Coaches

Meet the Team

Julio Souza

Professor – 3rd Degree Black Belt

Julio Cezar De Souza, a black belt under Ricardo Testai of Kings MMA. Pioneer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in East Africa, teaching since 2005 and practicing Jiu Jitsu since 1995.

With decades of experience and a deep passion for the art, Julio has dedicated his life to spreading the knowledge and benefits of Jiu Jitsu throughout the region.

His expertise and commitment have shaped Nairobi Jiu Jitsu Academy into a premier training facility, fostering a community of skilled and confident practitioners.

Ouhsummer Ali

Head Coach – 4-Stripe Purple Belt

Ouhsummer Ali, a 4 Stripe purple belt under Dan Zalewski and Serafin of OneTribe Jiu-Jitsu Kenya. He has been training Jiu-Jitsu and Judo since 2012 and teaching since 2016 at Mombasa Sharks Jiu-Jitsu club in Mombasa.

Widely regarded as the best active Jiu-Jitsu competitor in east Africa. Ouhsummer’s achievements include: East African Judo Champion 2016 and 2017; East Africa Jiu-Jitsu Champion 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023; Nairobi open champion 2022 and 2023; Nairobi invitational Champion 2023. AJP Africa Purple belt Champion 2025 and currently AJP World #7.

As Nairobi Jiu Jitsu Academy’s head coach, with Professor Juilo they’ve created child and adult programmes that engage and inspire.

Ouhsummer is also available for 1-1 and small group classes via the booking link below.

Book 1-1 Coaching

Shiggi Pakter

Female Coach + Women’s Self-Defense Instructor – 1-Stripe Purple Belt

As a life-long martial artist, Shiggi has always been involved in a martial art of some kind. Ranging from Karate, through Tae Kwon Do, and into the world of Capoeira, KAPAP and Eskrima.

In her time in the UK and Europe she enjoyed a near two decade long career in physical security and event security management including being part of the management team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Her extensive Close Quarter Combat and military training (without being in the military) brought her to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017 where she’s been excelling and focusing on the philosophy and self-defence aspects of the art.

Now returning home to Kenya, she’s on a mission to share the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a self-defense art and applied combat initiatives for women’s self-defense as curated workshops.

Shiggi is also available for 1-1 and small group classes locally and nationally via the booking link below.

Tomas Maule

Coach + Kids Coach – 3-Stripe Purple Belt

TBA.

Hassan

MMA + BJJ Coach – Blue Belt

TBA

Hassan Jefe

MMA + BJJ Coach – Blue Belt

TBA

Services

Timetable Classes

Our regular weekly classes are lead by one or a few of our coaches ranging from Baby Jitsu (4-6 years old), through our Under-10 and under-13’s programs, into our Beginners and Advanced Adult BJJ Classes.

We also offer MMA in the mornings and Wrestling classes on Fridays.

Small Group Sessions

Subject to availability, 2-6 person sessions can be requested for those looking to hone their skills in with a smaller variety of Uke’s to train with.

Private 1-1 Sessions

When you want to focus on your game or dive deeper into understanding the fundamentals, a 1-1 session is your best option. Our coaches are available for private 1-1 coaching, contact us so we can figure out the best options.