Bushido MMA and BJJ Academy

Bushido MMA and BJJ Academy was founded in 2002 by Hugo Sida, who returned to El Paso after years of elite training and competition to establish the city’s first mixed martial arts academy. Hugo’s martial arts journey began in his teens under his brother Sensei Jose Sida and Shihan Jorge Nieto, blending Ninjutsu, Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing into a unique fighting system. He went on to train at Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den in San Diego, competing professionally and earning titles across several organizations before bringing his experience back home to build a local team capable of competing at national and international levels. The academy’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is built on the Machado Method, with Hugo Sida holding a second-degree black belt under Professor Carlos Valente, a 7th degree coral belt under Master Rickson Gracie. Bushido is also affiliated with TeamHurricaneAwesome under Manolo “Hurricane” Hernandez, further enriching its technical lineage. Classes are offered in both gi and no-gi formats for adults, with a focus on technique, leverage, and practical application. The curriculum accommodates all levels, from fundamentals to advanced, and is supported by open mat sessions for live training. Youth development is a priority at Bushido. Programs start with the Tiny Warriors (ages 4–6), progress through Little Warriors (7–9), and continue to all-level and advanced MMA and BJJ for ages 9–14. Coach Sonny Perez, a dedicated competitor and instructor, leads the children’s program, emphasizing confidence, discipline, and strong fundamentals. Adult students can also train in MMA striking, participate in fighter classes, and benefit from a schedule designed for both personal growth and competitive aspirations. Drop-ins are welcome, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Amenities