About Us - Morumbi Jiu-Jitsu Academy Camarillo

Welcome to Morumbi Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Located in the heart of Camarillo, Morumbi Jiu-Jitsu Academy is more than just a martial arts school – it's a community dedicated to personal growth, physical fitness, and the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

As part of the renowned Morumbi Jiu-Jitsu network, we bring world-class instruction and proven training methodologies to Ventura County. Our Camarillo location serves students from across the region, providing a welcoming environment for all skill levels.

Whether you're looking to compete at the highest levels, improve your fitness, or learn practical self-defense, our experienced instructors will guide you on your journey.

Our Story

Morumbi Jiu-Jitsu Academy Camarillo opened its doors with a simple mission: to share the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with our local community. Founded by passionate practitioners who trained under the Morumbi lineage, we've grown from a small group of dedicated students to one of Camarillo's premier martial arts academies.

Our connection to the greater Morumbi family means our students benefit from decades of refined technique, competition-tested strategies, and a curriculum that has produced champions at every level. We're proud to bring this legacy to Camarillo while maintaining the personal, community-focused atmosphere that makes our academy special.

Every day, we see lives transformed through the discipline, confidence, and camaraderie that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides. From young children discovering their inner strength to adults achieving fitness goals they never thought possible, our academy is a place where everyone can thrive.

Our Core Values

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Excellence

We maintain the highest standards in instruction, technique, and personal development.

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Community

We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone belongs and grows together.

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Perseverance

We teach the importance of dedication, hard work, and pushing through challenges.

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Integrity

We uphold the martial arts tradition of respect, honor, and ethical behavior on and off the mats.

Meet Our World-Class Instructors

Learn from champions and dedicated martial artists with decades of experience

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Professor Raul Montolfo

4th Degree Black Belt

Direct Student of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Jr.

With over three decades of martial arts mastery, Professor Raul Montolfo stands as a pillar of technical excellence and philosophical depth in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

For 17 years, he served as Senior Instructor at the prestigious Morumbí Academy under World Champion Professor Fabio Leopoldo, shaping hundreds of students' journeys through both technical mastery and the philosophical foundations of martial arts.

His unique teaching philosophy, embodied in his motto "Home of the Untalented Teacher," reflects the belief that a teacher's role is to humbly walk alongside students in their journey, emphasizing proper etiquette, humility, and the inner stillness that arises from sincere training.

Championship Achievements

2012-2013 IBJJF World Champion

Pan-American Champion (Multiple)

No-Gi World Champion

Aikido 3rd Dan - Tokyo, Japan

Hapkido 3rd Dan - Seoul, Korea

Kendo & Iaido Shodan - Japan

BLACK BELT

Professor Mike Veltri

Assistant Instructor

Mike Veltri is a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Fabio Leopoldo. In addition, he holds a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido and is fluent in Japanese, having lived and trained in Japan for over ten years. A decorated Marine Corps veteran and cancer survivor, Mike embodies resilience, discipline, and leadership. He brings his combined experience from martial arts and the Marine Corps into every class, creating an environment that inspires, motivates, and educates students of all ages. His teaching emphasizes not only technical skill but also the values of perseverance, respect, and inner strength, making him a role model both on and off the mat.

5th Degree Black Belt in Aikido
Marine Corps Veteran
Fluent in Japanese

BLACK BELT

Professor Michael Payson

Kids Program Director

Professor Michael Payson has been dedicated to martial arts for over 25 years. After more than a decade of training, he was awarded his Black Belt in 2023 under the guidance of Professor Fabio Leopoldo and Professor Raul Montolfo. For eight years, Professor Payson served as the kids' instructor at Morumbí Academy, where he built a reputation for his excellent teaching skills, strong leadership, and ability to instill discipline and respect in young students. His passion for developing children both on and off the mats continues as he now leads the kids' programs at Morumbí Camarillo. Coming from a family of martial artists, Professor Payson brings with him not only an extensive background in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but also training in martial arts and boxing. His knowledge, experience, and dedication make him an invaluable part of the Morumbí teaching team.

25+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Kids Program Specialist
Boxing & Multi-Discipline Background

Our Facility

Train in our state-of-the-art 3,000 sq ft facility featuring premium mats, changing rooms, and all the amenities you need for an excellent training experience.