About us.

Quicklink to: Our Head Instructor | Our Other Instructors | Our Facilities | Our Culture

OUR FOUNDER & HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Michael Cardoso
Michael is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is widely considered one of the best and most experienced jiu jitsu instructors in Miami.  He received his black belt in 2004 from Ricardo Teixeira, and he also holds black belts in Judo and Karate.  He is an accomplished competitor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and he has over 40 professional MMA fights.

As founder & head instructor at Cardoso Jiu Jitsu since 2004, Michael is dedicated to developing and implementing instructional programs that enhance his students’ lives. He is known for his community outreach in holding seminars in tactical defense for local law enforcement as well as women’s self-defense.

Michael has been officiating Amateur and Pro MMA events for over a decade as well as refereeing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu events such as North American Grappling Association (NAGA), Newbreed and the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).  He is the Florida State Representative for the United States Mixed Martial Arts Kick International Federation (UMMAF) which represents the US in the official governing body of MMA (the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation – IMMAF).

OUR OTHER INSTRUCTORS

Danny Villalta

Danny Villalta

Assistant Instructor

From Bogotá, Columbia, Danny is a physical therapist and has been training at Cardoso Jiu Jitsu for 4 years.  He helps lead our Kids Jiu Jitsu program where he has 2 daughters who are students.  Danny believes that kids must feel safe and comfortable so they can focus on learning and self-improvement.
Ricardo Verela

Ricardo Verela

Assistant Instructor

A purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Ricardo had been grappling since he was 14 years old.  After attending one of the top 5 wrestling programs in Florida, he turned his attention to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he is now focused on expanding his competitive career.  Ricardo is currently in college studying Sports Exercise Science.

OUR FACILITIES

A place of work, fun, solace, and challenge

  • 2,500 sq feet overall
  • 1,200 sq feet of mat space
  • Fitness equipment
  • Lounge/Seating area
  • Free WiFi

OUR CULTURE

Pushing and challenging each other every day

  • We work and play hard
  • We have fun and laugh
  • We challenge each other
  • We support each other
  • We learn from each other
  • We are a family

Juan Lazama

“It’s family friendly, and Mike does an excellent job of teaching and explaining the sport.  It is a competitive, very friendly, and relaxed atmosphere.  Everyone is very respectful towards everyone and the gym.”

Roy Prieto

“It is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that creates a positive learning environment … I highly recommend Cardoso Jiu jitsu to anyone who is willing to learn this extraordinary martial art.”

Jose Veiga

“From the second I stepped on that mat I felt welcomed right away.  Sensei Mike has a seemingly wealth of never-ending BJJ knowledge, a great crew, and provides an amazing experience!  This is definitely a place where you’ll learn something new every day, and you’ll have a blast doing it!”

Leonardo Romao

“I have been training at Cardoso BJJ for almost 4 years and cannot think of a better place to learn jiu jitsu in Miami.  Sensei Mike is an expert instructor, and we have a great training environment.”

Chrys Casamor

“When I walk into Michael’s class it’s more like walking into a family reunion instead of walking into a class with friends.  The atmosphere and energy is amazing.  And to be quite honest, Mike is the best instructor that I’ve ever met.”

Jerry Delgado

“Very comfortable, friendly, but competitive environment.  Mike is extremely knowledgeable and disciplined and has an amazing passion for what he does.  He had taken my jiu jitsu to a whole new level.  Everyone becomes family as soon as you walk in.”

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