Instructors

Marco Canha is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, graduated under the legendary Ricardo Vieira at the Fightzone academy (Checkmat headquarters in Rio de Janeiro). Born in the “Mecca” of jiu-jitsu, Marco Canha made a name for himself as one of the hottest new prospects to come out of the Checkmat Academy, he has since moved to Europe, where he opened up his own affiliate of Fightzone in London (check Fightzone London website).

Professor Kevin Chan, a 4th-degree black belt, is one of Europe’s highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, with a rich lineage of training under Mauricio Gomes and Roger Gracie. As the founder of Kamon BJJ (kamonbjj.com), Portsmouth’s longest-standing BJJ academy, Kevin has built a school focused on constant growth and discovery. In January 2008, he became one of the first black belts in the UK, an honor awarded by the legendary Mauricio Gomes, father of world champion Roger Gracie. Kevin’s dedication to the art and his pursuit of knowledge continue to shape his contributions to the BJJ community. Kevin also trains at grapplersden.com Belham South London.

We’re stoked to announce that @nadsjj_ is returning to Jiutopia BJJ Summer Camp 2025!  If you trained with Nadine last time, you already know—you’re in for something special! Her energy, technique, and passion for Jiu-Jitsu make every session unforgettable. As an IBJJF and AJP medalist, she brings top-level skills with a fun and friendly vibe that makes learning from her a blast.This summer, she’s back to share more knowledge, roll with everyone, and help take your game to the next level! 🔥

Ana Yagües, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and co-owner of Nexus Fighter Academy in Hamburg, brings nearly two decades of elite coaching and competitive experience to the mat. Renowned for her technical precision and her role as a PhD-holding author and referee, Ana is a leader in youth development and the founder of the @bjjmums community. For this edition of the camp, she is joined by her partner, Tony Hesse—a specialist in fundamentals and training culture—and their daughters, Gisele and Anais, who are both members of the German National Youth Team. With Anais holding multiple World and European titles, and younger children Carla and Javier joining the journey, the Yagües-Hesse family embodies a multilingual (English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese) dedication to the values of BJJ, consistency, and respect.

Top Irish prospect Rosa Walsh has just been awarded her BJJ black belt by the reigning ADCC world champion Ffion Davies, becoming the first person to be promoted under Davies. Walsh has been a popular and prolific competitor all across the UK for quite some time, and has been branching out even further. She actually got one of her biggest tournament wins just a matter of days before Davies won ADCC 2022 in fact, as Walsh competed in the ADCC Open at the same event. Walsh now stands as the youngest female Irish BJJ black belt ever, at just 25-years old, as well as setting a record for being the first female black belt from Cork, and being the 6th female Irish-born BJJ black belt ever.

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that the incredible @lorenz_sadychow is joining Jiutopia Camp again. As a black belt from @rga.vienna , Lorenz brings his unmatched expertise in half guard, back attacks, sweeps, and submissions.

Lorenz Sadychow is a black belt in the best BJJ school in the region, Roger Gracie Vienna. He is the right-hand man of his master Orlando Machado Neto, the only 5th Dan holder in Central Europe.

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.

Valmyr Neto, born in Belem, Brazil, in 1983, began his martial arts journey with Judo before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Inspired by Royce Gracie’s UFC victories, Neto sought training and earned his yellow and blue belts under Marcus Norat. He continued his BJJ training with Walter “Broca,” receiving his black belt in 2006. In 2008, Neto moved to England to coach BJJ and has since become a prominent figure in the English grappling scene, leading the DFC academy in Gravesend and contributing to the growth of the sport in Europe.

Hailing from Belgium but embracing the Mediterranean vibes of Cyprus, Clara’s journey into Pilates began during her time as a physiotherapist in 2021. Now, as a sports & MSK physiotherapist at Better Flow Physio in London and a Pilates instructor at @fightzonelondon , Clara brings her passion for movement and injury prevention to every session.

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.

Panayot Voutchkov is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and highly respected coach, serving as the Head coach of Checkmat Bulgaria. Based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, he is closely affiliated with Teres Gym and Fight Club, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and skills to students of all levels. Demonstrating his expertise through instructional videos and active participation in competitions like the SJJIF Gi & No-Gi Bulgaria Open 2023, Voutchkov is a prominent figure within the Checkmat International network, contributing to the growth and development of BJJ in Bulgaria.

Christos Christoforidis to Replace Nia at Jiutopia Golden Camp! We are thrilled to announce that Christos Christoforidis, a 3-time Greek Wrestling Champion and 3-time Greek Beach Wrestling Champion (2021, 2022, 2024), as well as a World Champion in Beach Wrestling, will be stepping in to replace Nia as one of the lead instructors at the Jiutopia Golden Camp this September! 🎉

Christos brings a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record, including:
• 🏆 1st place in the 2024 World Beach Wrestling Championship (World Series)
• 🥈 2nd place in the 2024 World Beach Wrestling Championship (World Series)
• 🥇 1st place in the 2023 Mediterranean Beach Wrestling Games
• 🎖️ Two 5th place finishes in the 2021 World Military Championship (Greco-Roman and Freestyle)

BJJ black belt under @marcocanha & Strength & Conditioning coach based in London 🇬🇧

With over 10 years of experience in personal training, sports performance & rehab, Sergy brings a unique approach that blends:
⚡ Functional movement
⚡ High-level athletic conditioning
⚡ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mindset & technique

His goal?
To help athletes reach their full potential — physically & mentally.
Whether you’re on the mats or facing daily life, understanding how your body moves is the key 🧠🌀

Coach Sergy doesn’t just build stronger athletes —
He builds stronger humans.

Raphaella Amorim is a prominent figure in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, known for her engaging digital content and expertise in the sport. A skilled BJJ black belt, Rapha operates a popular YouTube channel with over 41K subscribers, where she offers in-depth analysis of BJJ positions, live commentary on matches, and insights from her travels to tournaments and training camps worldwide. Her Instagram presence is equally impressive, boasting a following of 76K dedicated fans.

Rapha will be contributing digital content to the upcoming Jiutopia camp, providing valuable insights and analysis for attendees.