A new direction
Brothers Bruno “Tank” Mendes and Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes left their original academy, Kioto, to begin building their own team, first called Renovação Jiu-Jitsu.
Our story
Soul Fighters is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team built by athletes and coaches who wanted more than a place to train. Its story begins with shared ambition, collaboration and a commitment to developing people on and off the mat.
Founded in 2008, the team grew to include accomplished competitors and a wider community of students. Here in Allen, Texas, that heritage informs the way we welcome people to train, learn and grow together.
How Soul Fighters began
The team took shape over several years. Partnerships, new coaches and a name chosen by students helped define what Soul Fighters would become.
Brothers Bruno “Tank” Mendes and Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes left their original academy, Kioto, to begin building their own team, first called Renovação Jiu-Jitsu.
Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa and Leandro “Tatu” Escobar joined the group, adding their experience to the developing academy.
Master Alvaro Mansor joined the partnership. The team adopted the name Soul Fighters, suggested through a student poll.
The name represents a team that values strong character, connection and continuing progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
More than a name
When the founders asked students to help choose a name, “Soul Fighters” emerged as the favorite. It captured a simple idea: striving to improve as a martial artist while developing character and belonging to a team.
The name is not only about competition. It reflects the effort people bring to training, the respect they show their partners and the community they help build.
The people behind the story
The wider Soul Fighters team has included notable competitors such as Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, João Gabriel Rocha, Diogo “Moreno”, Igor Paiva and Hugo Marques. Their accomplishments are part of the team's history, alongside the everyday work of coaches and students who keep the academy moving forward.
Progress comes from understanding the details, practicing them and remaining open to improvement.
The way we train with partners matters as much as any individual result.
A supportive training community gives people a place to challenge themselves and help others do the same.
Our home in Allen
Soul Fighters Allen brings that team spirit to people and families in Allen, Texas. Whether you are visiting a martial arts academy for the first time or continuing a long training journey, there is room to learn and contribute.
Explore our classes to find the path that fits: Kids Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai Kickboxing.
Built on skill.
Backed by a team.
Driven by soul.
Be part of the story
Tell us what you are looking for and the Soul Fighters Allen team will help you take the next step.