World-class instructor brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Hamlin

World-class instructor Marcos Vinicius, a second-degree black belt professor, and local resident Doug Leech have partnered to open MVBJJ Academy recently in Horizon West.

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, fighting and self-defense style based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. The sport recently has gained popularity in the United States, as anyone can learn regardless of age, and it does not depend on brute force but instead on strategic fighting ability.

MVBJJ Academy will provide community members with improvement tools through the practice of martial arts. The academy believes Jiu-Jitsu has a positive impact on physical and mental health, success in life, studies, professional career, and self-development.

The academy focuses on self-defense and anti-bullying, living a healthier lifestyle, developing a strong brotherhood, and becoming a life champion through a friendly, welcoming and experienced environment. 

The academy’s goal is to provide students with a unique learning experience focused on individual needs, while following values including respect, confidence, self-defense, community, integrity and quality.

MVBJJ Academy offers classes for adults and children, as well as programs for competition. 

THE PERFECT PAIR

Vinicius moved from Windermere to Horizon West about two months ago, although he originally is from Brazil. He started doing Jiu-Jitsu when he was 8 years old, and he is now almost a third-degree black belt.

Vinicius said Jiu-Jitsu has taught him myriad lessons throughout his life, which is one of the main reasons he has continued to stick with it throughout the years. 

“When you step onto the mat, I always tell my students to forget about all their problems and to let them fade away,” he said. “I’ve seen the incredible impact it can have on people.”

Leech originally hails from West Virginia and moved to Windermere in 2022, which is when he first connected with Vinicius.

“Jiu-Jitsu really stuck out to me, because it taught me about being present,” he said. “I’m always worried about tomorrow. Whenever I do Jiu-Jitsu, I am only thinking about being in the moment and focusing on training. Having my mind cleared for even an hour each day makes such a difference. 

“I get excited before training, and I feel so good after,” Leech said. “It’s really a form of meditation for me.”

Vinicius and Leech started training together regularly at the previous gym Vinicius worked at, until Leech suggested the two start their own gym. 

With Leech’s background in business, specializing in addiction treatment where he helps start centers across the country, and Vinicius’ large following in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, the two make the perfect power team. The pair chose the Horizon West area to open the business, because it is close to their home, the area is up and coming, there is a large Brazilian community in the area, and there are few Jiu-Jitsu locations nearby. 

Photo by Annabelle Sikes

Vinicius said he is excited to open the academy, especially because he now will have a place for his friends and other students from Brazil to come and train in the United States.

The pair hope to open bigger spaces in the area in the future.

“What amazes me about Marcos is that he’s always helping people,” Leech said. “There’s so many people that would follow this guy just about anywhere. The way that he teaches and the culture he establishes in the gyms that he has been at is truly special.”

‘JIU-JITSU IS MY LIFELINE’

The lessons Jit-Jitsu teaches span outside of just the physicality of the sport. 

For Leech, Jiu-Jitsu has significantly changed his life forever. 

Leech is in recovery from addiction and alcoholism and has been sober for more than 13 years. He said Jiu-Jitsu has been a large part of that recovery. 

“The connections have meant the world to me,” he said. “I didn’t know anybody when I moved down here, and now I’ve got a big group that is really like family to me. It’s helped me mentally so much. It’s more than just the training, it’s about the things we do for each other outside of just that. Jiu-Jitsu is my lifeline.”

Leech first started in Jiu-Jitsu when he was living in West Virginia, and he said he loved it. 

“I’m very active in my recovery with resources such as AA, but I still get stress, anxiety and all that type of stuff,” he said. “I was training, and then we moved down here and I was dealing with a lot of work stress and stuff like that. My wife told me I needed to get back into Jiu-Jitsu. It was a new area for me; it’s always kind of scary joining a new gym. I called and talked to professor Marcos, and he told me to come over and do a private training session. He made me feel so welcome and comfortable.”

Leech encourages others in recovery or dealing with mental health struggles to take a chance on Jiu-Jitsu.

“The physical activity is so good, and it really teaches you to push yourself,” he said. “Those who are struggling, all you have to do is show up. Join. There’s really no risk to just try. You’ll see the difference it truly makes in all parts of your life. It’s easy to stay and keep coming back.”

Since meeting in 2022, Vinicius and Leech have formed a strong bond with one another and fondly refer to each other as family.

“I introduced Doug to all of my friends and the Jiu-Jitsu community,” Vinicius said. “Once you are introduced to this lifestyle, you are able to start connections with people, and that’s one of the best parts of Jiu-Jitsu. You are never alone.”

MVBJJ Academy hosted a grand opening event Saturday, Aug. 10, and classes started Monday, Aug. 12.

Those interested in learning more about the sport can book a free one-hour trial class, where participants will be introduced to the program and will have a glimpse at the benefits of the practice. The class is divided in sections, such as warm up, stretching, self-defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques.