ABOUT US

5th Degree Black Belt under Master Waldomiro Perez Jr.

​Black belt in Judo under Arkadiusz Zaczek.
 

Born in Brazil, OJ Domingues discovered his passion for jiu jitsu at the tender age of 12. His life led him and his family across continents, as they ventured from Brazil to the United States in pursuit of a better life. In 1999, he found a home at Ralph Gracie's academy in Mountain View, CA, where he began honing his skills.

Years later, under the tutelage of Stan Kendrick, the visionary behind Triune Jiu Jitsu Brasileiro, OJ Domingues, refined his craft further. Later, OJ Domingues met Master Waldomiro Perez Jr., and he found himself embracing the ethos of Cia Paulista de Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and MMA, becoming an integral part of the organization.

Today, OJ Domingues stands as one of Cia Paulista's most esteemed black belts, recognized not only for his mastery of the art but also for his exceptional teaching abilities. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of practitioners is evident in his renowned kids' program, widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Despite a good competitive career marked by notable victories, OJ Domingues was compelled to retire prematurely due to recurring injuries. However, this setback only fueled his passion for teaching, prompting him to devote the past twenty-two years to transforming lives through jiu jitsu.

Beyond the mats, OJ Domingues continues to inspire countless individuals, instilling discipline, resilience, and confidence in his students. His legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the mat, embodying the true essence of a martial arts mentor who leaves an indelible mark on those he guides.

Alex was born and raised in Miami, FL. After dropping out of high school, he went back to school as an adult and earned a Bachelor of Accounting and MBA from Florida International University, where his passion for learning was unleashed. Upon graduating, Alex moved to Southern California to explore new opportunities. After a couple years as an analyst in the energy industry, in 2014 he set out to summit Mt. Whitney, where his passion for learning and love of the outdoors combined leading to a journey of fitness which strengthened him physically and mentally. 

After a couple years of pursuing various fitness interests, in 2017 he joined the UFCGym in Huntington Beach where he stumbled upon the world of Jiu-Jitsu, which unbeknownst to him at the time would transform his life. Under the guidance of Master Waldomiro Perez (Jr), Alex developed his skills and love of jiu-jitsu. After COVID struck in 2020, with UFCGym closed under lockdowns, Alex decided to follow Master Jr to REV Martial Arts in Fountain Valley, where he trained alongside an incredible array of highly skilled black belts, elite coaches, and even a professional world champion mma fighter. It was during this time that Alex received an offer to work at UFCGym, where he discovered his true gift... coaching.

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In January 2025, Alex embraced a transformative new chapter by relocating to Pacifica, CA, to join Thrive Jiu Jitsu as a coach and manager. This move marked the culmination of a journey that began in Miami, FL, and took him through academic achievements, professional growth, and a deep immersion into the world of fitness and martial arts. From summiting Mt. Whitney to discovering his passion for Jiu-Jitsu under the mentorship of Master Waldomiro Perez (Jr), Alex’s path has been defined by resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. At Thrive Jiu Jitsu, he found the perfect opportunity to combine his love for the sport, his gift for coaching, and his desire to inspire others. Nestled along the breathtaking Pacific coast, Pacifica became more than a home—it became a place where Alex could empower others to thrive, both on and off the mats, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

Deb has danced professionally with several companies over her more than 30 years as a dancer. She is trained in classical ballet, jazz, modern, afro contemporary, Brazilian, pole dance and aerial dance. She started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1999 with the Gracie team under Kurt Osiander in SF and maintains her black belt with Clovis Silva in 2013 and a stripe in 2017. She has competed locally and in Pan American tournaments over the years, her love for the sport keeps her on the mat. In addition, she is a certified group fitness instructor since 1981, a certified personal trainer, expert pole dance and Pilates instructor.

Her knowledge and love for the movement shows itself with her students through enthusiasm and care. Working with the individual needs of her students, intuitively training them with her many years of experience as a movement instructor.

Claudia Pagnoncelli Stephens, born on August 22, 1981, in São Paulo, Brazil, began her journey in dance at a young age. In the 1990s, she studied at the Escola Municipal de Bailados, where she was introduced to Pilates by Ruth Rachou, a pioneer in the field.

After graduating as a professional ballerina in 1998, Claudia dedicated herself to expanding access to ballet and Pilates in underserved communities in São Paulo. Her passion for movement led her to further her studies in various dance styles, teaching, and aesthetics.

Claudia co-founded a wellness and health center in São Paulo, which later expanded to include Pilates and dance classes. She also worked as an art educator and took on various roles in education and consulting. In December 2011, Claudia faced significant mobility challenges due to an accident. Guided by her former mentor, she resumed dance and movement through Pilates, an experience that reignited her commitment to the field and inspired her pursuit of excellence. In February 2016, Claudia moved to the United States, settling in San Francisco, where she furthered her Pilates training with a renowned international educator. This advanced training broadened her exercise repertoire, refined her professional practice, and integrated innovative perspectives into her approach to Pilates.

Claudia is an experienced professional dedicated to supporting others in their journey through movement and wellness.

“We often think about giving up on ourselves, but the greatest battle to become our best version happens within us. It is in our mindset, when we turn the key, that we make the impossible possible. Believe in yourself!”

Felix’s journey from the icy landscapes of Siberia, Russia, to becoming a renowned figure in weightlifting and martial arts is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for physical excellence. Born into a region known for its harsh climate and resilient people, Felix discovered his love for weightlifting at an incredibly young age. By the time he was just eight years old, he had already begun training, showcasing a natural aptitude and determination that set him apart from his peers. His early commitment to the sport earned him a coveted spot on the state team during his youth, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of discipline and perseverance. This foundation led him to the prestigious Moscow University of Physical Education, where he specialized in weightlifting, further solidifying his expertise and passion for the sport.

While weightlifting remained a cornerstone of Felix’s athletic career, his curiosity and drive for self-improvement led him to explore the world of martial arts. He developed a particular fascination with Muay Thai, a combat sport known for its intensity, technique, and cultural significance. Determined to master the art, Felix made the bold decision to relocate to Thailand, the birthplace of Muay Thai. There, he immersed himself in the local training culture, learning from seasoned coaches and competing in stadium fights. This experience not only sharpened his physical abilities but also deepened his respect for the discipline and tradition of the sport. His time in Thailand was transformative, pushing him to new heights and broadening his perspective on fitness and combat sports.

Over the past decade, Felix has channeled his wealth of knowledge and experience into helping others achieve their fitness and martial arts goals. As a coach, he is celebrated for his ability to work with individuals of all ages and skill levels, tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each trainee. His coaching philosophy is rooted in a combination of technical expertise, safety, and a genuine passion for empowering others. Whether guiding a beginner through their first weightlifting session or helping an advanced martial artist refine their technique, Felix brings the same level of dedication and enthusiasm to every interaction. His journey from a young boy in Siberia to a respected coach and athlete serves as an inspiration to those he trains, embodying the transformative power of discipline, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.