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Rafa Jiu-Jitsu | Windsor, California

Meet Your Instructors

Twenty-five years on the mats and twenty years in the classroom, in the same room. Between them, Rafa and Haley cover everything from a two-year-old's first class to a black belt's world-championship camp.

Rafael Japur, head instructor at Rafa Jiu-Jitsu, in a black Checkmat gi

2nd Degree Black Belt | Black Belt in Kickboxing | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion

Meet Rafa

I have been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 25 years, beginning my journey in Brazil and continuing to develop my skills under respected masters including Leonardo Vieira and Mauricio Carrá. I am a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a Black Belt in Kickboxing, and a member of the Checkmat team.

Throughout my competitive career, I have competed at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning multiple world and national titles.

Competition Highlights

  • IBJJF World Master Champion – No-Gi
  • Jiu-Jitsu World League World Championship – 2nd Place, Gi
  • Jiu-Jitsu World League World Championship – 3rd Place, No-Gi
  • NABJJF World Master Champion – No-Gi
  • NABJJF World Master – 3rd Place, Gi
  • No-Gi National Champion
  • Multiple additional podium finishes at major IBJJF and NABJJF competitions

My years of training and competition experience allow me to work with students at every level. I have experience preparing competitive athletes for high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition as well as MMA, helping athletes develop the technical skills, strategy, conditioning, and mental preparation needed to compete at their best.

At the same time, I believe Jiu-Jitsu should be accessible to everyone. You do not have to be a competitor to train with me or benefit from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I enjoy teaching the fundamentals to beginners and adults who simply want to learn self-defense, improve their fitness, build confidence, or explore Jiu-Jitsu as a new challenge. My goal is to meet each student where they are and help them progress toward their own goals, whether that means stepping onto a competition mat or simply becoming stronger and more confident in everyday life.

My experience also extends beyond competition. I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu referee and instructor, and I have worked with children with diverse abilities, police officers and first responders, and members of the military, using Jiu-Jitsu to build confidence, discipline, awareness, and practical skills.

What I enjoy most is helping people grow through Jiu-Jitsu. Whether I am working with a young child taking their first steps on the mats, an adult learning Jiu-Jitsu for the first time, or an experienced competitor preparing for a world championship, I love helping students discover what they are capable of.

For me, Jiu-Jitsu is about much more than winning matches or earning belts. It teaches discipline, resilience, humility, confidence, and how to stay calm under pressure. My goal is to create a gym where people of all ages and experience levels feel welcome, supported, and challenged to become better versions of themselves—both on and off the mats.

Haley, youth program lead at Rafa Jiu-Jitsu, in a blue Checkmat gi

Education Professional | Youth Program Development | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Meet Haley

I am fully dedicated to Rafa Jiu-Jitsu, working alongside our coaching team to grow the gym, develop our programs, and build the community we envision. Before dedicating myself to the gym, I spent more than 20 years working in public education, serving as both a teacher and administrator across K–12 education. I hold a Master’s degree in Education, along with California teaching and administrative credentials.

Working with people has always been something I truly love. Throughout my career, I have helped students build confidence, develop their strengths, and discover what they are capable of. My experience in education has given me a deep understanding of child development, communication, behavior, and the unique needs of students and families. I believe kids learn best when they feel safe, supported, challenged, and connected.

I also have several years of experience training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. I am a 2nd Degree Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have competed at major events, including the IBJJF World Masters and Pan Championships. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me lessons that I believe are just as important off the mats—discipline, perseverance, confidence, problem-solving, and learning how to stay calm and focused under pressure.

At Rafa Jiu-Jitsu, I get to bring two things I am passionate about—education and martial arts—together. I want every student who walks through our doors to feel encouraged, supported, and proud of their progress, whether they are 2 years old or an adult beginning something completely new.

Most importantly, I want Rafa Jiu-Jitsu to be more than just a place to train. Our goal is to build a real family and community, where students and families know one another, support one another, and feel like they truly belong. That is the kind of environment I have always loved creating, and I’m excited to build it here.

Come and train with us

The best way to meet the team is on the mats. Book a free trial class and see the room, the coaches, and the community for yourself.

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