Mata Leao Combat Sports Youth Martial Arts & Summer Camp Programs
Portland, OR
About
Mata Leao Combat Sports Youth Martial Arts & Summer Camp Programs offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Jiu-Jitsu, Teen Jiu-Jitsu, Teen No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Strength & Conditioning, WarriorFit Strength and Conditioning, and Summer Camp. The program is part of a broader training schedule that also includes Adult Jiu-Jitsu, Adult No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Adult Muay Thai. Youth options include Tiny Ninjas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Teen No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Tiny Ninjas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is listed for ages 4–6, Kids Beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7–13, Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 14–17, and Teen No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 14–17. Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are described as building grappling skills, self-defense, social skills, focus, drive, and discipline. Teen Jiu-Jitsu classes are described as building respect, confidence, social skills, fitness, and focus. The Summer Camp is described as having amazing, enthusiastic staff and action-packed games and activities, and the center is described as the best kids and adults martial arts center in Portland.
The leadership team includes Professor Omar Santiago (Head Coach), Tristan Powell (Kids BJJ Coach, Program Consultant), Emily Mojica (Kids Coach), Ryan Baker (Muay Thai Coach, Competitor), Brian (Muay Thai Coach, Competitor), Kate Long (Coach), Ben Click (Coach, Brown Belt), Erin (Coach), and Brandon Moya (Coach, Purple Belt BJJ). Professor Omar Santiago is a 3 Stripe Black Belt and a 27-year practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Jeet Kun Do, and more. Kate Long is a NASM certified fitness enthusiast with a specialization in kettlebells.
The mission statement says the program is dedicated to changing lives through martial arts, education, and coaching, and that it strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for students and family members. It states that the program takes pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in personal goals, and that it strongly believes martial arts can be for everyone regardless of age, gender, or experience level. It also states that throughout all programs, students learn skill sets to protect themselves, and that the program stands behind a realistic and practical approach.
Parent and student testimonials describe the academy as top-notch, with supportive onboarding from Tristan and a positive orientation experience with Professor Omar. One parent notes that their kids have been there for 2 years and enjoy the sports. Another testimonial describes the gym as excellent for complete beginners and those with experience, and mentions knowledgeable and welcoming instructors. One person reports driving almost an hour, passing several other gyms, and calls it the best spot for kids, beginners, and high level fighters, and describes Professor Omar’s teaching as extremely digestible and insightful. A beginner notes having a great first experience with BJJ and highlights enthusiastic teaching from Coach Omar. Another parent mentions that their son loves the kids program, immediately felt part of the group, and has been learning a lot from the instructors, and also notes that the gym has a few bags and a lot of workout equipment, plus strength training and conditioning classes. A grandparent reports that their grandson has been taking lessons for 3 years, has grown in skill and confidence, and that classes are fun and challenging, with Omar Santiago described as a great teacher and motivator.
Last updated April 14, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Tiny Ninjas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is listed for ages 4–6, Kids Beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7–13, Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 14–17, and Teen No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 14–17. Kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are described as building grappling skills, self-defense, social skills, focus, drive, and discipline. Teen Jiu-Jitsu classes are described as building respect, confidence, social skills, fitness, and focus. The Summer Camp is described as having amazing, enthusiastic staff and action-packed games and activities, and the center is described as the best kids and adults martial arts center in Portland.
The leadership team includes Professor Omar Santiago (Head Coach), Tristan Powell (Kids BJJ Coach, Program Consultant), Emily Mojica (Kids Coach), Ryan Baker (Muay Thai Coach, Competitor), Brian (Muay Thai Coach, Competitor), Kate Long (Coach), Ben Click (Coach, Brown Belt), Erin (Coach), and Brandon Moya (Coach, Purple Belt BJJ). Professor Omar Santiago is a 3 Stripe Black Belt and a 27-year practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Jeet Kun Do, and more. Kate Long is a NASM certified fitness enthusiast with a specialization in kettlebells.
The mission statement says the program is dedicated to changing lives through martial arts, education, and coaching, and that it strives to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for students and family members. It states that the program takes pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in personal goals, and that it strongly believes martial arts can be for everyone regardless of age, gender, or experience level. It also states that throughout all programs, students learn skill sets to protect themselves, and that the program stands behind a realistic and practical approach.
Parent and student testimonials describe the academy as top-notch, with supportive onboarding from Tristan and a positive orientation experience with Professor Omar. One parent notes that their kids have been there for 2 years and enjoy the sports. Another testimonial describes the gym as excellent for complete beginners and those with experience, and mentions knowledgeable and welcoming instructors. One person reports driving almost an hour, passing several other gyms, and calls it the best spot for kids, beginners, and high level fighters, and describes Professor Omar’s teaching as extremely digestible and insightful. A beginner notes having a great first experience with BJJ and highlights enthusiastic teaching from Coach Omar. Another parent mentions that their son loves the kids program, immediately felt part of the group, and has been learning a lot from the instructors, and also notes that the gym has a few bags and a lot of workout equipment, plus strength training and conditioning classes. A grandparent reports that their grandson has been taking lessons for 3 years, has grown in skill and confidence, and that classes are fun and challenging, with Omar Santiago described as a great teacher and motivator.
Last updated April 14, 2026.
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