2010
EST.
OUR STORY
ROOTED IN LEGACY. BUILT FOR GROWTH.
Pura Vida BJJ & MMA was founded in Milwaukee in 2010 with a passion for martial arts, competition and building a strong community.
What started as a small Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym has grown into a full martial arts academy offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing and MMA. Today, Pura Vida trains everyone from first-day students to active competitors and professional fighters.
The gym was rebranded from Matamoros School of Jiu-Jitsu in honor of Henry Matamoros, Wisconsin’s and Costa Rica’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. “Pura Vida” is the national saying of Costa Rica. It literally means “pure life,” but it’s commonly used to mean something closer to “the good life.”
We opened our first location at 1st and Walker before moving into our current Milwaukee facility in January 2020. While the gym has grown, the purpose has stayed the same: help people challenge themselves, build confidence and become part of a team that pushes them to be better.
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Community is at the heart of Pura Vida. We believe the connections we build off the mats are just as important as the ones we build on them. Throughout the year, we bring our members together through fight watch parties, community events, blood drives, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to give back. Whether we’re cheering on a teammate, helping our neighbors, or simply spending time together, we’re proud to create a place where everyone feels like they belong.
Our name, Pura Vida, comes from the Costa Rican phrase meaning “pure life” or simply “life is good.” That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working hard, supporting one another, enjoying the journey, and making the most of every day.Today, our gym is home to beginners, families, lifelong martial artists, and competitive fighters. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or preparing for your next fight, we’re here to help you grow stronger—both on and off the mats.
BUILT IN
MILWAUKEE.
PROVEN EVERYWHERE.
2010
Established In Milwaukee
What started as a small Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym has grown into a full martial arts academy for kids, adults, hobbyists and competitors.
BLACK BELTS
5 in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
3 in kickboxing
1 in Taekwondo
9
29
STATES COACHED
Pura Vida athletes and coaches have represented the gym across the U.S.
12
YEARS
The most active MMA fight team in the state of Wisconsin
8
COUNTRIES COACHED
Our team has cornered and coached MMA internationally.
MORE THAN A GYM
WE ARE A
COMMUNITY
Community is at the heart of Pura Vida. We believe the connections built off the mats are just as important as the ones built on them.Throughout the year, we bring members together through fight watch parties, community events, blood drives, volunteer opportunities and other ways to give back.
Whether we’re cheering on a teammate, supporting our neighbors or simply spending time together, we’re proud to create a place where everyone feels like they belong.
SAFESPORT
CERTIFIED
Every coach is U.S. Center for SafeSport certified, following the same standard used by Olympic and NCAA coaches.
UWM
PARTNER
Pura Vida has taught classes for UWM since the gym opened, growing from 2 credits per semester to 22.
VETERAN APPROVED
Three U.S. military veterans are part of the Pura Vida staff, bringing leadership and a supportive military friendly community
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