Founder / Professor / 2nd Degree Black Belt

A lifelong martial artist, Danian began training in 1989, and over the course of his life obtained black belts in Goju Ryu Japanese Karate, Korean Taekwondo, and Martial Science. In pursuit of further developing his skill set, he began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2004 and eventually was awarded the rank of 2nd degree black belt. Danian possesses a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has been a physical education teacher for the past 18 years. Danian passionately has been teaching martial arts for the past 35 years and is the proud father of 3 children, all of which train Jiu-Jitsu. Alongside his wife, they proudly advocate for people with developmental disabilities and work closely with Texas Partners in Policymaking.

Professor / Black Belt

Fueled by her competitive nature, Kay sought out a new challenge in the form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has been training for the past 14 years and is the most recent black belt produced by Checkmat South Texas. Kay possesses a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is a school teacher with 12 years experience. Kay utilizes her experience as a teacher to adapt to different learning styles while instilling in her students values such as discipline, respect, and good sportsmanship. Kay encourages women of all ages to train Jiu-Jitsu. She is the proud mother of 3 and has been training them since childhood. Alongside her husband, they proudly advocate for people with developmental disabilities and work closely with Texas Partners in Policymaking.

Professor / !st Degree Black Belt

A black belt with 15 years experience on the mat, Rico was the first black belt under the lineage of Danian Torres. His interest in Jiu-Jitsu began at a young age, as an avid wrestler and passionate fan of early mixed martial arts fights. As the father of 5 young girls, he makes it a point to teach his daughters a self-defense system. Jiu-Jitsu has granted his daughters the ability to mature and learn lessons of perseverance, determination, and discipline.

Professor / Black Belt

Originally from China, in 2004 Peng moved to the United States at the age of 17. He would soon enlist in the Army with the hopes of establishing a better life. In 2009, he marries his wife, whom he previously had met while in China. In 2010, while on deployment in the Middle East, Peng was hit by an IED. He sustained traumatic injuries to his hand, arm, neck, and back. The following years would be difficult, as he spent the next 3 years in the hospital undergoing 6 surgeries. He was awarded a Purple Heart and is a retired combat veteran. The toll on the body was difficult, the aches and pains spiraled into him gaining over 60 pounds. In 2015, after years of being an avid mixed martial arts fan, Peng turned to Jiu-Jitsu at Peak Performance in Wautage, Tx. Early on he knew his injuries would limit him, so he looked towards teaching. He fell in love with problem solving and learning new techniques. He spent in 9 years at Peak Performance, before he moved his family to Pharr and Checkmat South Texas. Alongside his Wife and two children, they enjoy the Mexican border towns and the Mexican cultural emphasis it has on family ideals. Peng is a passionate Professor who encourages people to ask questions and works alongside them to problem solve. He hopes he has an impact on people learning the complexity that is Jiu-Jitsu. “By learning jiu-jitsu you learn to operate under pressure in stressful situations, while learning problem solving and humbleness”.

Instructor / Brown Belt

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Aj’s path in combat sports was filled with amateur MMA fights, kickboxing, and Muay Thai bouts, but ultimately he chose the path of being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He often competes in IBJJF competitions and is an avid outdoorsman. As a father he takes great pride in teaching his two children life lessons through Jiu-Jitsu. Whether it be on or off the mat, Jiu-Jitsu has afforded his children the ability to confidently defend themselves, while learning alongside their father. 

Coach / Blue Belt

The son of two black belts, Ryan has spent a lifetime on the mats learning the gentle art. He actively competes on the IBJJF circuit, with the intention of growing and establishing himself as an elite grappler.