Our Instructor
Lavoisier Costa
President Lavoisier is a native of Manaus, Brazil. The city of which Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was created. He fell in love with the art after being invited by a close friend in 1992 because it aligned with his character. He’s a natural protector & defender of the weak, a man who does good without seeking praise and it helped him build his own confidence. At the time he had a lot of personal conflicts and he made a lot of friends and learned how to process life’s trials and tribulations on and off the mats. There were many personal conflicts at the time. He is now committed to helping others overcome their own inner battles through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. |
Board of Directors
Aubree Childs
Executive Director/Founder Born and raised under extremely adverse conditions, Aubree was able to defy the odds and forge her own path. Her resilience in the face of adversity has helped turn her in to the passionate advocate she is today. Her early passions included singing and performing, and she has developed a phenomenal skill at fostering friendships with people from all walks of life. In 2006, Aubree expanded her college studies to Mortuary Science. The incredible nature of the human body has always intrigued her, and she has a talent for easing the grief of families in their hardest times. Through it all, Aubree has continued to pursue her singing. She has performed the National Anthem for Major Events like PBR, Hendo Fight nights, and the Legacy Fighting Alliance. She has contributed her vocal talents to projects like Perfect Harmony (NBC) and the MusiCares tribute to Dolly Parton. After the tragic loss of her Mother in 2015, Aubree was introduced to Jiu Jitsu and it changed her life profoundly. The emotional and mental benefits were immediately apparent to her, and she gained an intense desire to share that benefit as widely as possible. This combined with Aubree's passion for charity inspired her to found the Fight Therapy Foundation with a core mission to see Jiu Jitsu considered as viable form of mental and physical therapy. Her goal is to provide the option to every woman’s shelter and youth care center that she can. |
Eric Stevens
Advocacy Director/Secretary Eric is a licensed medical doctor actively practicing medicine in New Jersey. Eric discovered a love of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he began training under Pedro Sauer in 1996. He experienced firsthand the many benefits that come from BJJ in the forms of physical, social, and psychological growth and development. He has taught numerous women’s self-defense courses and youth classes. While in medical school he started clubs and continued the pursuit while serving in the US Air Force. “Some of the most satisfying things that BJJ does for people is that it gives them a safe and healthy outlet to focus, expend physical and emotional energy, and develop strong social ties that are often deep and meaningful.” “Becoming involved in BJJ, paradoxically your confidence grows as your humility grows. You learn how to be calm and even comfortable in uncomfortable circumstances giving the dedicated practitioner confidence to grapple their other challenges of life.” |
Jeff Mata
Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer Jeff is a San Diego-born and raised motivational speaker and athlete. Faced with a complete loss of sight on April 18, 2008, he has channeled his energies to excel despite the adversity and has become a vocal advocate for an equal educational environment for students with disabilities. Jeff graduated from California State University San Marcos with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and launched a startup company, Haabu Inc. He serves as a life strategist through his "Matavation" brand, and is co-owner of Poway Jiu Jitsu. Not only does he seek to empower individuals through speaking, but Jeff is an established athlete in the Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation and was a member of the USA Para Judo Team. His journey navigating a fast-paced world with a lack of perception has inspired a countless number of individuals, and he is just getting started. |
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Cicero Costha
Cicero Costha started offering free jiu jitsu to those who couldn't afford class after he ran out of funds himself and wasn't going to be able to continue to train. The gym he was training at saw his potential and let him train for free. He was so grateful that he knew he wanted to give others the same opportunity when he was able. Cicero Costha is now one of the top teams in the world. It has produced champions like the Miyao brothers, Hiago George, Thalisson Soares, Thales Pontes, Khalel Nascimento, Marcos Cavans, Silvio Cavans, Nielton Mendes, Jonas Andrade, Diego Oliveira, and many others.
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