Our Community
From your first day on the mat to your hundredth open mat, you'll train alongside a welcoming, inclusive group — beginners, hobbyists, and competitors who support one another, push each other forward, and celebrate every step of the journey.
01
Every class is built around clear breakdowns and deliberate reps. We teach the why behind every move so it stays with you outside the academy.
02
From the first week you step on the mat to your black belt, you're welcomed in. Experienced grapplers share rounds with newer students on purpose.
03
No egos, no drama. We take our training seriously and each other seriously. How we treat our partners is as important as the technique itself.
Our Instructors
Autore's head coaches are brothers Alexis and Gustavo Fonseca, both black belts awarded at the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy under the Mendes Brothers. They're supported by a roster of assistant coaches drawn from our training floor.
Co-Founder · Black Belt
Head Instructor · Gi & No Gi
Alexis began his jiu jitsu journey in Hawaii before relocating to Southern California to train under the Mendes Brothers at the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy. He earned his black belt on the AOJ mats, and his technical game reflects that lineage: patient guard retention, principled passing, and a deep library of Gi specifics.
On the Autore mats, Alexis leads the Gi Level 2 program and works closely with competition athletes. His teaching style is methodical and detail-obsessed, with a focus on building players who understand why every move works.
Co-Founder · Black Belt
Head Instructor · Fundamentals & Youth
Gustavo trained alongside his brother in Hawaii and California, earning his black belt under the Mendes Brothers at AOJ. He brings the same technical rigor to every class, with a particular gift for meeting students at the beginning of their journey and for running the youth program.
Gustavo leads the Gi Level 1 curriculum and the Youth 6-9 classes. Expect clear demos, structured drilling, and an inclusive room where newer students feel at home from day one.
Assistant Coaches
Our head coaches are supported by a team of senior belts who split teaching duties across morning classes, youth programs, and open mats.
Life on the Mats
Belt ceremonies, open mats, and the everyday grind. The people you train with are the reason you keep coming back.
Voices
I walked in with zero martial arts background. Six months later I was rolling with black belts and actually holding my own. The coaching meets you where you are.
My son was shy and uncoordinated when we started. Now he runs into class. The Youth coaches have built something genuinely special here.
The 6:15 AM crew is a family. Morning No Gi keeps the technique sharp and the coffee earned.
Join the Community