About Us
Merced MMA
Merced MMA, established in 2007 in Merced, California, is owned and operated by 3rd Deg. Black Belt Professor Marcos Tomé.
Merced MMA teaches classes in traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the Flavio Behring Jiu-Jitsu system as well as Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Submission Wrestling (No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), and Women’s Bootcamp/Conditioning. Merced MMA is also a sister school to Oakdale MMA and Sonora MMA. Membership with Merced MMA also allows you to train at their Academies as well.
“Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone,” a phrase commonly said by Professor Marcos Tome.
There are no age limits for Jiu-Jitsu and it does not depend on strength of the body, only the strength of the mind. This form of Martial Arts will give back to you 10 fold and will truly change your life.
At Merced MMA we want to inspire you to set new goals, reach new limits, make new friends and have fun!
Sign up today and be part of something really special.
Instructors
Professor
Tom Theofanopoulos
4th Deg. Black Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
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Kajukenbo 9th degree, Grandmaster
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Under Gaylord method, KAA.
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt 4th degree
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Under Grandmaster Flavio Behring.
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Judo black belt 2nd degree under sensei Christine Lincoln Penick.
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Started training martial arts in 1976.
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Started Oakdale MMA 1988.
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In 2014, received Califights lifetime achievement award.
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Professor
Marcos Tomé
Owner/Chief Instructor of Merced MMA
3rd degree Black Belt Professor, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Submission Wrestling
- Women’s Conditioning
- Kickboxing
Brown Belt in judo
Athletic Inspector for the California State Athletic Commission
Awarded the 2020 Hands on Hero award from the Merced County Office of Education for his work with children
Marcos Tomé was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and from an early age realized that Martial Arts were more than a passion, it was a way of life…
“The virtues required to be a great martial artist are the same virtues required to live a productive and positive life. Honesty, Respect & Loyalty are at the core of anyone attempting to learn the path to self-betterment.”
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Instructor
Arjan Carlos Moreno
Muay Thai
Arjan Carlos Moreno has trained amateur and professional Muay Thai and MMA champions from central to northern California then making a 10-year stay in the DFW area in Texas. He has finally returned to his hometown to continue making champions at Oakdale MMA. He began Muay Thai training in 1992 and joined Cheetah Muay Thai Academy in 1996. , He also founded the American Muay Thai Association in 1996 with the goal of spreading Muay Thai to the community and uniting U.S. Muay Thai teachers. Carlos continued studying his art by living and training at the International Muay Thai School in Bangkok, Thailand. After returning home He earned the title of Kru in 1999 and in 2009 received a recognition award for his dedication to quality instruction and commitment to his students. His Students have fought in UFC, Bellator, Legacy Fighting Championship, LFA, IFC, King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge, and many others.
In June of 2011, he achieved Arjan, the master level for dedication to instruction and ability to teach Muay Thai by Master Cheetah. Arjan Carlos is the official Midwest representative for Master Cheetah and the Cheetah Muay Thai Academy. His leadership, knowledge, and dedication make him one of the most sought-after instructors of Muay Thai in the United States.
- Nominated MMA Striking Coach of the year by TXMMA in 2010
- MMA Striking Coach of the year by TXMMA in 2014
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Instructor
Chris Bucao
Brown Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Submission Wrestling
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Instructor
Chris Curtis
Brown Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Submission Wrestling
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Instructor
Gustavo Guerrero
Blue Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
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Instructor
Sergio Guerrero
Brown Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
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Instructor
Pardeep Singh
Brown Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Submission Wrestling
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Instructor
Daniel De Los Santos
Brown Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing
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Assistant Instructor
Alex Casas
Purple Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Assistant Instructor
Vinicius Tomé
Orange Belt, Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Instructor
Joey Gonzalez
- Kids Submission Wrestling
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Reviews
Our son Hank joined in June and he loves it. The class is a mix of discipline, learning, and fun. I don't have to bribe, beg, or force my son to go. He looks forward to it. Marcos is a great teacher and truly cares about the kids. We highly recommend Merced MMA. It's a safe affordable place for our kids to learn how to be confident capable individuals.
Charles Pereira
Parent
In the gym twice during a visit to Merced [day pass]. First-rate facility. Obvious knowledge. Pride and respect from the members and staff. If you are looking for support with whatever goals you have [beginner/intermediate/advanced], this is the right gym.
Eric Gottesfeld
Drop In
It feels like family here. They hold their students accountable for their achievements; they don't just give them away. They assure you that you're getting quality training. Learning: skill and strength. Understanding: patience and value. I recommend hands down.
Marina Sustayta
Student
This place has awesome coaches. The staff & teammates are nice and helpful. It's big. The men's & women's bathrooms are always clean. I highly recommend this place. 5 stars!
Nicole Simons
Student
Best place in Merced. Like the best people, you could wish to meet are here. If you are looking to improve your life in any way at all..... go here.
Richard Imbrie
Student
This is a great place to train. My kids love coming here. This is a place where you walk in and feel like family. Professor Marcos teaches respect and discipline and expects the kids to train hard. I love that!!! He also teaches our kids to be confident in what they do. I highly recommend Merced MMA.
Ursula Pereira
Parent