About Us

Our Story

We are Michael and Catalina Mojarro, a husband-and-wife team who relocated from California to Idaho in search of new opportunities, aligned with the Idaho’s values, and to create lasting memories for our family. Our decision was driven by a desire to build a life that reflects hard work, community, and personal growth. Together, we run our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym with a shared vision—Catalina leads with unwavering passion and dedication, ensuring each student feels supported and inspired. Michael, bring years of experience and leadership, helping to guide the gym’s growth and create a positive environment. We are deeply committed to fostering a strong, inclusive BJJ community where every individual, regardless of their background or skill level, can grow, thrive, and become the best version of themselves.

When we’re not on the mats training, we love to enjoy all that the Gem State has to offer. Whether it’s fishing, bow hunting, mountain biking, paddle boarding, camping, or simply being out in nature, we cherish every moment spent outdoors, embracing the beauty and adventure that Idaho has to offer.

Our Linage

Checkmat

Checkmat is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy and team started in 2008 by Leo Vieira, who leads Checkmat with his brothers Ricardo Vieira and Leandro Vieira. It is headquartered in Long Beach, California. The team was established in 2008 following a break up between the Vieira Brothers and their previous team, Brasa Clube de Jiu Jitsu. The name "Checkmat" is derived from the chess term "checkmate" and the word "mat", being the surface on which Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is usually practiced. The Vieira brothers saw similarities in the strategic and tactical nature of chess and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Checkmat has a strong presence in the Rio de Janeiro favelas through Ricardo Vieira and his Projeto Cantagalo with fighters such as Jansen Gomes.

Lineage

Mitsuyo Maeda>Carlos Gracie Sr.>Helio Gracie>

Rolls Gracie>Romero Cavalcanti>Leo Vieira>Caio Malta

Non Profit Affilates

ADOPT A COP

OUR MISSION

To address critical gaps in the department-funded training of front line police officers by partnering with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms across the country to provide free or reduced rate memberships to police officers. Officers are sponsored until they achieve the rank of blue belt, which typically takes 12-18 months.

Police officers often find themselves in volatile situations which can quickly turn deadly. In these combative situations, being the more skilled grappler allows the officer a greater amount of control over the situation, which decreases the likelihood of injury or death for both officer and suspect.

Being a police officer is one of the most selfless, dangerous, and important jobs in our world today. Investing in our officers is an investment in our communities. Adopt A Cop BJJ aims to create a more resilient and more effective police force, improve police relations around our country, and ultimately reduce the incidence of police-involved shootings and deaths.

To Donate CLICK HERE

To Apply CLICK HERE

We Defy Foundation

The We Defy Foundation (WDF) values include:

Integrity
Discipline
Personal accountability
Mental and physical development
Improved coordination, flexibility, adaptability, confidence, and patience
Selfless service

The WDF is a non-profit organization that uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and physical fitness training to help military-disabled combat veterans improve their lives. The WDF's mission is to provide veterans with long-term tools to overcome their challenges.

The WDF works with other organizations to elevate its ability to serve the disabled combat veteran community. The WDF also has a network of affiliate gyms and ambassadors who help with outreach, fundraising, and other activities.