Jovany Varela BJJ & Sambo Anaconda Academy

Jovany Varela BJJ & Sambo Anaconda Academy is guided by Jovany Varela, a veteran martial artist whose training began in 1991 under Gene LeBell and Gokor Chivichyan at the original Hayastan MMA Academy. Jovany holds a 4th degree black belt in the Hayastan Grappling System, a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Gracie Barra’s Thiago Reinaldo De Souza, and a 7th degree red-and-white belt in Judo. He also earned Master Level 2 status in Sambo from FIAS in Russia, marking him as the first Hispanic practitioner to achieve this rank. His approach emphasizes technical precision across multiple disciplines, blending the traditions of Judo, Sambo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on practical application in grappling and competition. Training at the academy reflects this multifaceted background. Classes cover Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Judo, wrestling, and striking arts including boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing. The curriculum is structured to develop fundamentals before advancing students through intermediate and expert levels, with specific attention to the Hayastan Grappling System’s integrated techniques. Youth programs introduce children to Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, while adult classes accommodate a broad range of skill levels and interests, from self-defense to competitive preparation. Open mat sessions and private lessons are also available, supporting individual progress and refinement. Located in Gardena, California, the academy operates in a facility equipped to serve families and individuals, offering wheelchair access and parking. Jovany and his team maintain a hands-on coaching style, drawing on decades of experience and international competition to guide students. The school carries forward a lineage deeply rooted in the Hayastan MMA tradition, extending its influence through affiliations across Europe, America, and Asia.

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