Meet Our Coaches
Our instructors are world-class experts in BJJ, No-Gi, Kickboxing, and MMA—led by Hall of Famer Mario Sperry. Each coach is certified, highly experienced, and committed to results. We train kids, beginners, and competitive athletes in a clean and professional space.
That’s why parents and fighters choose Mario Sperry Academy when looking for the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches in Miami—where discipline, respect, and excellence define every class.
Mario Sperry
6th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mario Sperry is a legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA fighter from Porto Alegre, Brazil. He began with judo and later trained under Carlson Gracie, becoming a multiple-time IBJJF and ADCC world champion. In 1995, he won double gold at the IBJJF Worlds, and in 1998, he made history as the first absolute ADCC champion.
He later became team captain for Brazil at ADCC and earned medals in several editions, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant grapplers ever.
In MMA, he fought in PRIDE FC, finishing his career with a 13–4 record, defeating legends like Igor Vovchanchyn. He co-founded Brazilian Top Team and helped train champions like Minotauro Nogueira and Ricardo Arona.
Today, Mario continues to coach and spread the art of jiu-jitsu globally through seminars, competitions, and his Miami-based academy.
Javier Oyarzabal
MMA & Advanced No-Gi Instructor
Coach Javier Oyarzabal is a professional MMA fighter from Argentina and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (2 stripes) under Master Mario Sperry. He has competed across Latin America, earning a reputation for his charisma, strong striking, and crowd-pleasing style.
At Mario Sperry Academy, he leads the Advanced No-Gi, Kickboxing, and MMA programs. His classes bring a high level of realism and competition, shaped by years of top-level fighting experience.
Coach Javier prepares both amateur and pro athletes—some of whom have reached the UFC and major circuits. His coaching is intense, motivating, and focused on fundamentals, grit, and a winning mindset.
Coach Javier Oyarzabal after winning a professional MMA fight in Latin America
Coach Javier Oyarzabal teaching advanced kickboxing class at Mario Sperry Academy in MiamiJesús Naidenoff
Kids & All Levels BJJ Coach
Coach Jesús is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Mario Sperry, originally from Venezuela, with over 15 years of experience on the mats. As a father and dedicated instructor, he brings a unique perspective to his teaching—his 11-year-old son, Fabricio, actively assists him in class, making each session more dynamic and relatable for young students.
Coach Jesús leads the Kids Program and the 7:00 AM All Levels BJJ classes, blending old-school values with a modern teaching style that keeps kids engaged and parents confident. His classes are structured, safe, and focused on building discipline, respect, self-defense skills, and a lifelong love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Jesús Naidenoff Tournaments
Jesús Naidenoff Kids ClassesNahuel Cañiza
Kickboxing Coach | MMA Fighter
Nahuel Cañiza is an Argentine mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, born in 1997. At 28 years old, he holds a purple belt in BJJ and competes in the bantamweight division, proudly representing Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Throughout his professional career, he has earned victories by technical knockout and submission, standing out in events such as Global MMA and West Fights MMA, where he has faced opponents from around the world. In addition to his MMA career, Nahuel actively competes in grappling tournaments, establishing himself as a versatile and high-performance athlete.
At the academy, Coach Nahuel leads the All Levels Kickboxing classes and serves as assistant coach to Javier Oyarzabal. Known for his discipline, charisma, and strong team values, he also helps prepare both amateur and professional MMA fighters for competition. His dedication and energy make him a key part of the academy’s competitive training program.
