VA Academy was founded in January 2019 by Vinicius Agudo.
VA Academy is focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle through the teaching of Jiu-Jitsu to Children and Adults, no matter what your age or skill level, with a willingness to learn in Wylie, Texas and surrounding communities.
VA Academy not only emphasizes the sport and competition aspects of the sport but also the traditional values of Jiu Jitsu and martial arts. Those values—instilled over time between instructor and pupil—include: respect, humility, loyalty, friendship, and of course, self-defense.
We focus on the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of our students in a safe, clean, and friendly, family-like environment.
We invite you to come and learn the art of Jiu-Jitsu!
CHECKMAT is an international academy, competition team, and family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. Founded in 2008 by Master Leo Vieira, Checkmat now has affiliate academies in over 60 American cities and sixteen countries worldwide. The team is headquartered in Signal Hill–Long Beach, California (USA), which regularly hosts “The Mundials,” the Worlds Championship of BJJ hosted by the IBJJF. At Checkmat, you will find world-class, hands-on instruction that has been tested on the practice mats and proven on the competition field. Checkmat’s men, women, and youth have won some of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport including the IBJJF World Championships, the IBJJF Brazilian National Championships, and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championships. Checkmat’s success comes from the steady leadership and instruction of Master Leo Vieira, a 5th degree BJJ black belt and Judo black belt. Nicknamed “Leozinho” or “Little Lion” he is known—uniquely—as both one of the finest jiu-jitsu competitors of his generation (2X World Champion, 2X ADCC winner) and also as a pioneering coach and instructor. Master Leo sees both the art and science within BJJ, emphasizing technical prowess and invention while also strongly believing in the dynamic expression and individuality of each practitioner. In any given month, you can find Master Leo teaching a world champion, a Sheikh, a prince, a police officer, a nurse, a college student, an elementary school student, or a beginner on her or his first day all with the same kindness, interest, and passion. Why? Because Checkmat is about more than winning trophies and medals, it is focused on inspiring a healthy and positive individual who goes on to create a healthy and positive community. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better. Together, we are Checkmat.
