Fighteria Academy, located at 10330 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley, was recently named the Best Martial Arts School in Hays County during the 2025 Daily Record’s Best of Hays.
And while that recognition is exciting, what’s happening at Fighteria is something even more powerful — a movement rooted in transformation, opportunity and community. Founded by retired international MMA fighter and BJJ Champion Gleidson “Poney” Cutis of Rio de Janeiro, Fighteria is becoming a destination for world-class combat sports training — and a place where everyday people discover their strength.
The staff at Fighteria believes that not everyone has to be a fighter, but everyone has a fight. And Fighteria is where they come to find it.
One of the most exciting examples? Daniel Ribeiro — a lifelong student of Poney’s from their early days training together in Brazil. Ribeiro has already made a name for himself as an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor on the international stage. Now, under Poney’s curriculum at Fighteria, Ribeiro just shocked the regional MMA world by capturing the Heavyweight Title for Peak Fighting Championship — in his debut fight, defeating an undefeated Austin-based opponent.
Alongside them is striking coach Joao Bertho, another Brazilian-born veteran who has trained professional fighters across the globe. Our competition team is growing fast, rising star Joshua Escobedo (undefeated at 5-0) claimed his second Bantamweight MMA title. Meanwhile, international champions are traveling to San Marcos to host seminars and train on our mats before major events.
What makes this story even more powerful is how grounded it is in the community. At Fighteria, world-class athletes and coaches train alongside everyday students — kids as young as 3 and adults in their 60s and 70s. It’s not uncommon to see Ribeiro helping toddlers with their first takedown during the Tots class or Bertho guiding a firsttime kickboxer with the same attention he gives the champions.
Fighteria is quickly becoming a fixture in the Texas Hill Country — not just because of titles and medals but because of the culture the academy is building: one of excellence, mentorship and heart.
Photos courtesy of Fighteria Academy
