Magno Gama

Professor Magno Gama is a 4th degree Renzo Gracie Black Belt. He studied under Master Renzo Gracie since he was 17 years old and moved here from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Magno always had a love for martial arts, but fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the first time he walked in Renzo Gracie’s Academy. Magno has been teaching classes professionally since he was a Blue Belt and continues to teach all levels of classes. Magno has competed on all levels in many competitions. Magno’s love for teaching shows in his passion to help all his students be the best they can be and reach their goals. He is an amazing teacher and has a special ability to relate to kids and train them in a fun but always structured way.

Tomas Duarte

Professor Tomas Duarte is a 1st degree Renzo Gracie Black Belt. He studied under Professor Magno Gama since he was 18 years old (2013). Tomas’s story with grappling started with wrestling, he was an accomplished wrestler all 4 years of high school. When he discovered Jiu Jitsu, he immediately fell in love with the martial art. Tomas has been teaching wrestling and Jiu Jitsu classes professionally at Renzo Gracie Queens since his purple belt in 2018. Tomas is extremely passionate about Jiu Jitsu. He firmly believes it provides the structure, discipline, and support from a team that people need in their lives. He is a skilled practitioner of the art form and uses his natural and acquired abilities to help his students achieve their goals.

Ralph Montalvo

Professor Ralph Montalvo is a 1st degree Renzo Gracie Black Belt, He has been training jiu-jitsu since 1997. BJJ has improved both physical and mental health. Physical health has improved due to the increased activity due to BJJ. Mental health has improved because of the release of endorphins that come from intense activity. Ralph would like to teach his students to enjoy the process and not to be afraid to make mistakes. Lastly, to always stress safety above all else.

Niko Papa

Professor Niko Papa is a 1st degree Renzo Gracie Black Belt, a 16 year veteran on the mats at Renzo Gracie Queens. He has been with the academy since its inception, receiving his Black Belt from the world renowned Magno Gama. Prof. Niko started his martial arts journey from a young age in Karate. Naturally he came to the art of BJJ in order to become a more complete fighter by adding ground techniques to his resume. Like so many, he fell in love with the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and within a short period of time started teaching for Professor Magno. His main priority has always been to pass down the art in its purest form and continue the unbroken lineage.

Nestor Martinez

Professor Nestor Martinez is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt. He studied under Magno Gama for 10 years at Renzo Gracie Queens. He started teaching because of his love for competing and the art of Jiu Jitsu. He hopes his students learn to become great practitioners of Jiu Jitsu and teachers, so they too can pass on their knowledge of Jiu Jitsu.