Meet Our Jiu-Jitsu Instructors

Michael Phelps

Black Belt

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Born in San Diego, California

To many‘s surprise Mike’s training did begin by influence nor by lineage. Rather, it was kickstarted by casually watching one of the greatest UFC comebacks (Mir v.s. Lesnar) in February of 2008. It was from there that Mike defined his passion to pursue a sport that embodied all the traits that were showcased in that fight (Adversity, Knowledge and Stamina). From there, there was no looking back.

In only seven years Mike was presented with his Black Belt, a feat that many would deem as nearly impossible. Though throughout his training and competing he began to truly discover his ultimate dream, teaching. It was in August of 2015 that – that dream became a reality when he opened up Del Mar Jiu Jitsu Club.

Mike has considerable experience as both a coach and mentor for students of all ages. He has a proven track record of successfully introducing students to Jiu-Jitsu, and guiding them along in their journey.

He whole-heartedly believes that every student that participates is unique. Thus, he suites instruction to each student’s individual needs. The result is an efficient route to reach both the mental and physical goals that you set for yourself. All of this is done in an environment that is both fun and productive.

Fellipe Andrew

Black Belt

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Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Élcio Figueiredo > Rodrigo Cavaca > Fellipe Andrew

Fellipe Andrew Silva holds the distinction of being a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the mentorship of Rodrigo Cavaca. He made his mark representing the Zenith JJ academy on the international sport/martial arts circuit for numerous years, a tenure that brought him significant recognition. Fellipe Andrew’s prominence emerged during his engagements in the lower echelons of BJJ, captivating spectators with his crowd-pleasing grappling style and collecting a series of remarkable achievements. These accomplishments encompassed a notable second-place finish at the Copa Podio Grand Prix (competing in the black/brown belt mixed class) as well as securing titles at the IBJJF World Championships and the Pan American Championships. In a pivotal move, 2020 witnessed Andrew’s departure from the Zenith team to align himself with the Alliance affiliation.

Notable Achievements:

  • 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2023)
  • 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2019 / 2020* / 2021**)
  • 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2019 / 2020* / 2022** / 2023)
  • 1st Place IBJJF American Nationals (2019**)
  • 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2018 / 2023)
  • 1st Place ACB World Championship (2018)
  • 1st Place ACB South American Championship (2018)
  • 1st Place Copa Podio HW Grand Prix (2018)
  • 1st Place AJP Grand Slam, MIA (2020)

Leticia Cardozo

Black Belt

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Hailing from Florianopolis, Brazil, Leticia embarked on her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 15. Intrigued by the art’s intricacies, she stepped onto the mats and was instantly captivated by its nuances. This infatuation swiftly transformed into a lifelong passion, propelling her to compete a mere month into her training journey. Her dedication was unwavering, and her commitment was exemplified when she earned her black belt on September 10, 2022.

Leticia’s competed in IBJJF tournaments both in her homeland and abroad, before she made a momentous decision to relocate to the United States in pursuit of loftier athletic ambitions.She has become an integral part of our community, showcasing her skills on the national circuit and imparting her knowledge to our youngest practitioners.

Notable Achievements:

  • 1st Place No-gi IBJJF World Championship (2022)
  • 1st Place IBJJF American Nationals (2023)

Fabian Ortiz

Black Belt

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Prior to his involvement in Jiu-Jitsu, Fabian had been accustomed to the nightlife-focused routine of the culinary world. Initially drawn to muay thai, Fabian’s trajectory took a transformative turn when he encountered DMJJC owner, Mike Phelps. Fascinated by his first class experience with Mike, he embarked on a journey of committed engagement.

Gradually escalating his involvement, Fabian progressed from attending one daily class to dedicating himself to two sessions a day. His innate thirst for advancement and mastery drove him to consistently refine his technique, an especially pivotal aspect given his smaller stature. The onset of the Covid pandemic presented Fabian with an opportunity to depart from the restaurant domain for good and segue into the realm of Jiu-Jitsu instruction for children. This transition revealed his passion for teaching, as he discovered fulfillment in guiding individuals toward their objectives and fostering their Jiu-Jitsu prowess.