We have a diverse and highly skilled team and ownership group. A Veteran, a Colorado native, competitors, fathers, husbands, and Professors (Black Belt) originally from Brazil who call Colorado home.
Not many schools have 3 experienced black belts teaching nearly every class, kids too!
We train hard, have fun, and have spent hundreds of hours on and off the mats together. We believe in the power of Jiu-Jitsu and the power of a thriving community.
Eduardo Cipriano Dias – “Duda” – 3rd Degree Black Belt
Duda is a 3rd-degree Black Belt, IBJJF Certified under Professor Claudiney Meneghetti “Kiko” and Rodrigo Goncalves Dos Santos (Farol). He started training in 2002 and obtained his Black Belt in 2011.
He’s an accomplished competitor, competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and in the IBJJF federations; medaling in several events.
– 3rd place in the Pan American featherweight – 2021
– SJJIF world champion in 2021 with GI and NO-GI
– Closed the 2021 season as number 1 in the SJJIF Master division.
– Over 40 first-place medals overall competing at GI and No-Gi tournaments.
– Won several SJJIF opens
Duda was recently married to a wonderful woman with 2 beautiful children.
If there is a Jiu-Jitsu mat around, you’ll find Duda. His passion has always been Jiu-Jitsu since he discovered the sport and trains on average 2 to 3 times a day all while teaching the kid and adult classes every day.
During the summer, on his days off, Duda enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and riding his motorcycle. In the winter Duda has a passion for snowboarding. He loves the Colorado Mountains, especially Winter Park.
Fernando Pelet – 2nd Degree Black Belt, B.S in Exercise Science
Jiu Jitsu black belt, Muay Thai instructor, and avid outdoorsman, Professor Fernando is one of the professors at Rio and is responsible not only for teaching but also disseminating Jiu Jitsu culture and lifestyle.
Originally born and raised in Brazil, Fernando had to learn how to cope with the harsh reality of a developing country from a young age, which led him to start practicing Muay Thai, and eventually Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Since then, Fernando has dedicated his life to combat sports and helped numerous athletes to reach their goals. From MMA athletes and Jiu-Jitsu world champions to enthusiasts just looking to improve their game.
When he is not on the mats, Professor Fernando likes to spend his time in the mountains of Colorado, enjoying nature and living the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle to the fullest.
Bret Talbot – 1st Degree Black Belt
Bret Talbot is a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Professor Juan “Juanaconda” Guevara. His jiu-jitsu journey began in October 2000, and after years of hard work and dedication, he received his black belt in 2019. Bret is also the Defensive Tactics Coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security for Colorado and Wyoming, where he teaches jiu-jitsu based techniques to officers that enable them to control resisting subjects safely, using leverage-based techniques that minimize the need for weapons.
Bret’s specialty is teaching kids and he approaches his classes with anti-bullying in mind. He believes that jiu-jitsu is one of the greatest gifts he has ever received, and he wants to share this art with kids to empower them to be the best they can be. Bret believes that jiu-jitsu creates solutions for society rather than problems.
Bret is a family man and has a wife and two great kids, both of whom train jiu-jitsu. He speaks Spanish fluently, as his wife is from Venezuela. In his free time, Bret likes to play chess and spend time with his goofy Great Dane “Coco.”
Fred Haghighi – Purple Belt
Looking for a top-notch BJJ academy experience in southeast Aurora? Look no further than Rio Jiu Jitsu & self-defense academy. With a passion for excellence, discipline, and community, Fred and his co-founders have dedicated to imparting these core values to each of their students.
With a background as a distinguished leader in both the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division & 2nd Infantry Division and his corporate career, Fred brings a unique skill set perspective to the mat. He has a true love for teaching and coaching, and his infectious energy and drive make him a favorite training partner on the mats.
With his co-founders, Fred has cultivated a thriving jiu-jitsu community, attracting some of the best professors in the field and fostering a sense of camaraderie that is second to none. His goal is to help his students grow both in and out of the gym, and he is dedicated to their success both on and off the mat.
In his free time, Fred is a thrill-seeker who loves to push himself to the limit, whether it’s through extreme sports like skydiving and motorcycle racing, archery or through challenging himself in the world of jiu-jitsu. Above all, he is a devoted husband, father, and family man who brings his signature energy and drive to every aspect of his life.
Ryan Ayres – Purple Belt
My beautiful wife and I have 3 children (2 girls and 1 boy). I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019. I’ve played sports most of my life and I even completed a full Ironman Race a few years prior. Nothing has captured me like Jiu-Jitsu, not even close.
I’ve been blessed with great professors and teammates and that has helped me find success in competition. I recently won 2 gold medals at the North American Championships, 2 gold medals at the Pan American Championships, as well as medals from other competitions. I’ve been ranked as high as 4th in the world in two different age groups. To say I love Jiu-Jitsu is an understatement.
Aside from my family, Jiu-Jitsu is the most influential part of my life. I truly believe Jiu-Jitsu makes me a better husband, father, and friend. I’m at my best when I train and when I get to spend time with my Jiu-Jitsu family!