Black belt couple teaching in Florida July 27/28.

Mackenzie Dern and Augusto Tanquinho Mendes are the most widely known Jiu-Jitsu couple around but it’s not just because they’re both black belts who compete a lot or because they can live in both the U.S. and Brazil. They are some of the most accomplished individuals in the sport.

Mackenzie has been training since she was a toddler as her father Wellington Megaton Dias has brought her up to live the lifestyle. Her accomplishments in competition have been tremendous up the ranks winning world titles at every rank making her transition to black belt competition this year a smooth one.

Augusto Tanquinho Mendes from Soul Fighters team accomplished his most recent world title in June as a black belt featherweight beating two legends in the process. A black belt since 2004, his resume and experiences have given him the knowledge to pass on to others.

The seminar will be held on July 27-28 in Miami, FL at the Fight Sports Academy located at 2220 Northeast 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. Tanquinho will be responsible for Saturday while Mackenzie will show her techniques on Sunday both days running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reserve your spot now to pay a discounted $100 or pay the $120 fee at the door. Call 786-290-6875

The first class of 2013 as black belt parents. / Photo: Personal archives

For Tracey Goodell and Mike Fowler, their year of 2013 started off with huge changes– a new belt, a new bond and new name!

On New Year’s Eve, Tracey received her black belt from her then fiance Mike Fowler, after training for about six years. Mike achieved his own black belt in three and a half years and is a well-known American black belt competitor. The couple met through Jiu-Jitsu and flourished with accomplishments while training together as teammates. Today, they have accomplished much outside of the mat including the addition of another family member– their son, Thor.

If you read our article about Tracey’s break from Jiu-Jitsu in 2011, you will note her dedication to the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Her training regiments were adjusted but the drive to continue her goals maintained.

We asked Tracey about her new life as not only a fresh black belt, but also as a wife. The marriage of Mike and Tracey Fowler was made official in their island wedding on January 20, 2013. Congratulations to both of you!

Here is what Tracey had to say about the recent changes made in her life and what we can expect from the family in 2013:

How does it feel to be married, any difference?

No real difference being married, besides the fact that I have been practicing how to write Fowler everyday! lol It definitely was a very special and perfect day that we will both never forget! And I just think that we are growing as a couple/family more and more every day.

When will we see you competing next?

I plan on competing in the Hawaii Abu Dhabi Trials, and the Pan Ams, and the Worlds, not quite sure what else. I want to compete as much as possible!

What are your plans in terms of teaching?

As far as teaching I have really began to take up strength and conditioning workouts a lot more. I love it! I have a crew of girls who have gotten great results and some have transitioned into training Jiu-Jitsu now as well! It’s awesome because for a while I was the only female! I have also been doing a lot of private lessons lately here in Hawaii for some girls. They are looking really good.

What is next for the Fowler family?

Next for us will be the Trials, Feb. 2 and then Pan Kids in Cali.

The couple on their wedding day / Photo: MelanieGregor.com

The wedding / Photo: Personal archives

GMA members Caio Terra and Marcos Torregrosa will be hosting seminars next week with world champions Leandro Lo and Luiza Monteiro. If you are in the area, head over as everyone is welcome!

Seminars will be on Friday, November 30 at Caio Terra BJJ located at 855 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 starting 6:00pm and Sunday, December 2 at Yemaso Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy located at 5591 Sky Park Way Unit 401 Sacramento, CA 95823 starting at 10:00am.

The pair have been competing together for well over a year, supporting one another on and off the mats. After the Copa Kamikaze 8 competition in Brazil a year ago, Luiza said, “I get more pointers from him than he does from me. Just having Leandro Lo by my side makes me calm when I compete. I won a lot of matches thanks to him.” That day they both came out on top with wins in their respective absolute divisions, you can read about it here.

Make sure you register now for the events as prices are lower if you pre-register. This past tournament season they both gained places on the podium at every major competition they entered. Leandro won his lightweight division at the 2012 World Championships in June and Luiza claimed her black belt world title in the middleweight division at the recent 2012 No-Gi World Championships earlier this month. Both train under Cícero Costha and are attached to the hip at competitions so you can expect a great dual effort at both of these seminars.

Check out Leandro and Luiza in action below in some of their notable winning matches: