It's name was chosen in reference to the chess tactis and strategies that are very similar to the jiu-jitsu's and also to connect with the word "mat".

 

Checkmat has several academies around the world (Brazil, Sweden, USA, Malaysia, Korea, China, Japan, England, Denmark) and besides molding gi fighters it also provides a very consistent training program to improve specific habilities for MMA fighters.

MMA is the sport on the rise worldwide and also reaches it's best year on Checkmat. The brazilian jiu-jitsu is considered a must have in the rings and octagons around the world and is increasingly sought by MMA professional fighters.

 

LEO VIERA - CHECKMAT FOUNDER

Leonardo Vieira began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a very young age.  Leo is a 5th Degree Black Belt and founder of Checkmat. Checkmat was founded in 2008 by Leo and his brothers and in just 7 years time is considered one of the most successful teams in contemporary Jiu-Jitsu.  Leo has one of the most eye-pleasing games in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with an amazing track record.  He has won numerous medals, such as the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Pan American Championships and the prestigious ADCC world championships. Leo has a practical approach to his teaching and a mutual respect between his students.  Leo is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches and competitors in the world, continuously growing and evolving the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

 

RICARDO VIEIRA - CHECKMAT CO-FOUNDER

Ricardo Vieira was born  in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, where he still currently lives and runs his academy Fight Zone. He is the co-founder of Checkmat and brother of jiu-jitsu black belts: Leonardo Vieira and Leandro Vieira. Ricardo Vieira also known as “Ricardinho” or “Rico” in the jiu-jitsu world, is a 9x World BJJ Champion (six times with IBJJF and three times with CBJJO) and one of the top grappling coaches in the world. Ricardo first stepped on a jiu-jitsu mat at the age of 5, with the legendary Romero Cavalcanti as his coach. His aptitude for BJJ was evident from the start with multiple trophies won in the junior leagues, as well as the Mundial (IBJJF World Championships); a competition he won in every belt division he competed from Blue Belt to Black Belt.

 

LEANDRO VIEIRA - CHECKMAT CO-FOUNDER & LUTE! BJJ INSTRUCTOR

Leandro Vieira began training  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at only 5 years old and now has over 25 years of experience. Leandro is the youngest of  the Vieira Brothers and co-founder of the Checkmat team.  He is known as one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. He has won medals at IBJJF Championships such as the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Brazilian Nationals, Paulista Regionals, Las Vegas Open and Submission Ink Grappling Tournament. He currently holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is BJJ coach for professional Mixed Martial Artists, such as Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold and Josh Thomson.  Leandro is most sought after for his ability to break down techniques in his instruction and his incomparable commitment to the team.