Coaches
Every class at La Academia is led by bilingual instructors with more than 50 years of combined martial arts experience across Jiu Jitsu, MMA, kickboxing and more.
Raúl “Kike” Garriga
Evening classes
Dr. Raúl “Kike” Garriga earned his black belt under Matheus Magalhães and two-time world champion Bebeto Oliveira in 2022 and has been practicing Jiu Jitsu for more than 15 years. He is also a professor of literature and psychoanalysis at the University of Puerto Rico.
Juan Mercado
Noon classes
Juan Mercado is a lifelong martial artist with a background in MMA, kickboxing, boxing and Jiu Jitsu. He is head coach to many of the island’s champion grapplers and MMA prospects, and a black belt under 5th degree black belt Manuel Rey.
Rubén Plaza
Morning classes
Rubén Plaza earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Chris Woolford, a Carlson Gracie Black Belt, in Los Angeles, California. His experience reflects nearly two decades of continuous training and development in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Getting Started
Open to every kind of student: first-timers, families, travellers and grapplers from any school. Pick the one that sounds like you.
No experience, no fitness and nothing to buy. Your first week is free, and a coach works with you from the first class.
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Self-defense, confidence and discipline, taught through games and drills. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, first week free.
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Day and week passes, plus where to eat and swim after class. Every school welcome.
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