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Meet The Trainer

FABIO TRINDADE

Meet The Trainer

FABIO TRINDADE

Head Instructor

Fabio Trindade (4th Degree Black Belt), born in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor. With an impressive track record spanning over 27 years, Fabio has left an indelible mark on the BJJ community.

Outside of BJJ, Fabio has successfully competed in Muay Thai, winning his debut fight. He has also participated in MMA, with a record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest.

Fabio Trindade (4th Degree Black Belt) Head Instructor Achievements

Fabio began his BJJ journey at Monteiro Jiu-Jitsu, where he trained diligently from white belt to black belt. His esteemed professors include the Monteiro Brothers, Fábio, Guto, Yano, and Lucio. Throughout his career, Fabio has secured numerous championship titles, including being a 7-time Jiu-Jitsu State Champion in Amazonas, Brazil, a 3-time Brazil National Champion, a South American Champion, a 3-time World Champion, and a 2-time American Champion. He has also excelled in Nogi Jiu-Jitsu, winning the state championship three times.

As a black belt, Fabio has dedicated 20 years to both competing and teaching. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, conceptual understanding, adaptability, respect, and mental toughness. Fabio fosters a sense of community within his academy, where students support each other and learn not only the physical techniques but also the deeper principles of BJJ.

Fabio Trindade’s remarkable journey exemplifies dedication, skill, and a love for martial arts.

Rodrigo Costa

Rodrigo Costa

Rodrigo is a 4th degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with 27 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Born and raised in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, Rodrigo began training in 1997 at the Pina Jiu Jitsu Club Academy. In December 2007, he earned his black belt under the guidance of Master Pina and Master Osvaldo Alves. This year, 2024, marks Rodrigo’s 17th year as a black belt competitor and his 10th year teaching Jiu Jitsu to both kids and adults.

His dedication to the sport has earned him numerous titles, including 3rd Place at the National Jiu Jitsu Championship (Black Belt) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 5-time Amazonas Jiu Jitsu State Champion, 6-time Osvaldo Alves Jiu Jitsu Championship Champion in Manaus, Brazil, Bronze Medalist in both division and open class at the Sacramento International Jiu Jitsu Open 
(IBJJF), Silver Medalist at the Dallas International Jiu Jitsu Open (IBJJF), Silver Medalist at the Wrestling State Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Champion of the Jungle Classic Super Fight in Manaus, Brazil.

Rodrigo is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with his students, helping them achieve their goals in Jiu Jitsu.

Elizabeth Hawk

Elizabeth Hawk

Elizabeth Hawk is a second degree kempo black belt, taekwondo black belt, judo green belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue belt. 
 
She has earned numerous titles including 2-time 1st place Champion of Women’s Sparring in Kenpo Karate at the Z Ultimate Grand Championship, 1st place Champion in Weapons and 1st place Champion in Technique at additional Z Ultimate Grand Championships. She is a Gold Medalist at the Judo Golden State open, as well as a triple Gold Medalist at the Fight for the Cure Judo Tournament. Additionally, she is a Gold Medalist at Gracie Barra CompNet West Coast Regional Championship. 
 
Elizabeth is passionate about teaching martial arts to both adults and children, having completed a variety of different seminars and trainings specific for women in self defense. 
 
Off the mat, Elizabeth has more than two decades of teaching experience in science and medicine, practicing as a physician in Nuclear and Molecular Imaging. In addition to her medical doctorate, she also has a PhD in Neuroscience, a masters degree in radiation physics, and an MBA.
Elizabeth Hawk

Elizabeth Hawk

Elizabeth Hawk is a second degree kempo black belt, taekwondo black belt, judo green belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue belt. 
 
She has earned numerous titles including 2-time 1st place Champion of Women’s Sparring in Kenpo Karate at the Z Ultimate Grand Championship, 1st place Champion in Weapons and 1st place Champion in Technique at additional Z Ultimate Grand Championships. She is a Gold Medalist at the Judo Golden State open, as well as a triple Gold Medalist at the Fight for the Cure Judo Tournament. Additionally, she is a Gold Medalist at Gracie Barra CompNet West Coast Regional Championship. 
 
Elizabeth is passionate about teaching martial arts to both adults and children, having completed a variety of different seminars and trainings specific for women in self defense. 
 
Off the mat, Elizabeth has more than two decades of teaching experience in science and medicine, practicing as a physician in Nuclear and Molecular Imaging. In addition to her medical doctorate, she also has a PhD in Neuroscience, a masters degree in radiation physics, and an MBA.
Johnny Saadeh

Johnny Saadeh

I first stepped onto the tatami 25 years ago, earning my blue belt shortly after. Life took me in a different direction for a while, and I ended up taking a 15‑year break—part of God’s plan for me.
 
For the past eight years, I’ve been training and competing under Professor Fabio Trindade and Edwin Najmi, sharpening my skills and deepening my love for Jiu Jitsu.
 
Recently, I was honored to be among the first six black belts promoted out of Gracie Barra Tarzana—an achievement that means the world to me.

Visual Tour of Our Jiu Jitsu Academy