Meet the Fighters
Leonardo Ortiz
At 26, Leonardo Ortiz has already spent half his life immersed in the intricate chess match of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Born in Cali, Colombia, Leonardo discovered his calling at 13, and what began as a young athlete's curiosity has evolved into an unwavering life philosophy.
Under the guidance of Richie Panchalo, Leonardo earned his brown belt through countless hours of drilling, competing, and refining his craft. His journey has taken him from local gyms to international competition floors, where he's tested his skills against some of the world's most formidable grapplers. Each match, whether victory or learning experience, has sharpened the technical precision and tactical mind he's known for today.
But Leonardo's true passion reveals itself off the competition mats. Teaching over 20 classes weekly, he's become a cornerstone of Colombia's growing Jiu Jitsu community. His disciplined approach and genuine dedication to his students' development make every class a masterclass in both technique and mindset. For Leonardo, Jiu Jitsu isn't just a sport—it's a way of life he's committed to sharing, one student and one class at a time.
Juan Botero
At 22, Juan Botero proves that passion doesn't require a lifetime—sometimes four years is enough to change everything.
Juan discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 18, and what others might call a late start, he transformed into pure momentum. From his first class, he was captivated. The technical puzzles, the physical chess, the endless room for growth—Juan didn't just train, he immersed himself completely. Every available mat time became his classroom, and every tournament an opportunity to test himself.
His hunger paid off quickly. Medals from local Colombian competitions began stacking up, each one fueling his drive to aim higher. As Juan's game evolved, he found his true calling in no-gi grappling and the raw, submission-focused intensity of ADCC rules. His travels to ADCC Mexico and Brazil weren't just competitions—they were pilgrimages that showed him exactly where he wanted to go.
Now a purple belt under Richie Panchalo, Juan approaches training with a singular focus: technical perfection. Every roll is deliberate, every movement refined. His dream burns bright—to represent Colombia on the international stage, showcasing the level of Jiu Jitsu growing in his home country.