Gracie Barra Costa Mesa Instructors

Mike Buckels

Black Belt

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.

Vanderson Gomes

Black Belt

Professor Vanderson Gomes has been training in Jiu Jitsu for over 17 years and has 10 years of teaching experience. He has taught self defense in Brazil for a Police Special forces. He holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a purple belt in Judo. He was born in Brazil and learned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Ailson "Jucão" Brites and Admilson "Juquinha" Brites in Brasilia Brazil.

He holds more than 30 medals in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is a 4 time Regional Champion in Brasilia, is a 2 time Pan American champion and has many titles in Challenge Jiu Jitsu Brasil vs America, Campeonato Brasileiro, Brazilian Nationals and many more.

He has been a referee at many International & American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships. He is often recruited as a referee as they only invite the top judges in the sport. His achievements establish that he has demonstrated acclaim, notoriety and extraordinary ability as an expert in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.