ABOUT US

4th Degree Black Belt under Master Waldomiro Perez Jr.

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Born in Brazil, OJ Domingues discovered his passion for jiu jitsu at the tender age of 12. His life led him and his family across continents, as they ventured from Brazil to the United States in pursuit of a better life. In 1999, he found a home at Ralph Gracie's academy in Mountain View, CA, where he began honing his skills.

Years later, under the tutelage of Stan Kendrick, the visionary behind Triune Jiu Jitsu Brasileiro, OJ Domingues, refined his craft further. Later, OJ Domingues met Master Waldomiro Perez Jr., and he found himself embracing the ethos of Cia Paulista de Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and MMA, becoming an integral part of the organization.

Today, OJ Domingues stands as one of Cia Paulista's most esteemed black belts, recognized not only for his mastery of the art but also for his exceptional teaching abilities. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of practitioners is evident in his renowned kids' program, widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Despite a good competitive career marked by notable victories, OJ Domingues was compelled to retire prematurely due to recurring injuries. However, this setback only fueled his passion for teaching, prompting him to devote the past twenty-two years to transforming lives through jiu jitsu.

Beyond the mats, OJ Domingues continues to inspire countless individuals, instilling discipline, resilience, and confidence in his students. His legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the mat, embodying the true essence of a martial arts mentor who leaves an indelible mark on those he guides.

Ernest Wong has over 25 years of diverse martial arts experience. He started studying Bok-fu (Kung-fu/Karate) first with Art Cantu and Phil Cepeda. His adventures then took him to San Jose State University, where he was a graduate student and performed both judo with Daniel Kikuchi and Wing Chun with Francis Der. From there, he trained and trained Boxing with Coach “Fast Eddie”, Kali with Guro Jeff Canion and Muay Thai with Dr. Nirmalya Bhowmick. Still looking for more training in martial arts, he started studying Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with teachers Ralph Gracie, Bobby Southworth, Tom Cissero and, lastly, Stan Kendrick, with whom he won his black belt in 2012. He continues his Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Professor OJ Domingues. 

Deb has danced professionally with several companies over her more than 30 years as a dancer. She is trained in classical ballet, jazz, modern, afro contemporary, Brazilian, pole dance and aerial dance. She started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1999 with the Gracie team under Kurt Osiander in SF and maintains her black belt with Clovis Silva in 2013 and a stripe in 2017. She has competed locally and in Pan American tournaments over the years, her love for the sport keeps her on the mat. In addition, she is a certified group fitness instructor since 1981, a certified personal trainer, expert pole dance and Pilates instructor.

Her knowledge and love for the movement shows itself with her students through enthusiasm and care. Working with the individual needs of her students, intuitively training them with her many years of experience as a movement instructor.

Claudia Pagnoncelli Stephens, born on August 22, 1981, in São Paulo, Brazil, began her journey in dance at a young age. In the 1990s, she was studying at the Escola Municipal de Bailados, where she was introduced to Pilates by Ruth Rachou, a pioneer in the field.
After graduating as a professional ballerina in 1998, Claudia focused on expanding access to ballet and Pilates in underserved communities in São Paulo. Her passion for movement led her to further her studies in various dance styles, teaching, and aesthetics.
Claudia co-founded a center focused on wellness and health in São Paulo, which later expanded to include Pilates and dance classes. She also worked as an art educator and in various educational and consulting roles.
In December 2011, Claudia faced significant mobility challenges due to an accident but was guided by her former mentor to resume dance and movement through Pilates. This experience fueled her ongoing pursuit of excellence in Pilates.
In February 2016, Claudia moved to the United States, settled in San Francisco, and advanced her Pilates training with a renowned international educator. This training broadened her exercise repertoire and strengthened her professional practice, integrating new perspectives and approaches to Pilates.
Claudia is an experienced professional dedicated to supporting your journey in the world of movement.

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“We often think about giving up on ourselves, but the greatest battle to become our best version happens within us. It is in our mindset, when we turn the key, that we make the impossible possible. Believe in yourself!”