Instructors

Marcelo Fausto is a standout Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and coach representing the world-renowned Checkmat team. Originally from São Vicente, Brazil, he began his martial arts journey in Judo before finding his calling in BJJ at age ten, eventually becoming one of the most technical “scrappy” competitors in the modern lightweight division. Known for his relentless guard passing and high-pressure style, Fausto has secured major titles including IBJJF Pan No-Gi Gold (2025) and ADCJJ World Championship gold. As an instructor, he is a frequent contributor to platforms like BJJ Fanatics and travels globally for seminars, sharing the sophisticated technical systems that have made him a staple on the elite professional circuit.

Thomas Halpin was born on 9 November 1993 in Limerick, Ireland. He started Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2011 under Rodrigo Medeiros black belt, Fergal Quinlan, while studying sports and exercise science at University. From 2014 Halpin started going to Miami to train under Robert ‘Cyborg’ Abreu at Fight Sport from whom he received his brown and black belt in 2017.

Halpin became the first Irishman to qualify and compete at the ADCC World Championship after winning the ADCC European Trials in 2019. In 2020 after submitting all his opponents, including MMA fighter Masakazu Imanari, Halpin became featherweight Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Champion.

He currently competes in the featherweight division for Polaris Pro Grappling, being the number one featherweight contender. During the first Polaris 14 Squads event in September 2020, he defeated Dino Bucalet (from Team EU) via reverse triangle, securing the winning point for Team British Isles.At Polaris 21 Halpin defeated Alessio Sacchetti via unanimous decision.

Since 2015, Alex has served as the founder and head coach of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Peniche in Portugal, offering a vast reservoir of expertise to his students. Having received training from esteemed mentors such as Erik Paulson, Eddie Bravo, Mendes Bros, André Galvão, and Marcos Flexa during his time overseas, Alex has acquired invaluable knowledge. Despite primarily competing at colored belts, Alex has clinched national championship titles in judo and BJJ, showcasing remarkable achievements in international competitions.

Bianca is a certified Yoga Instructor and a BJJ blue belt, bringing her passion for Yoga for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Jiutopia!
Her martial arts journey began as a teenager, competing at an elite level with the Romanian National Judo Team. Over the years, she explored multiple martial arts, but BJJ captured her heart.