Grappling in Paradise - Aruba [Sold Out]

Wellington “Megaton” Dias

Master Wellington “Megaton” Dias is famous for his competitive drive, which has kept him at the top of his game for over two decades. This Gracie Humaita Team representative is the only Jiu Jitsu competitor to have competed in all the first 16 editions of the World BJJ Championships as a black belt (from 1996 until 2018), having reached the podium on 4 occasions. Notable Achievement:

• 16x World Masters Champion
• 23x European Champion
• 14x Pan American Champion
• 18x American National Champion
• 4x World Medalist

Roberto Traven

Roberto Traven was one of the top Jiu Jitsu practitioners at the turn of the millennium. A black belt under Romero 'Jacare' Cavalcanti, Traven conquered some of the most prestigious tournaments of his time such as the Brazilian Nationals, the Mundials, and ADCC. Roberto has also had a relevant career as a Coach having taught alongside Muzio de Angelis in Rio de Janeiro, moving to the USA are a later stage to coach and compete in MMA including the UFC. Roberto's last official competition was 2017, and the last time Roberto had his guard passes was 1987 (as a blue belt), so for over 30 years never had his guard passed. Notable Achievement:

• ADCC Champion (1999 Absolute)
• 2x IBJJF World Champion (1998, 1999)
• Brazilian National Champion (1995)
• 3x Brazilian Teams National Champion (1995, 1996, 1999)
• 2X Masters World Champion (2014, 2015)

Sophia McDermott

Sophia McDermott is an IBJJF World Champion, No Gi World Champion, and 4 time Pan American Jiu Jitsu Champion, as well as the first female Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt of Australian Nationality. Regarded as one of the top grappling competitors of her generation, Sophia is also known for her work in the fitness industry, having developed several programs for women, particularly on the subject of post pregnancy fitness. Notable Achievement:

• IBJJF World Champion
• No Gi World Champion
• 4x Pan American Champion

Karen Antunes

Karen Antunes is a Jiu Jitsu Professor and black belt under Leo Vieira. She received her black belt from Leo in 2014, and has since won 5 World Championships. She was born in Brasilia, Brazil, where she met her husband in 2009 and started training at the same time. Karen with her immense knowledge of the art instructs students by her husband's side, with a special love for teaching the kids and women's only programs. Notable Achievement:

• 5x IBJJF World Champion
• No Gi World Champion
• Pan American Champion

Carlos Farias

Carlos Farias is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Roberto Traven, and an Ultra-Heavyweight competitor with multiple medals in the IBJJF and UAEJJF tournament circuits. Including important events such as Pan Americans, European Nationals, Masters Worlds, Abu Dhabi Pro, and American Nationals. Farias is also known for competing in the Adult Division while in his 40s, an age range set for Masters 4 category of the sport. Notable Achievement:

• 3x No Gi World Champion
• 7X Pan American Champion
• Masters World Champion
• 3x American National Champion
• European Champion (2021 Ultra-Heavy & Absolute)
• Ranked #1 Master 4 IBJJF Division (All Weights)

Mayko Araujo

Mayko Araujo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Leo Vieira, being also one of the top representatives of the Checkmat Team in the United States. Mayko is an IBJJF World Champion, and multi-time Medalist in tournaments such as IBJJF Worlds, No Gi Worlds, Pan Americans. Notable Achievement:

• No Gi World Champion (2017)

Daniel Priebe

Daniel wrestled Division 1 at ASU from 2000-2002 until injury. Daniel later found BJJ at the age of 26 and has won or medaled in several tournaments such as IBJJF World Championships, No Gi Worlds, Masters Worlds, Pan Americans, American Nationals, and Abu Dhabi Trials. Daniel owns and operates 2 MMA Academies in Oregon, and is Co-Founder of Grappling in Paradise Camps. Notable Achievement:

• Five Grappling Champion (black belt)
• IBJJF International Champion (Seattle, Las Vegas, Atlanta – black belt)
• 2x American National Champion (brown belt)
• 2nd Place Masters Worlds (brown belt)
• Pan American Champion (purple belt)
• 3rd Place No Gi Worlds (purple belt)
• Abu Dhabi Trial Champion (brown belt)
• F2W Veteran

Gregory Milliard

Gregory actively fights MMA and is signed to Bellator. Gregory owns 2 MMA Academies in Aruba, and is Co-Founder of Grappling in Paradise. Gregory’s passion is to bring awareness of BJJ to the island of Aruba.

Jairzinho 'Bigi Boy' Rozenstruik

Jairzinho currently competes in the Heavyweight Division of the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC). He is the #9 Ranked UFC Heavyweight and currently holds the record for second fastest knockout in the Heavyweight Division against Allen Crowder at UFC Fight Night 154. 12 of his 13 wins are by way of Knockout to include such wins over Allistair Overeem, Jr. Dos Santos, and Andrei Arlovski. In Kickboxing he is a former WLF Super Heavyweight Tournament Champion and 2013 SuperKombat World Grand Prix I Runner-Up.