MEET THE COACHES
Thiago Gaia
Third-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt
High-Performance Athlete & Coach
8-1 Professional MMA Record
Jiu-Jitsu World Champion
Coach Thiago Gaia is a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, a professional MMA fighter, and one of the most respected instructors in the region. With over 20 years of experience in the martial arts, Thiago brings world-class knowledge, elite-level technique, and an unmatched passion for teaching to every class he leads.
Born in Ilhabela, Brazil, Thiago began training Jiu-Jitsu at age 10 and quickly immersed himself in the competitive scene. He earned his colored belts under the Vieira Brothers (Leonardo Vieira & Leandro Vieira), founders of the renowned Checkmat team, and was awarded his black belt by Marco Barbosa on December 7, 2012. Over the years, he has trained with many of the sport’s biggest names and has built a reputation for producing top-tier students on the mat and in the cage.
As a professional MMA fighter, Coach Thiago holds an impressive 8-1 record, with all eight victories coming by submission — including finishes by triangle, rear naked choke, armbar, and heel hook. His sharp grappling and fight IQ have made him a dangerous opponent and a highly sought-after coach. He has coached and cornered multiple UFC fighters, and continues to help athletes prepare for competition at the highest level.
Main Achievements (Black Belt):
1st Place Brazilian Nationals No-Gi (2015)
1st Place State Championship No-Gi (2015 / 2013)
2nd Place ADCC Brazilian Trials (2015)
3rd Place IBJJF World No-Gi Championship (2015)
Main Achievements (Colored Belts):
1st Place IBJJF World Champion (2007 junior blue)
1st Place IBJJF Brazilian National Champion (2010 purple)
2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2009 purple)
2nd Place IBJJF Pan American Championship (2011 brown)
At Brentwood Checkmat, Coach Thiago leads a powerful youth and adult program rooted in discipline, respect, and technical excellence. Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned competitor, or a parent looking to build your child’s confidence, you’ll find expert guidance, high standards, and a supportive team environment under his leadership.
GET TO KNOW THIAGO
MMA HIGHLIGHTS
Athletic Titles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Titles
IBJJF World Championship
2007: Gold
2009: Silver
2015 (No-Gi): Bronze
IBJJF Pan American
2011: Silver
ADCC Brazilian Tournament
2015: Silver
IBJJF Brazilian National
2010: Gold
2015 (No-Gi): Gold
IBJJF San Jose Championship
2019: Silver (No-Gi)
IBJJF Sao Paulo Championship
2017 (No-Gi): Gold
Bronze: Open Class
BJJ Tour American Cup
2019: Gold
FPJJ Paulist Championship
2010 (No-Gi): Gold
2013 (No-Gi): Gold
CBJJE Pan American
2016: Gold
Overall Team Won Silver
CBJJE World Championship
2008: Gold
Jiu-Jitsu By the Bay
2019: Gold
Silver: Open Class
Fight 2 Win Championship
2019: Champion
Submission (Rear Naked)
Round: 1
Fight 2 Win Championship
2019: Champion
Unanimous Decision
Round: 1
Mixed Martial Arts Titles
Pro Record: 8-1 (Win-Loss)
2018 MMA Brazil Tour
Win Method: Submission (Triangle)
Round: 1
2017 Ultimate Reborn Fight
Win Method: Submission (Heel Hook)
Round: 1
2016 X-Fight MMA Grand Prix
Win Method: Submission (Armbar)
Round: 1
2016 Attitude Fight
Win Method: Submission (Rear Naked)
Round: 1
2015 Bison Combat
Win Method: Submission (Triangle)
Round: 1
2014 Heroes Championship
Win Method: Submission (Armbar)
Round: 1
2013 Standout Tournament
Win Method: Submission (Triangle)
Round: 2
2013 MAP Championship
Win Method: Submission (Rear Naked)
Round: 1
STEVEN ARISTIZABAL
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt
Assistant Coach – Youth & Adult Fundamentals
Coach Steven Aristizabal is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and dedicated instructor known for his passion, technical knowledge, and relentless commitment to growth — both for himself and his students. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2011 at the world-renowned AKA (American Kickboxing Academy), where he trained alongside top MMA athletes. It was there that he first met Leandro Vieira, founder of Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu.
Under Leandro's mentorship, Steve developed a deep love for the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He trained five days a week, year-round, fully immersing himself in the sport. After seven years of training under Leandro Vieira at AKA, Steve was introduced to Coach Thiago Gaia, who would become a pivotal figure in his Jiu-Jitsu journey. Under Thiago’s guidance, Steve continued to sharpen his technique, deepen his understanding of the art, and evolve as both a student and coach. It was Coach Thiago who promoted him to purple, brown, and ultimately black belt — a milestone achieved in June 2024, with the honor jointly recognized by both Thiago Gaia and Leandro Vieira.
At Brentwood Checkmat, Coach Steve plays a key role in the Adult Fundamentals and Youth Program, where his energy, encouragement, and technical detail make him a great coach. He’s passionate about helping others unlock their potential through Jiu-Jitsu and finds joy in seeing how the sport transforms confidence, discipline, and lives.
Steve is also the owner of Kids Fit Zone, a thriving after-school program in Brentwood that focuses on fitness and enrichment for children. Kids Fit Zone became the foundation for Checkmat Brentwood, as Steve’s mission was to introduce Jiu-Jitsu to kids in a positive, structured, and accessible environment after school. What began as a passion project has now grown into a full-fledged academy changing lives for both kids and adults in the community.
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just Steve’s personal passion — it’s a family lifestyle. His two sons are yellow belts in the youth program, and his wife is a dedicated blue belt, making the mat a central part of their family’s journey and values.
PAUL KANAZEH
Head Wrestling Coach
Coach Paul Kanazeh – Wrestling Coach, Brentwood Checkmat
Coach Paul Kanazeh is a decorated wrestler and seasoned instructor with a proven championship pedigree. A standout competitor in the 1990s, Paul brings decades of wrestling experience and a deep understanding of the sport to Brentwood Checkmat’s grappling program.
As a high school athlete, Paul was among California’s elite, earning the following accolades:
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🥇 1st Place – 1995 North Coast Section Wrestling Championships (189 lbs)
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🥈 2nd Place – 1995 California State High School Wrestling Championships (189 lbs)
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🥈 2nd Place – 1994 California State Junior Freestyle Wrestling Championships (171 lbs)
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💥 6th Place – 1994 California State High School Wrestling Championships (171 lbs)
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🇺🇸 Selected for the 1994 California Junior National Freestyle Team
Known for his intensity, control, and strategic wrestling IQ, Coach Paul now channels that same competitive spirit into developing the next generation of athletes. His coaching style emphasizes technique, grit, and composure under pressure — equipping students with the skills they need to succeed on the mat and beyond.
At Brentwood Checkmat, Coach Paul leads a high-performance wrestling program designed to support serious competitors, helping each athlete reach their full potential through disciplined training, detailed instruction, and mental toughness.