Unit One Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Fabio Trindade (5th Degree Black Belt), born in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor. With an impressive track record spanning over 27 years, Fabio has left an indelible mark on the BJJ community.

Outside of BJJ, Fabio has successfully competed in Muay Thai, winning his debut fight. He has also participated in MMA, with a record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest.

Fabio began his BJJ journey at Monteiro Jiu-Jitsu, where he trained diligently from white belt to black belt. His esteemed professors include the Monteiro Brothers, Fábio, Guto, Yano, and Lucio. Throughout his career, Fabio has secured numerous championship titles, including being a 7-time Jiu-Jitsu State Champion in Amazonas, Brazil, a 3-time Brazil National Champion, a South American Champion, a 3-time World Champion, and a 2-time American Champion. He has also excelled in Nogi Jiu-Jitsu, winning the state championship three times.

As a black belt, Fabio has dedicated 20 years to both competing and teaching. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, conceptual understanding, adaptability, respect, and mental toughness. Fabio fosters a sense of community within his academy, where students support each other and learn not only the physical techniques but also the deeper principles of BJJ.

Fabio Trindade’s remarkable journey exemplifies dedication, skill, and a love for martial arts.

Rodrigo is a 4th degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with 27 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Born and raised in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, Rodrigo began training in 1997 at the Pina Jiu Jitsu Club Academy. In December 2007, he earned his black belt under the guidance of Master Pina and Master Osvaldo Alves. This year, 2024, marks Rodrigo’s 17th year as a black belt competitor and his 10th year teaching Jiu Jitsu to both kids and adults.

His dedication to the sport has earned him numerous titles, including 3rd Place at the National Jiu Jitsu Championship (Black Belt) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 5-time Amazonas Jiu Jitsu State Champion, 6-time Osvaldo Alves Jiu Jitsu Championship Champion in Manaus, Brazil, Bronze Medalist in both division and open class at the Sacramento International Jiu Jitsu Open 
(IBJJF), Silver Medalist at the Dallas International Jiu Jitsu Open (IBJJF), Silver Medalist at the Wrestling State Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Champion of the Jungle Classic Super Fight in Manaus, Brazil.

Rodrigo is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with his students, helping them achieve their goals in Jiu Jitsu.

Benigno Castaneda's martial arts journey began at just 6 years old, training in American Tang Soo Do Karate — a Korean karate style — under Sensei Bill Parent, with whom he trained for roughly ten years before leaving the dojo to enlist in the Marine Corps.

Since then, Benigno has built an extensive and diverse martial arts background. He holds a Master 4th Dan Black Belt in Tonydokhan Tang Soo Do, a Second Degree Black Belt in Arjukenpo — a hybrid discipline blending Japanese karate, kickboxing, Filipino martial arts, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and a Black Sash in Muay Thai kickboxing. He's also a Level A certified instructor in Kapap, a close-quarters self-defense system similar to Krav Maga.

Benigno has been teaching men, women, and children since 2001, sharing his depth of knowledge across striking, grappling, and self-defense disciplines. He is also a certified boxing coach through USA Boxing, bringing decades of training and real-world experience to every student he works with.

Helio Neto has been a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner since 1994, and currently holds the rank of brown belt with one stripe. Over the decades, he's balanced his training with the demands of family and work — but since 2022, he's been on the mats consistently, without interruption, deepening his craft and sharpening his game.

Helio began competing in 2024, earning a bronze medal at the Brasília Pro League Professional Championship in Brazil's capital. He carried that momentum into 2025, becoming a two-time champion — taking gold at both the Brasília International Cup and the Brasília Pro Challenge. In 2026, he added another accolade to his résumé with a bronze medal at the American National Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Beyond his own competitive achievements, Helio is passionate about teaching. He works with children, teenagers, and beginners, bringing patience, care, and genuine dedication to every student he coaches — helping them build not just technique, but confidence on and off the mats.

Elizabeth Hawk is a second degree Kempo Black Belt, Taekwondo Black Belt, Judo Blue Belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue belt. 

She has earned numerous titles including 2-time 1st place Champion of Women’s Sparring in Kenpo Karate at the Z Ultimate Grand Championship, 1st place Champion in Weapons and 1st place Champion in Technique at additional Z Ultimate Grand Championships. She is a Gold Medalist at the Judo Golden State open, as well as a triple Gold Medalist at the Fight for the Cure Judo Tournament. Additionally, she is a Gold Medalist at Gracie Barra CompNet West Coast Regional Championship. 

Elizabeth is passionate about teaching martial arts to both adults and children, having completed a variety of different seminars and trainings specific for women in self defense. 

Off the mat, Elizabeth has more than two decades of teaching experience in science and medicine, practicing as a physician in Nuclear and Molecular Imaging. In addition to her medical doctorate, she also has a PhD in Neuroscience, a masters degree in radiation physics, and an MBA.