Black and white logo with a silhouette of a chess knight in the center, the top part has the word 'CHECKMATE' in black, and beneath the knight, 'SOUTH TEXAS' in red, with two black stars on either side of the circle.

Professor Danian Torres began his martial arts journey in 1989, building a foundation across multiple disciplines and earning black belts in Goju Ryu Karate, Taekwondo, and Martial Science.

In 2004, he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and everything changed. After years of training and competing, he aligned with Master Leo Vieira, founder of the world-renowned Checkmat team.

Inspired by the power and effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Torres made it his mission to bring world-class instruction to South Texas.

In 2015, he founded Checkmat South Texas, establishing a premier training environment rooted in elite lineage, proven techniques, and a passion for developing students at every level.

Today, as a 2nd-degree black belt with over 35 years of experience, Professor Torres continues to lead, inspire, and build the next generation of martial artists.

Founded in 2008 by Master Leo Vieira, Checkmat is a powerhouse in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With a global presence, Checkmat represents a standard of excellence driven by strategy, discipline, and relentless performance.

The name “Checkmat” reflects the mindset: calculated, technical, and always one step ahead; where every move leads to victory.

Checkmat athletes don’t just compete, they dominate. With championship titles at the Mundials World Championship, Brazilian Nationals, and the elite ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, the team has established itself among the most feared and respected in the sport.

Checkmat South Texas Lineage

Family tree diagram showing three generations of martial artists. Top row: Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie, Osvaldo Alves, Faustino Neto, Carlos Diego Ferreira. Middle row: Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, Rolls Gracie, Romero Cavalcanti, Leo Vieira. Bottom: Danian Torres