Some of Carlos’ accomplishments
include:
BJJ Black Belt (from BJJ Red Belt -Sergio
Penha)
2003 Grapplers Edge Absolute Champion
2003 NAGA Expert Division Champion
2001 BJJ World Championships Competitor
2000 NAGA Absolute Division Champion
1999 NAGA Advanced Division Champion
1999 NY Grappling Challenge Champion
1st Place Gracie United Tournament
Carlos Catania, a native New
Yorker and athlete, was introduced to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
and Mixed Martial Arts through the esteemed Royler Gracie in 1997. A
dedicated training regime with Royler Gracie and David Adiv (RGDA) assembled
under the roof of the YMCA in Basking Ridge, NJ. With the RGDA camp,
Carlos dedicated himself to the mats, competing in regional, national and
international competitions, including the IBJJF World Championships in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. After an 8-year partnership with Royler
Gracie, who awarded his White, Blue, Purple and Brown Belts, Carlos decided
to branch out within the BJJ community. He partnered with teammate
Mike Monica and opened The Combat Zone in Fairfield, NJ. Feeling that
he had competed with the best of the best to date, Carlos began traveling
extensively to broaden his skill set and technique, looking for the next
challenge. In Las Vegas, a life changing experience occurred when
he entered the Las Vegas Combat Club and met Sergio Penha, who opened his
eyes to a whole new world. Today, Sergio Penha is one of very few
to hold the Red Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
Charles
Cherry, BJJ Brown Belt, Judo Black Belt
Charles
Cherry is a Sergio Penha/Carlos Catania Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Sergio Penha is one of the few BJJ Red Belts in the world. He received his
Black Belt in Judo from Sensei John T. Anderson, an 8th
Degree Black Belt (Hachidan).
