MEET THE TEAM OUR FACILITY, YOUR SPACE

We are dedicated to providing the best martial arts and fitness instruction in Wimberley, TX and the surrounding areas. Our Black Belt instructors and trainers have over 20 years of tested experience and are excited to help you and your child on your Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and fitness journey.

Whether you're new to martial arts and fitness, or are looking to continue your training, Fighteria will work at your pace and push you to new levels.

Founder / Head Coach / Professor

Gleidson Moraes Cutis (Poney)

Born: Belford Roxo – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Bachelor’s Degree, Physical Education

Christian / Husband / Father
Certified Life Coach – Febracis
Emotional Intelligence Certification
Business High-Performance Certification
Public Speaker 
Author of: On the Mat With Christ and A Verdadeira Luta

3rd Degree Black Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1st Dan Black Belt – Kickboxing
Trained Jiu-Jitsu since 2002
Trained Kickboxing since 2006
Taught Martial Arts since 2008
Multiple time IBJJF Referee

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Achievements

World Champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
World Champion NAGA BJJ
Brazilian Cup NoGi Champion
2x Brazilian Champion
2x Rio de Janeiro Champion
3x F2W Pro Champion
3x Submission Hunter BJJ Champion
Multiple Times AJP Champion
Multiple Times IBJJF Champion

MMA Amateur Record: 2W /  Fought in Brazil

MMA Professional Record: 7W-4L / Fought in Brazil, USA, Canada, and Italy
(WOCS, GSF, WEBFIGHT, HERO FC, RFA, LFA, ACB, UFC)

I grew up in one of the most dangerous areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where violence and crime were part of daily life. My hometown of Belford Roxo was one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the 1980s. Because of the constant threats, I couldn’t go outside to play like other kids, and I didn’t have many friends. I was often bullied and struggled with social interactions.

Martial arts became my escape. From a young age, I loved watching martial arts movies, and at just five years old, my parents enrolled me in Karate classes. That was the beginning of my journey. Around 11, I discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and from that moment, I knew it was my true passion. By the time I was 13, I realized martial arts wasn’t merely a hobby, it was the path I wanted to follow for the rest of my life. I share more about my story in my book, On the Mat With Christ.

Martial arts have not only shaped my physical abilities, but also my ability to connect with others and find a supportive community. Where I grew up, opportunities for sports and positive activities were limited. But through martial arts, I found purpose, discipline, and a way to overcome the challenges of my environment. I am incredibly grateful for the strong support system of my family, who helped provide a better life for me even in the toughest circumstances.

As a martial arts instructor, my mission is to help others transform their lives the way martial arts transformed mine. My favorite quotes, which inform my guiding principles, are simple:

"We are what we allow ourselves to be; we make our choices, and our choices make us."

And:

"You are not special — you are unique."

The best time to start your journey is right now. Fitness strengthens the body, discipline sharpens the mind, and perseverance nurtures the spirit. Martial arts isn’t just about physical strength. It’s about developing every part of who you are. No matter where you're starting, I'm here to help you build confidence, resilience, and strength, both on and off the mat.

Co-Owner / Client Relations / Manager

Carol Cutis

Born: Jundiaí – São Paulo, Brazil
Married
Started working in sales at 16 years old

Certified ESL Program – Exchange Program

Emotional Intelligence Course

Sales Training

Certified Speaker of Power of Action

Certified Life Coach

More than 50 hours as Life Coach

I first began to truly connect with people when I was 16 years old. Growing up, I was very shy and insecure, but deep down, I always felt a desire for something more. In 2017, I made a life-changing decision to participate in an exchange program in the United States. That experience opened the door to a lifelong journey of personal growth, and I have never stopped working to develop myself as a human being.

My first experience with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came in 2018, and it was love at first roll. BJJ taught me not only physical skills but also how to believe in myself and find true inner strength. My journey truly began when I met Professor Gleidson “PoneY,” who is now my wonderful husband and partner in life. Together, we opened Fighteria in January 2019.

A few months later, in April, I returned to Brazil to adjust my visa status, not knowing that this would mark the beginning of a long and challenging chapter. At the end of 2019, Professor PoneY visited me in Brazil and proposed. We were married in February 2020, but I remained in Brazil for what became a five-year, four-month, and twenty-two-day journey of waiting, learning, and growing in faith.

Throughout that time, Professor PoneY led Fighteria with dedication and heart, and I am so proud of everything he accomplished. On August 22, 2024, I finally returned to the U.S. It feels incredible to finally be reunited with my husband, not only in marriage, but in our shared passion for building Fighteria together. This new chapter is filled with gratitude, hope, and excitement for all that lies ahead.

One of my favorite quotes is:


"The love that you most want can only be found in Christ Jesus."

Life brings struggles and challenges, but it is often through those very trials that we experience the greatest growth. Keep your heart open, stay available for transformation, and never give up. Always fight the Real Fight, and remember: you are deeply loved.

Kickboxing / Muay Thai Professor

João Rodrigo

Born: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Started Teaching in 1994

Most recent achievements as an athlete:

• State of Rio de Janeiro Kickboxing, Champion
• State of Rio de Janeiro Muaythai, Champion
• State of Rio de Janeiro Boxe, Champion
• South America Kickboxing, Champion
• World Championship of Kickboxing, Champion

Standing fights have always been my specialty. I am a 7th Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing, a Grand Master in Muay Thai, and most recently, I added a new chapter to my fighting career by earning my Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today, I’m energized and proud to train alongside my Fighteria team, continuing my lifelong journey in martial arts.

I first began training because, as a young man, I struggled deeply with insecurity and fear. Kickboxing and Muay Thai gave me the tools to conquer those inner battles, helping me build confidence, resilience, and strength. Martial arts didn’t just change how I fought — it changed who I was.

Teaching and sharing what I’ve learned has been my passion since 1994. Seeing lives transformed through martial arts fuels my purpose every day. I truly believe martial arts is one of the most powerful tools for life transformation, and I consider it a privilege to serve others through coaching.

My mission goes beyond teaching techniques — it’s to help every student who comes to my classes improve their lifestyle in every area of life: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Throughout my coaching career, I’ve had the honor of training elite athletes, including:

• Ketlen Vieira (UFC Fighter)
• Poliana Botelho (UFC Fighter)
• Hernâni Perpétuo (Former UFC Fighter)
• Bodão (Former UFC Fighter)
• Tina Black (ONE Fighter)
• Medi Bagdad (Former UFC Fighter, Current BRAVE Fighter)

I also served as the Striking Coach for the Bahrain National MMA Team, where I trained around 50 professional and amateur athletes across all divisions.

Some words of encouragement I would like to leave you with are:


"Don't waste any more time, because today will never come back. You are never too late to start something new and take care of yourself."

I'm excited to be part of your journey and help you become the strongest version of yourself!

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Jacob Nagy

Born: Austin, Texas
Bachelor in Integrated Studies, focus on Psychology

Weightlifting, Powerlifting, CrossFit since 2013
Certified personal trainer
NASM certified personal trainer w/ specialization in MMA Conditioning
CrossFit level 1
Silver Sneakers
Golds Fit
Trained Tae Kwon Do for 4 years
Trained Kickboxing for 3 years
White Belt – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Teaching fitness since 2022

My martial arts journey first began when I trained in Tae Kwon Do for four years as a kid. Some years later, I reignited that passion after trying a trial kickboxing class with a friend. Right away, I felt a strong connection to kickboxing. It brought back memories of my early Tae Kwon Do training and reminded me how much I loved the discipline and challenge of martial arts.

Since then, my journey has expanded into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, and I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and pushing my limits every day.

One of the most valuable lessons martial arts has taught me is that I can overcome my toughest and darkest moments, while coming out stronger and smarter on the other side.

My favorite quote is simple but powerful:

"You can."

It reminds me that no matter how tired, beat up, or out of breath I might feel, I have it within me to finish strong.

If you’re thinking about starting your martial arts or fitness journey, don’t wait. You don't have to "get in shape" first. In fact, the best thing you can do is simply begin. Every great journey starts with that first step, and we’ll be here to walk it with you.

FOUNDER, HEAD COACH

GLEIDSON 'PONEY'

"We help people explore their extraordinary potential, activating their real identity."

World-Class Martial Arts and Fitness Instruction

2019

ESTABLISHED

5

INSTRUCTORS

300+

STUDENTS