Fillmore Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners Compete at Grappling X West Coast Championships
On Sunday, April 27th, students of Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio in Fillmore competed at the Grappling X West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Westlake and competed against field 80 schools. Pictured above are those who competed. Standing (l-r): Miguel Rangel, Jose Ramirez, Dyana Ramirez, Emma Lopez, Raul Santa Rosa, and Prof. Michael Torres. Kneeling (l-r): Karl Blanco and Leo Zendejas. Photo credit Michael Torres.
On Sunday, April 27th, students of Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio in Fillmore competed at the Grappling X West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Westlake and competed against field 80 schools. Pictured above are those who competed. Standing (l-r): Miguel Rangel, Jose Ramirez, Dyana Ramirez, Emma Lopez, Raul Santa Rosa, and Prof. Michael Torres. Kneeling (l-r): Karl Blanco and Leo Zendejas. Photo credit Michael Torres.
By Gazette Staff Writers — Friday, May 9th, 2025

By Michael Torres

Sunday, April 27, 2025, Westlake, CA - The students of Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio in Fillmore delivered an outstanding
performance at the recent Grappling X West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Championships, held at Westlake High School. The team competed
against a field of 80 Southern California schools, gyms, clubs, and academies, earning impressive results across both Gi and
No-Gi divisions.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art focused on grappling and ground combat, with practitioners using various techniques
such as joint locks and chokes to submit their opponents. Gi Jiu-Jitsu involves wearing a traditional kimono uniform called
a “gi,” which provides grips that allow for different techniques, such as judo throws and lapel chokes. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, on
the other hand, is practiced without the gi, and practitioners wear athletic wear such as rash guards and shorts. The lack
of grips changes the dynamics of the game, often emphasizing wrestling takedowns, speed, and more fluid transitions.

Fillmore’s Jiu-Jitsu Club athletes are coached by Gracie Humaita Black Belt Professor Michael Torres, who brings 25 years of
experience in martial arts, and is trained under the renowned 6th Degree Black Belt Professor Mario Aiello.

Team Results:

1st Place in Adult Gi Competition

3rd Place in Adult No-Gi Competition

6th Place Overall

Gi Division Results:

Female White Belt 130 lb.: Dayana Ramirez – 2nd Place

Female White Belt 160 lb.: Emma Lopez – 1st Place

Male Blue Belt 160 lb.: Leo Zendejas – 2nd Place

Male Blue Belt 160 lb.: Miguel Rangel – 1st Place

Male Purple Belt 160 lb.: Karl Blanco – 1st Place

Male White Belt 165 lb.: Horacio Ortega – 1st Place

Male Blue Belt 200 lb.: Jose Ramirez – 2nd Place

Male Blue & Purple Belt 175 lb.: Raul Santa Rosa – 1st Place

No-Gi Division Results:

Female White Belt 130 lb.: Dayana Ramirez – 2nd Place

Female White Belt 160 lb.: Emma Lopez – 1st Place

Male Blue/Purple Belt 160 lb.: Leo Zendejas – 1st Place

Male Blue/Purple Belt 160 lb.: Karl Blanco – 3rd Place

Male Blue Belt 160 lb.: Miguel Rangel – 1st Place

Male Blue/Purple Belt 200 lb.: Jose Ramirez – 3rd Place

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are available at Perce’s Kenpo Karate Studio for kids and adults. No prior experience is needed
to join, and anyone interested can call or text 805-443-8501 for more information.