Marcelo Mafra BJJ

Marcelo Mafra BJJ is led by Marcelo “LaPela” Mafra, a black belt under Demian Maia with competition medals from the Brazilian, Pan, World No-Gi, and World Masters Championships. Mafra trained with renowned instructors like Everdan Olegário, Fernando Tererê, Lucas Leite, and Leonardo Vieira, bringing a depth of experience from the IBJJF circuit. His lineage traces back through Demian Maia, Fabio Gurgel, Romero Cavalcanti, and Rolls Gracie to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grounding the academy in a traditional yet competitive approach. The academy offers structured classes for adults and kids, focusing on building solid fundamentals and progressing through intermediate to advanced techniques. Adults can train in both gi and no-gi formats, with specialized classes for fundamentals, grappling, and competition preparation. Kids’ programs start as early as age three with Play Jiu Jitsu to develop basic motor skills and social awareness, then move into more technical classes for ages 7 to 14, including advanced and no-gi options. Kickboxing and MMA classes complement the grappling curriculum, providing striking and mixed martial arts training for those interested. Training at Mafra’s gym emphasizes live drilling and sparring, reflecting the practical and physical nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as both sport and self-defense. The schedule includes open mat sessions for additional practice. The facility is wheelchair accessible and located in Hesperia, California, serving the High Desert region with a comprehensive range of classes that reflect Mafra’s experience as a world-class competitor and instructor.

Amenities