Gracie Barra Costa Mesa Instructors

Mike Buckels has been training in martial arts for over 18 years. He holds the rank of Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Kuk Sool Won and Brown belt in Judo. He also is a certified Kru (Black belt instructor) in Muay Thai under master Toddy. Mike currently trains directly with master Carlos Gracie, Marcio Feitosa, Juan Montenegro and master Toddy when time permits.

His accomplishments include winning national level W.K.S.A. competitions in forms, weapons, breaking, & techniques. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Mike has won the Pan American Championships and the Copa Pacifica along with many other state and local tournaments.

Mike has been teaching for over 14 years (11 in orange county). Both as a head coach and an assistant coach he has lead many students and teams to victories on the international, national and regional level.

His students accomplishments include victories in the BJJ Pan American championship, BJJ US National championship, BJJ US Open, BJJ US Team member, NCAA National Judo Championship and Pan American of submission wrestling.

Juan Montenegro began his judo training as a child in Lima, Peru. The legendary judo competitor and sensei from Tenri University, Takenori Ito moved to Lima and became the National Coach for Peru when Juan was 14. His instructor at the time, told Juan to go train with Ito Sensei. Juan became his best junior student. At the age of 17, Juan was awarded his black belt by the Peru Judo Federation, even though the minimum age requirement that existed then was 18. He became a member of the National Team in Peru, shortly thereafter. Takenori Ito opened his own dojo after his job as National Coach ended, and Juan continued to train under the guidance of Ito Sensei while remaining a member of the National Team.