to the art of American Kenpo for over fifty-years. On the tournament circuit he won numerous state, national, and international fighting championships. Bob White fought on the National All Star Black Belt Team, which went undefeated in 1973 and 1974. As a teacher and coach, he has consistently taught and coached some of the worlds finest karate fighters.  Senior Master White has been inducted into many different Hall of Fames and recently he was the 2012 Keynote Speaker for the Master’s Hall of Fame in Southern California.Fun fact about Bob:Bob White was involved in the original “Karate Kid” movie and appeared as a referee in the film. BWKS had over 50 students that appeared in the movie as tournament competitors. Mr. White was also involved in The Karate Kid part 3 and worked to promote the new “Karate Kid” version with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.Bob White's Book is available for purchase on Amazon: Life in Session: The Senior Master Bob White Story Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio