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It's about time that we talk about our multi-talented rep, Tom Knox. He moved to Visalia, CA from Torrance and started training judo when he was just 4 years old. 21 years later, he earned his black belt in the sport. Within this time span, someone introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1998 and ever since then, he was hooked to the game. Tom received his blue and purple belts from Royce Gracie, then his brown and black belt from Cleber Luciano. He said, "I owe a lot to him for his technical g …

When someone is born to do something, nothing will be able to stand in their way from doing it. Tatiana Padilla is one of those people born to be a fighter. She was just 3 and a half years old when she started wrestling. Her uncles and her older brother wrestled before her, so she followed their example. Also, having ADHD as a kid, she found that wrestling was the only activity she loved enough to pay attention to. Tatiana excelled in wrestling while attending school. One of the ma …

It has always been said that people who do good, end up getting rewarded for their deeds no matter what. For our teammate, Ryan, his acts of leadership, generosity, and unwavering work ethic come naturally. He carries no intention of being recognized at all, but that doesn't mean that these things won't eventually come his way, TWICE! Ryan made it known early in his life that although he has ADHD and Asperger, absolutely nothing will stop him from accomplishing many great - and selfless - things …

From Tijuana, Mexico, comes a 25-year-old competitor who dedicates a great amount of hard work towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His name is Fernando Amado, but he goes by the name "Fer Ji." He trains regularly at the Entram Academy in Tijuana, Mexico, and also trains 2 days a week at the Atos HQ academy in San Diego. Fer Ji started off doing MMA, but then went on to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been in it for 3 years now in the gi. He trains in the gi 2 times a day, enjoying doing leg d …

The Rodrigo Freitas Jiu-Jitsu Academy was packed with students on July 2, 2016. As soon as Ian Sanders saw the photographer there, that's when he thought something big was about to happen. He wasn't wrong, because a black belt was waiting for him that day. Ian initially started training to get in shape, get healthy, and also because according to Ian, "my brother used to kick my ass when I was little." 6 years later, he is now a proud black belt. After winning gold at last year …

Pro Surfer & BJJ Purple Belt Eli Olson (North Shore, Oahu) has been making a name for himself not only as the "pipe guy," but also hitting solid barrels on a worldwide scale.   Known for riding large waves, Eli is also a solid BJJ Purple Belt from Sunset BJJ (North Shore, Oahu).  Eli credits his Jiu Jitsu skills to surf and his surf skills to BJJ, a true balance that compliment both sports. Recently Eli headed up our BJJ Gi Care Instructions Campaign, a campaign to max …