Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival 2024

Mauricio Gomes

Mauricio Gomes is a holds the rank of 8th degree White and Red belt. He is the founder of the first Gracie Barra franchise in the United Kingdom, and has been training and teaching BJJ for over 50 years. He is one of only six people promoted to black belt by Rolls Gracie, who is considered a legend in the sport. Gomes is also the father of Roger Gracie, who is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished Jiu Jitsu competitors of all time.

Alexandre 'Xande' Ribeiro

Alexandre Ribeiro, commonly recognized as 'Xande' Ribeiro, stands as a legendary figure in the realm of jiu-jitsu competition and is among the founders of the Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association. Guided by esteemed coaches such as Royler Gracie, Vini Aieta, and his own brother Saulo Ribeiro, Alexandre has amassed numerous grappling accolades, including championships from IBJJF and ADCC, securing the coveted #1 position in BJJ Heroes’ Top BJJ Competitors of All Time list until 2020. Beyond his achievements in jiu-jitsu, Ribeiro briefly ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2008, participating in competitions for the Japanese promotion Sengoku.

Giancarlo Bodoni

Giancarlo Bodoni, a skilled jiu-jitsu competitor and black belt under Lucas Lepri, has honed his craft through collaboration with Bernardo Faria and Rillion Gracie. Representing the Alliance Team, Bodoni has solidified his status as one of the sport's premier athletes, particularly noted for his outstanding performances in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships and Pan American Championships as a brown belt. His excellence has persisted into his black belt tenure, further enhancing his reputation in the sport.

Daniel Strauss

Daniel Strauss (aka “The Raspberry Ape”) is a Jiu Jitsu Black belt known for putting a big emphasis on strength and conditioning. He is an active and successful competitor with many achievements at the highest level of the competitive scene: Notable Achievements:

• IBJJF No-Gi European Champion
• British and English Champion (Black Belt)
• NAGA elite European Champion
• Number one ranked Black Belt by the UKBJJA
• ADCC, Polaris, EBI and Quintet Veteran

Ross Nicholls

Ross Nicholls is a black belt under professors César Lima and Roger Gracie. He is a top competitor at the British and European scenes and well known for his achievements at major international events such as the Polaris Jiu Jitsu Invitational and the ADCC European Trials.

Natalie Day

Hailing from Oxford, England, Natalie holds the distinction of being the first woman in the UK to independently own and manage her own jiu-jitsu academy, GROW JIU JITSU, where she has dedicated the past decade to coaching. In addition to her academy, she spearheads an innovative jiu-jitsu events company known as GROW EVENTS. Natalie is committed to the future of UK jiu-jitsu, pioneering the country's inaugural official apprenticeship program designed for young individuals aspiring to pursue a full-time career in jiu-jitsu. A trailblazer in her own right, Natalie proudly bears the title of the first female black belt under Mauricio Gomes and currently holds the esteemed position of European champion.

Jonathan Thomas

Jonathan Thomas, often known as Jon Thomas, achieved the rank of Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the tutelage of Master Romero Cavalcanti (Jacaré) and Lucas Lepri. He extensively collaborated with Rubens Charles (Cobrinha) and Rodrigo Vaghi. Thomas rose to prominence through his remarkable performances in the lower divisions of BJJ's global competitive scene, securing multiple victories at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World and Pan American Championships. Subsequently, as a black belt competitor and coach, Jonathan enjoyed a successful tenure with the Swedish grappling academy, Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu.

Mary Bruce

Mary Bruce, a widely adored yoga teacher and educator, creates a sacred atmosphere and fosters a sense of mindfulness among her students. She has been studying Sri Vidya Tantra in the tradition of the Himalayan Masters since 1998, based in Phoenix, Arizona. After completing over 2000 hours of training, she attained the highest level of certification and is now recognized as one of the most prominent female teachers in the tradition. For more than 20 years, she has been leading Teacher Training Programs worldwide, renowned for her ability to convey transformative teachings with compassion and clarity. Mary Bruce is also a certified I AM Yoga Nidra Facilitator and Restorative Teacher (certified by Judith Lasater) and has expertise in the application of Universal Alignment principles, which makes her classes and training unique and well-rounded

Jelena Lieberberg

At the age of 12, Jelena began practicing yoga using a Croatian book from her mother. She later worked as a presenter for German television and toured as a singer before taking her first yoga teacher training in 2009. Since then, Jelena has been teaching yoga and currently resides in Berlin as a Yoga instructor, writer, Naturopath, and speaker. She offers workshops and personal training sessions all over Europe, incorporating her unique and dynamic KICK ASS YOGA style. Jelena's first book introducing her style was published in 2017. After completing her Naturopathy training in 2012, Jelena discovered the Dorn/Breuss method, Tibetan Massage, and Hypno-Therapy, which led her to a more holistic path.

Helena Rosenthal

At the age of 19, Helena embraced Ashtanga Vinyasa, which led her to the KPJAYI school in India in 2008. By 2014, she had earned a level 2 authorization from her mentor Sharath Jois. For more than a decade, she taught in São Paulo, including at her own shala, Ashtanga Pitanga, and conducted guest classes across Portugal, France, and Germany. In 2016, Helena made the transition to London, where she directed the Mysore program at Triyoga Chelsea for three years before furthering her studies under Gregor Maehle in Bali. In 2019, she relocated to Valencia to advance her practice and eventually settled in Mallorca. In addition to conducting consistent Ashtanga workshops and online classes, Helena passionately integrates her love for music, particularly in Kirtans—Sanskrit chanting sessions accompanied by musical instruments. Helena sees the practice as crucial in nurturing relationships with oneself, time, and others.

Cameron Shayne

Cameron Shayne, born in 1971 in Charlotte, NC, is the visionary behind Budokon, a pioneering force in Mixed Movement Arts. Combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Yoga, Crawling Patterns, Mobility, Calisthenics, and Cognitive Studies, he created the comprehensive Budokon black belt system. His notable contributions include Budokon Yoga, Budokon Mobility, the Budokon Mixed Movement Arts Black Belt System, Budokon University, BDK Academy, and insightful writings and podcasts. In his movement journey, Cameron achieved black belts in Olympic Style Taekwondo (1992) and Yoshukai Japanese Karate-do (2003). He is completing his black belt in Gracie lineage Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under professors Gui Arashiro, Xande Ribeiro, and Rafael Lovato Jr.

Melayne Shayne

Melayne Shayne, the founder of Warrior Women Tribe, holds a prominent position in Budokon Mixed Movement Arts. As the VP of Budokon and Director of its Yoga Program and Teacher Training, Melayne sees movement as a path to self-reflection and personal development. Before fully immersing herself in martial arts within Budokon, she explored various disciplines globally, including Shiva Rea’s Prana Flow and ballet. Melayne's teaching style reflects her dedication to mixed movement and her attainment of a Budokon black belt. She is passionately committed to bringing women together through Warrior Women events, promoting empowerment, leadership, and co-creative growth. With a continuous focus on learning, Melayne strives to consistently challenge and inspire both herself and others.

Jamie Ray

Jamie is a full-time yoga teacher at some of the best studios in London and also offers private one-to-one sessions. His teaching style is centered around vinyāsa flow with an emphasis on breathing. Jamie’s instruction is designed to be accessible and easy to follow, making it perfect for both new and experienced students. In addition to teaching yoga, he provides wellness coaching services in-person and online, with a strong focus on helping people lead happy and energized lives. This involves looking at their overall health, including diet and nutrition, fitness and exercise, emotional well-being, and implementing self-care practices.

Fiongal Greenlaw

Fiongal is a spiritual coach, Tarot reader, and professional yoga instructor. He founded The Wellness Foundry, a contemporary wellness brand that provides intuitive readings, astrology, spiritual guidance, and teachings. In 2017, he obtained his yoga teacher certification at the Sivananda ashram in Madurai, India. Fiongal combines vinyāsa, hatha, and yin yoga practices to create deeply nourishing and enriching experiences for his students. He has taught yoga to corporate clients such as White Company, The Supper Club, and Crabtree & Evelyn.

Jack Clover

Jack Clover, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor and certified Yoga Alliance Teacher with a 200-hour certification, has seamlessly intertwined his passion for both disciplines into his profession. Based in Berlin and Potsdam, Germany, Jack instructs BJJ daily, sharing his expertise with eager learners. Beyond his role as a BJJ instructor, Jack takes on multiple roles within the BJJ and yoga communities. He serves as an event manager for the Mallorca BJJ & Yoga Festival. Additionally, Jack contributes as a Yoga Teacher at BJJ Globetrotters Camps, where he imparts yoga practices to participants, facilitating their holistic well-being. Engaging in such endeavors not only allows Jack to disseminate his knowledge but also grants him the opportunity to collaborate and train alongside esteemed BJJ practitioners worldwide.

Adrian

Growing up on a farm, Adrian always had an inkling that there was more to life than just dedicating oneself to work. Despite becoming a scientist later on, he felt unfulfilled and yearned for something more. After gaining international experience in his field, he made the decision to undergo a 500-hour yoga teacher training which ultimately transformed his life and values in a profound way. He began to immerse himself in highly energetic places in India and South America, and his passion for spiritual work flourished. In his yoga classes, Adrian adopts a holistic approach, addressing not just the physical body but also our emotional and mental states through breathing techniques and spiritual teachings from renowned figures such as Yogananda, Osho, and Aurobindo. He also holds ecstatic dance sessions that allow people to tap into their creativity and free themselves from their egos, simply enjoying the liberating act of dancing.

Mirjam

Mirjam's spiritual journey began in childhood, as her parents practiced various forms of yoga and her father introduced her to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. As a young adult, she decided to undertake a Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training, while also pursuing her passion for singing, which began at the age of 9 when she joined a professional choir in Germany. These experiences helped her develop a vision of helping others reconnect with their inner selves. Through her sessions and workshops, Mirjam guides individuals on a path towards rediscovering their inner and outer voices. Her teachings help individuals release emotional blockages and overcome old assumptions about themselves through the transformative power of ancient mantras.

Anne-Christin

Anne-Christin, an Embodiment Coach, utilizes various techniques such as body movement, posture, intuitive dancing, mindfulness, breathing, art, and Reiki to encourage positive transformation. She aims to help individuals detach from their thoughts and connect with their body and heart. Through group workshops and personalized coaching sessions, Anne-Christin guides individuals to tune into their body, trust their intuition, release emotional blockages, and recognize and transform limiting beliefs and habitual patterns that hinder them from living their fullest potential. This approach is highly effective and brings about beneficial changes and vitality to one's life.

Luke Wills

Luke, who was raised in Mallorca by British parents, embarked on a journey of self-improvement that led him to travel the world and train with some of the best trainers in their respective fields. His adventures have taken him to incredible places such as diving in the Andaman Sea, training in Thai boxing for a year in Thailand, and climbing Mt. Sniezka in Poland during the winter wearing nothing but shorts. Through his experiences and training, Luke has learned that we are capable of achieving much more than we realize, and that true health and freedom require mastery of both the mind and body. By incorporating techniques such as breathing, movement, meditation, and reconnection with the natural environment, we can unlock our innate potential for happiness, strength, and wellness.

Artur Paulins

Artur Paulins, a Swedish native and Wim Hof-trained expert, is a renowned coach who is dedicated to helping individuals worldwide achieve daily calm through the practice of breathwork and ice bath immersions. He firmly believes that access to equanimity, which includes calmness, stillness, and contentment, should be accessible to everyone. Having established himself as an authority in the field of breathwork, Artur has had the privilege of working with prestigious clients such as the United Kingdom Special Forces, Norwegian Royalty, and high-profile celebrities. He has also been featured in prominent publications such as Men's Health, Esquire, and GQ, and has made numerous appearances on popular television programs like The Russel Howard Hour and The BBC. Artur is a regular presence at major wellness events across the United Kingdom and worldwide. In addition to his breathwork expertise, Artur is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

James Scallon

James was so impressed with his first session with Luke that he made sure to attend every subsequent one. During one of these sessions, Luke suggested that James become an instructor himself. Initially unsure about the idea, James asked the universe for a sign. On the final day of the session, the organizer Joe Notebart encouraged James to become an instructor, affirming that it was his true calling. Since completing his teacher training in the frigid Colorado lakes, James has led numerous breathwork and icebathing sessions, honing his skills in a variety of therapeutic breathing techniques. He is excited to return to the MBJJ fest as a guide and lead a Saturday session, bringing the full circle to his journey. James is overjoyed to share the transformative method that has given him so much with all of the festival participants. This festival has shown him the limitless potential that arises from doing what you love.

Gongoro - Gong Bath

Gongoro, a professional gong player hailing from Italy, splits his time between Mallorca and Tulum. He received his training at the Adinadd Art Gong School, which is based on Yogi Bhajan's teachings. Having completed more than 300 hours of training, Gongoro graduated as a sound therapist of gong in Tulum, under the tutelage of gong master Har Harí. The power of the gong lies in its vibrations, which come from the universe and have the ability to transmit regenerative energy to all the cells of the body through the neutral mind. This universal vibration can aid in the release of old traumas and fears, promoting personal healing. Additionally, it can help individuals connect with their higher self, awaken their intuition, and even develop telepathic abilities. You're cordially invited to participate in the gong bath every day at 5pm, and experience the transformative power of the gong for yourself.

Fiona

Fiona is an energy healer and an international guide for cacao medicine. Her spaces provide a secure environment for individuals to connect with the profound wisdom that resides within and rediscover their true essence. By using ceremonial cacao, a gentle yet powerful plant medicine, Fiona invites and guides individuals on a journey of self-discovery and inner healing, helping them to reconnect with their empathy and emotions. Each session provides a moment of stillness for individuals to honor and listen to the wisdom of their hearts and bodies. Fiona's sessions typically involve a combination of meditation, intentional breathing, intuitive movement, introspection, and deep gratitude. She is committed to learning from Mayan spiritual leaders to honor and respect their traditions associated with this ancient medicine.

Bruno Maroto

Bruno, a member of Divine Inspiration and originally from Argentina, had his first life-changing experience in Latacunga, Ecuador as a teenager, and has always been in tune with the ancestral knowledge of nature. He has traveled to nearly 100 locations in over 25 countries, immersing himself in various cultures worldwide. Bruno has been training with shamans to consciously utilize ancient remedies and has been guiding individuals in their liberation processes for over a decade. He specializes in breathwork, Kundalini awakening, coaching, and holistic personal consultancy for spiritual transformation. During the festival, Divine Inspiration will be offering excursions to a private villa nearby. Q&A sessions with both Bruno and Carmen will take place at the festival, and transportation will be provided for their sessions at the villa, which include Bufo Alvarius and Kambo.

Carmen Jaguar

Carmen Jaguar was born in Spain with a profound affinity for the spiritual realm and a fascination for philosophy. Following her conventional education, she secured a promising job with prospects for the future, but she felt a sense of emptiness in her life. She transitioned to coaching before discovering ancestral medicines, after which she abandoned her previous lifestyle permanently. Alongside her partner Bruno, Carmen has been sharing these therapies, plants, and teachings of freedom and love, helping people to gain a deep understanding of their true selves for the last five years. Her area of specialization is the dynamics of emotional liberation and the restoration of the body's natural flow. In her journey, she also uncovered the potential of subtle ancestral resources that facilitate the process of integration and deepening of one's life experience. Carmen's passion is to accompany people through attentive listening and a pure gaze, developing the ability to naturally expand consciousness.

Marc Zao-Sanders

Marc, the founder and CEO of filtered.com, an AI tech company, recently authored a book set to be published by Penguin Random House in January 2024 titled 'Timeboxing - The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time.' A frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and other publications, he typically discusses topics such as AI, learning, and timeboxing. Marc has been an avid chess player since the age of seven, and he continues to engage in the game, particularly online blitz, where his elo stands at 2250 on chess.com, placing him in the top 0.1% of players. He appreciates chess for its emphasis on decision-making under time pressure, leading to a definite outcome. Residing in North London, Marc shares his home with his wife Lola, who shares his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is also attending the festival, along with their three kids, two cats, and two dogs.

Vladimir Semenčić and Daniela Trtinjak Semenčić

Vladimir Semenčić, along with his wife Daniela Trtinjak Semenčić, is a prominent figure in the salsa entertainment scene. Having met in a dance studio during their university days, their shared passion led to the creation of the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival in 2005 under the SEASUNSALSA brand. This annual event, drawing over 5,000 attendees worldwide, features dance lessons, beach events, boat trips, live concerts, and parties. Embarking on their dance journey when salsa was less known, they traveled globally, acquiring knowledge and nurturing a vision to popularize salsa in Croatia. In 2012, they introduced the Summer Sensual Days, a bachata and kizomba event that attracts dance enthusiasts from 80+ countries. This 14-day dance holiday aligns with their renowned Croatian Summer Salsa Festival. Beyond their involvement in salsa, Vladimir and Daniela are immersed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, and holistic movement, emphasizing personal growth.

Daniel Vivas

Daniel, an arm wrestling coach and competitor, recently won bronze at the Arnold Classic in Madrid. He will conduct two seminars during the week and host “beat the champ” games where participants can challenge him. He will bring two arm wrestling tables for the seminars, which will remain available for the duration of the festival for friendly matches. Originally from Zaragoza, Spain, Daniel now resides in Mallorca. When he's not arm wrestling, he works full-time as a helicopter pilot for the National Police.

Simon Kenion Shears

In 2022, Simon published 'Working (it) Out: What Actually Makes Us Exercise?' In the book, he challenges common beliefs about motivation and self-discipline, offering a new perspective on exercise. By exploring evolutionary psychology, he explains that activities like running on a treadmill or lifting weights are natural, driven by underlying biological motives. While writing the book, Simon also wrote a health and fitness column for the Majorca Daily Bulletin. After the book's release, he founded Fresh Fitness Clubs in January 2023, an outdoor fitness business aimed at making exercise a habit for more people.

Elena Aloisio

Originally from Italy, Elena began her journey as a skilled sailor before becoming a full-time freediving instructor. Driven by her passion for the ocean and a desire for stability, she transitioned three years ago from the yachting industry to teaching freediving for Apnea Academy, AIDA, and SSI in Mallorca. A marine biologist and certified Yoga and Pranayama teacher, Elena combines her expertise to offer unique freediving experiences. She is dedicated to helping others overcome fears and push mental limits, earning a reputation for her confidence, friendliness, and professionalism.

Joe Notebaert

Joe Notebaert is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, USA and previously was in the travel agency industry for 12 years. He received his black belt from Cesar Lima approved by Roger Gracie in 2017 after 9 1/2 years of training. Learn more about Joe in his short interview for BJJ Camp Finder.