Who We Are

Danny Stolfi

CO-FOUNDER + HEAD INSTRUCTOR
1st Degree Black Belt under Rafael Mendes & Guilherme Mendes
Former Head Instructor at Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy

Jamie De Leon

CO-FOUNDER + MANAGER
Purple Belt under Rafael Mendes & Guilherme Mendes
Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy
Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, Former Recreation Therapist

Originally from Long Island, Professor Danny moved to Southern California in 2012 to learn from and work with the renowned Mendes Brothers, Professor Gui and Professor Rafa. Before opening Breathe Jiu Jitsu Academy, Professor Danny gained valuable experience traveling the world teaching, training, and competing in jiu jitsu under the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy, and the rest of his days were devoted to being a head instructor at AOJ. He respects traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while also studying the constant innovation of modern jiu jitsu, and reflects this in his teaching everyday. Professor Danny is still an active competitor. He has been training for over 14 years and is now living his dream of spreading the jiu jitsu lifestyle through Breathe Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Competition achievements:​

  • International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) No-Gi World Medalist

  • 2x JJFJ Rickson Gracie Cup Champion (Tokyo, Japan)

  • Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds 2021 Quarter Finalist

  • ​Multiple time IBJJF Open Champion/Finalist/Medalist

  • Multiple time IBJJF BJJ Pro Champion/Medalist

  • Multiple time IBJJF American National Finalist/Medalist

  • Multiple time UAEJJF Finalist/Medalist

  • EBI 2022 The Welterweights Veteran

Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy
From left to right: Professor Gui Mendes, Coach Jamie, Professor Danny, and Professor Rafa Mendes