Head Professor & Founder
Coach Luiz Panza
IBJJF World No-Gi Champion · 2x Pan Champion · Pan No-Gi Champion · Checkmat Black Belt
Competing at the Highest Level
Luiz Fernando de Azevedo Panza is the founder and head instructor of Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance, California. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Luiz has been a competitive force in international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over a decade.
IBJJF World No-Gi Champion
2016, Ultra Heavyweight — won the final via calf slicer
2x IBJJF Pan Champion
2014 and 2016, Super Heavyweight
IBJJF Pan No-Gi Champion
2013, Absolute Division (open weight)
78% Submission Rate at Black Belt
67 wins across 101 matches — most black belt matches go to decision, making this exceptionally rare
Signature: 50/50 Straight Ankle Lock
40% of career submissions by foot lock — one of the most feared ankle locks in the sport
Direct Line Through Rickson Gracie
Panza Jiu-Jitsu carries a direct technical lineage tracing back to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This lineage runs through Rickson Gracie — widely considered the greatest practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu — and connects to some of the most respected instructors in the art's history.
Checkmat is one of the most successful competition teams in Jiu-Jitsu history, producing multiple world champions across every weight class. Luiz joined Checkmat under Leo Vieira when he moved to the United States in 2014. That lineage shapes every adult gi class at Panza Jiu-Jitsu.
The Path to Torrance
Started BJJ in Sao Paulo
Began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Coach Edilberto da Ponte at A.O.A Team in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Previously earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate.
Black Belt
Promoted to black belt on December 17, 2012 by Marco Barbosa. Left a career in modeling to commit fully to Jiu-Jitsu.
Breakout Year at Black Belt
Earned medals at the Mundial, Pan, and Brasileiro in his first year at black belt. Won the Pan No-Gi Championship in the Absolute division — an open-weight bracket requiring wins over opponents of all sizes.
Pan Champion — Moved to the USA
Won the IBJJF Pan Championship at Super Heavyweight. Relocated to the United States and joined the elite Checkmat team under Leo Vieira.
World No-Gi Champion
Captured the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship at Ultra Heavyweight, winning the final via calf slicer. Also won his second Pan Championship at Super Heavyweight the same year.
Founded Panza Jiu-Jitsu
After the birth of his first child in 2018, Luiz and his wife Camila opened Panza Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance, California — building a gym where families and competitors train under the same roof.
Against the Best in the World
Throughout his career, Luiz has competed against elite grapplers including Craig Jones, Felipe Pena, and Bernardo Faria. His competition record reflects someone who consistently put himself on the biggest stages in the sport — the World Championships, Pan Championships, and major professional events.
Known for his dangerous leg lock game, Luiz's 50/50 straight ankle lock became one of the most feared submissions in his division. Forty percent of his career submissions came by foot lock — a rate virtually unmatched at the elite level of no-gi grappling.
A Family Environment
Camila Panza — Co-Instructor
Camila co-instructs at Panza Jiu-Jitsu alongside Luiz. Together they run the kids program, ensuring it is not an afterthought — it is a structured, engaging curriculum that builds coordination, discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in a safe environment.
“Coach Panza and Camila are incredibly patient with the kids while trying to teach them the techniques in a safe environment.”
“In addition to being a fantastic adult coach, he and his wife are wonderful BJJ instructors for kids.”
Train With Coach Panza
Most people will never have the opportunity to train under a World Champion. At Panza Jiu-Jitsu, that opportunity is available every week — in a gym built for real people, not just competitors.
Looking for one-on-one instruction? Schedule a private lesson. New to BJJ? Read our getting started guide.