BRAUS FIGHT TEAM

Ana Carolina Schmitt is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under coach Marcos Cunha, having also worked extensively with coaches such as Juliano Wandalen and Letícia Ribeiro. Ana Carolina is widely regarded as one of the top female grapplers of her generation, having conquered important titles in tournaments such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s World and South American Championships.

Thalison Soares is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Cicero Costha and a representative of the Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB) Team, who worked extensively with Murilo Santana (Unity BJJ). Thalison gained notoriety within the grappling circuit after his very first year competing internationally, as a juvenile blue belt, when he displayed an unusual amount of talent. His brilliance on the mat continued throughout the colored belt divisions where Thalison conquered repeated International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Grand Slam (Euro, Pan, Brazilian and World titles) for THREE (3) years in a row.

Yago started training when he was 3 years old with his dad’s master (Luiz Carlos) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the age of 8 he started to train with his dad (Tadeu Espindola) in his school at the time Gracie Humaita, also in Rio. When he was 19 (purple belt) he moved to San Diego – CA to train and compete (Gracie Humaita) where he stayed for almost 5 years (2013 to 2018). He was promoted to black belt in San Diego at the age of 23 by his dad, but when he was in Brazil Leticia Ribeiro was the one who actually promoted Yago. He was Gracie Humaita his whole life and around one year after he got his black belt he moved to Atos where he stayed for 7 months before going back to Brazil in 2018.

Maria Eduardo Tozoni Ono, better known as Duda Tozoni in the Jiu-JItsu world, stood out still as a brown belt on the international stage after winning a AJP Grand Slam against black belts and then being called to join one of the BJJBet cards. Trained by professor Marcos Cunha, Duda teaches and make their training routine at TMC, in Blumenau, the city where she was born and made her first step in Jiu-Jitsu, through his father, a fan of the sport, at the age of 11. Duda graduated to black belt in June 2021, at age 19.

Ana Luiza began her Jiu-Jitsu journey at just 4 years old, and now, at 17, she’s competing at the highest level in the adult division. Her dedication to the sport is undeniable—she has been actively competing in both Gi and No-Gi since she was 5.

Beyond her own training, Ana is also passionate about giving back to the sport, teaching and assisting in kids' classes. Her achievements speak for themselves: she holds prestigious titles, including Pan No-Gi division and open class championships, as well as a No-Gi World Championship. Additionally, she has earned podium finishes in two Gi World Championships.

Ana’s ambitions extend far beyond her current success. She dreams of becoming a multiple-time World Champion as a black belt and making her mark at every belt level along the way.

BJJ Black belt 3rd Degree Lineage; Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jnr. > Helio Soneca > Alexandre Santos. Alexandre is founder and head coach at Cia Paulista North Melbourne. His extensive knowledge, experience and respect for BJJ has developed him into a well-respected coach and athlete within the BJJ community. Alexandre aspires to help people achieve their very best selves by teaching them the many benefits of a BJJ lifestyle.

Marcos Cunha is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4th degree black belt under André Marola. He is also the leader of The Match Champ, a team that has produced big names in the Jiu-Jitsu competitive scene, such as Duda Tozoni and Ana Carolina Schmitt. Coming from humble beginnings, Marcos understands the importance of helping those who can’t help themselves and has founded the UCLA social project, which aims to support young athletes who don’t have the means to fund their careers and allow them to turn their lives around through Jiu-Jitsu.

James Vinston Nival is a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, certified under Professor Andre Galvao of Atos Jiu-Jitsu. With over 18 years of experience, he has dedicated his training career to the Las Vegas community since moving from New Jersey in 2006.

In 2016, James founded his martial arts academy in Mountains Edge, Las Vegas, which has since thrived in competition and community impact. As a business owner for over eight years, he has built a respected institution in the martial arts world.

A devoted husband and father, James and his wife, Natalia Nival, work together to create a welcoming, empowering environment while raising their four children.

James has traveled globally to train, teach, and share Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, continuously inspiring personal growth and strengthening his community.

Patrick Robinson is a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the head instructor of Choke-U Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Valparaiso, Indiana. An active competitor in the master divisions, he has earned multiple national and international titles. Recognized as a leading game plan strategist in the sport, Patrick has authored Roll to the Top: Creating a winning game plan for Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition, available on Amazon.

My name is Gustavo Santos. I am a Checkmat athlete, and here in the USA, I train with Professor Chico Mendes at gulf breeze, I am 20 years old, and I have been training since I was ten when I started in a social project in Espírito Santo with master Silas Caldas, my greatest I dream of jiu-jitsu and being able to provide a better condition for my family and for that I have the goal of winning all the biggest jiu-jitsu championships as a black belt. Currently, I am a brown belt and thank God I am managing to stand out in all competitions that I’m fighting, this year I became the Pan American Gi champion, American national Gi champion, third in the world Gi, second in Pan Nogi and now I’m going to end the year looking for the Nogi world where I’m feeling very prepared and with the best support that could have BRAUS.

My name is Sean Paul Espanola and I'm a black belt under James Nival at Atos Las Vegas. I've been training since 2015. I'm a father of 3 and still find time to train, compete and help others on and off the mats. I've captured many titles such as Pans gi, Nationals (3 times nogi and 1 at gi) and have podiumed at Pans nogi, Worlds Masters and Nogi Worlds. I am also a recovery specialist in Stretch therapy, cupping and IASTM. As I continue to grow in this community, I hope to help others grow through my knowledge and recovery methods.

Jon “Jono” O’Connell is a first degree black belt training under Pablo Silva in Houston, Texas. Jono is also a proud member of the Houston Fire Department. Jono began training in 2006 and continues to develop and grow as a competitor. Jono is primarily a Gi player but his love for Nogi grappling really grew after winning the 2021 IBJJF Worlds NoGi title at brown belt. Jono’s other major title was achieving second place at the 2023 IBJJF North American Master International. He continues to seek Gold!

Bernardita Campos Gómez is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, originally from Chile and now based in Florida. She trains under Talita Alencar, Gesias Carvalho, and Leon Melo and represents Fight Sports Deerfield Beach Academy.

Bernardita plays a key role in her academy, leading the women's classes, while also overseeing the children’s program at Komba Gym. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring has made her an integral part of the Jiu-Jitsu community.

I'm a blue belt at Ralph Gracie Academy in Port Orange, Florida. I bartend at "Down the Hatch" in Ponce Inlet on the weekends, and I coach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on weekdays. I started Jiu-Jitsu in November 2022 and have competed in 26 IBJJF competitions since April 2023. I love Jiu-Jitsu, ice hockey, video games, traveling, and theme parks. I'm always smiling and look forward to teaching Jiu-Jitsu. And sharing my journey one day as a black belt I'm blessed to be part of the Braus team and my favorite submission is the bow and arrow choke!

Balance Jiu-Jitsu (2017) and co-founder of the Incio Association (2023). A dedicated competitor, he earned silver at the 2024 Nogi Pans and bronze at the 2024 Nogi Worlds. Dylan started his jiu-jitsu journey in 2010 under Cobrinha and received his black belt from Bruno Tank Mendes in 2019.
Passionate about jiu-jitsu’s life-changing impact, Dylan is committed to empowering others and giving back to his community and family.

19 year old from San Clemente, CA.
Grew up along the beach.
Family first mindset.
Collegiate wrestler
Blue belt for Art of Jiujitsu
Multiple time IBJJF American National Champion Gi and No gi
Multiple time ADCC open medalist

Hi my name is Tristen Scott I’m 13 years old and I’m a orange belt , I Train at Elite team visilia under Tom Knox , I have been training since I was 5 years and train bjj everyday is my passion, it’s hard for
Me to get matches sometimes because my weight but I still come to the gym everyday and train hard , I also enjoy to wrestle and I also do cross fit, I’m
Proud to be a part of the braus family and represent this brand.

Ella Desario is a young and passionate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor with a relentless drive for success. Training under Gracie Florida, she has established herself as a fierce competitor, earning multiple titles and securing a spot at ADCC Youth Worlds.

With an unwavering dedication to the sport, Ella and her family travel year-round to compete at the highest levels, constantly pushing her limits and gaining invaluable experience. Her commitment and competitive spirit make her a rising star in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Marley trains out of 10th Planet Calgary, under black belts Corey Guitard and Gurdip Rangi.  Marley began training in 2019 at 10 years old and is set to move into the juvenile and adult divisions in 2025.  She has a passion for the sport of jiu jitsu and is an avid competitor in the local and international scene. In 2024, Marley competed at the 2024 ADCC Youth World Championship at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas in the girls 15-17 -65kg division where she placed 2nd in her division.  She has also competed at numerous IBJJF and ADCC events in Canada and in the United States placing first in many of those tournaments.  Training 6 days a week in both jiu jitsu and wrestling, she is committed to being the best version of herself and to her success in future competitions.

Layla Esguerra was born & raised in Las Vegas, NV. She started training jiu jitsu in June 2021, out of ATOS Las Vegas under black belt Professor James Nival. After her very first competition is when she truly fell in love with the sport. Layla trains every chance she gets by going to adult class, kids class & helping her little sister’s class. Her dedication gave her the ability to be able to compete in confidence at the highest level in IBJJF(American Nationals Kids, Jiu-Jitsu Con Kids, Pans Kids) & having success in two super fights. Her discipline & motivation led her to have many accomplishments the past few years. She continues to thrive to learn about her passion for the art of jiu jitsu.