ABOUT US
Jonatas Gurgel
A two-time World Champion, three-time Pan American Champion, four-time Brazilian National Champion, and professional MMA fighter with an undefeated 5-0 record. Jonatas has spent 20+ years on the mat — the last 12 teaching in Sunny Isles.
- 2x World Champion (2004, 2005)
- 3x Pan American Champion (2002, 2004, 2005)
- 4x Brazilian National Champion (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007)
- World Bronze Medals (2006, 2007, 2008)
- Professional MMA Fighter — 5-0 Record
Coaches at Winners
World-class black belts working alongside Head Coach Jonatas — combining decades of competition, refereeing, and international teaching experience.
Marcelo Tomio Uemura
BJJ Black Belt · Judo Black Belt (Kodokan) · Karate Black Belt (JKA)
Black belt under Master Barbosa with international experience in Brazil, Japan and the U.S. International IBJJF, NEWBREED and AJP referee. Physical Education degree and postgraduate work in Sports Training Methodology.
FULL BIO
Leonardo Farias Novais
BJJ Black Belt · Sports Science Degree · 18+ Years Coaching · São Paulo State Champion
Black belt under Guigo Jiu-Jitsu. São Paulo State Champion, Sport Science degree, and academy manager with 24+ years of Jiu-Jitsu and 18+ years of coaching experience.
FULL BIOWelcome to Winners Jiu-Jitsu Academy
The culture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond combat techniques, promoting values like humility, respect, discipline, and self-awareness. Every training session is an opportunity for learning and growth, strengthening both body and mind. At our academy, we offer fighting styles tailored to each student's needs, from beginners to advanced, with a focus on developing skills that go beyond the mat. We teach life lessons and fundamental values like self-discipline and mutual respect, creating a close-knit community that grows together.
How We're Different
There are many gyms to choose from — here's why Winners stands apart.
Not Just Competition-Focused
We welcome all levels — beginners, families, and those training purely for fitness and self-defense, not just competitors.
World-Class Instruction
Train under a 2x World Champion and professional MMA fighter with 20+ years of teaching experience.
All Ages & Levels Welcome
From kids as young as 4 to adults of all ages. Everyone has a home on our mats.
Tight-Knit Community
We foster a supportive, family-like environment where students grow together and push each other forward.
Proven Results
Our students consistently achieve their goals — whether that is weight loss, confidence, competition medals, or self-defense skills.
Prime Location
Located in the heart of Sunny Isles Beach with easy access, parking, and modern facilities.
A journey of self-discovery.
We believe martial arts are a journey of self-discovery and complete development.
Humility & Respect
We teach values that go beyond the mat, fostering mutual respect in every interaction.
Discipline
Building self-discipline and mental resilience through structured training programs.
Physical Fitness
Excellent cardiovascular workout that improves balance, core strength, and overall fitness.
Emotional Control
Developing the mindset needed to face challenges with confidence and self-control.
In the News
From Bullied to Black Belt: Jade Ghezal's Journey at Winners Academy
"Jiu-Jitsu changed my confidence by making me love myself more and not needing to be scared of challenges. Now I've learned how to be calm, think of a solution, and not be scared of confrontation."
Based on 100+ reviews
"Best BJJ academy in South Florida. Professor Jonatas is an amazing instructor who genuinely cares about every student."
"I started with zero experience and now I feel confident, fit, and part of an incredible community. Highly recommend!"
"My son started at age 6 and his confidence has skyrocketed. The kids program is structured, fun, and safe."
"World-class training in a welcoming environment. The instructors break everything down clearly for all levels."
The Belt Journey
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has one of the slowest, most respected belt progressions in martial arts. Each belt is earned — not given — and every stripe represents thousands of hours on the mat.
White Belt
Survival, falling safely, learning positions. The hardest belt — and the most important.
Green Belt
You demonstrate strong fundamentals, effective escapes, guard passes and basic submissions. (Unofficial intermediate belt between white and blue)
Blue Belt
You survive, you escape, you have a game. Already more capable than 99% of untrained people.
Purple Belt
You teach others. Your style is your own. You handle most blue belts with ease.
Brown Belt
Precision, efficiency, and timing. Preparing for the black belt — the rarest milestone.
Black Belt
Fewer than 1% of practitioners ever reach this. The journey continues here — it does not end.
Four stripes per belt
Each belt has four stripes before the next promotion. Stripes mark progress within a belt — a lower-pressure way to show advancement without waiting years.
Earned, not given
BJJ promotes on proven skill — not on attendance or time. A black belt has tapped thousands of people across a decade. You can't fake it, buy it, or rush it.
The journey is the point
Students who obsess over promotions burn out. Students who fall in love with the process stay for decades. Belts are just markers along the way.
Come train with us.
17100 Collins Ave, Suite 201, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Ready to Join Our Community?
Experience the difference that our Jiu-Jitsu classes can make in your life.
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