American Top Team's Testimonials

I have been a Police Officer since 2005 and have been involved in several physical altercations. In all of those altercations, the fight went to the ground. Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Black Belt, Marcos "Parrumpinha" Da Matta, has greatly improved my skills on the ground, which ultimately enables me to be a safer Officer during those high stress encounters. Marcos is one of the most technical instructors I have studied under. He breaks down each technique into several easy to follow steps in order to be a more effective and efficient teacher. He expects excellence and gives his students the tools to achieve it.

Steve - Coral Springs Police Department

Before I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I weighed 330 pounds and was severely out of shape. My mood was always somber and I had no energy to do the simplest of activities. While in my car, I saw the American Top Team West Palm Beach School on a daily basis during my drive to work. I finally built up the courage to walk in and speak with one of the coaches. I was really impressed with the facility and how genuine the instructors were. I agreed to join and was only training for a month when I was injured at work. The injury sidelined me for 6 months and I was thinking of not returning, but the coaches encouraged me to come back. I did come back and am very glad that I did because not only did the training improve my health, it also strengthened the shoulder I had injured at work. Shortly after coming back, my coaches told me about a competition that was coming up and they wanted me to enter. I started to train for the competition and got my weight down to 265 pounds. I competed in the Super Heavyweight Division and took home 1st Place for No-Gi, Novice. I believe I could not have done this without the support of my fellow classmates and the coaches at ATT WPB. I would like to thank Marcos "Parrumpinha" Da Matta for encouraging me to never give up and to excel in the sport of BJJ. I thank God everyday for surrounding me with the best group of guys and the best school that is American Top Team West Palm Beach!

Delvis Valdez - Firefighter / Paramedic

I have had the privilege of training with Master Da Matta for the past year and a half. From the moment I met him, he treated me like he had known me his entire life. His style is genuine and he truly cares and takes an interest in your progression as a martial artist. Master Da Matta has dramatically improved my skills with his vast knowledge and easy to understand teaching method. I have studied the martial arts for the past 17 years and it is not everyday that you have the opportunity to train with a true World Champion. Master Da Matta is sensitive to my job as a Police Officer and has helped me incorporate skills that have helped me out on the street. His teachings have made me better prepared both mentally and physically. I thank Master Da Matta for allowing me to be safer and stronger in my career. He is a great teacher and an asset to all students lucky enough to be under his instruction. Thank You.

Eric Perez - Boca Raton Police Services Department

At age 40, I am one of the oldest students at American Top Team West Palm Beach. Thanks to ATT, I am in the best shape of my life and really enjoy the challenge and exhilaration that Brazilian Jiu -Jitsu provides. It is an honor to learn from Instructor Marcos Da Matta, multiple World Champion. ATT West Palm Beach is a large family of serious competitors without the arrogance and bravado at many other martial arts schools. I am proud to train at ATT and hope I can continue to train for many years to come.

Morgan T. McDonald, P.A.

I came to ATT in February, 2006 looking for a new fitness program. I had no idea how much of a lifestyle changing experience it would become. When I came to ATT, I was overweight and out of shape. I began my BJJ classes with Instructor Marcos "Parrumpinha" Da Matta. From the very first day he and the entire staff treated me with respect and pushed me to work hard. Marcos has continued to push me to strive for the best and to get better with every class. His philosophy and style of instruction makes you push yourself further than before, which has had unforeseen health benefits for me. I lost 40 pounds and got into the best shape of my life.

The other benefits I found were the mental focus and confidence I gained. I have been a Police Officer in South Florida for 12 years and it is extremely important to have a level of confidence and fitness on the street. Through the instruction of Marcos, I have gained a new found confidence and a mental toughness I had not had before. I have learned to be confident in my abilities and to never quit. This new never quit and keep fighting attitude has made me much more comfortable on the street. I have used this new way of thinking in my everyday life and my occupation as a Police Officer. I definitely feel confident that when I am faced with a confrontation on the street, I will be up to the challenge to successfully deal with it, which just might save my life one day.

I have a lot to thank for Marcos and everyone at ATT. From the first day I stepped foot in the building, I have been treated like they have known me for a long time. The level of instruction is top notch and it comes from world class fighters and instructors, who eagerly pass on the information and skills needed to succeed. The class and professionalism exhibited by Marcos, his instructors and the entire organization at American Top Team is unsurpassed and I am honored and lucky to have the opportunity to learn from them. Thank You.

Tim - Coconut Creek Police Department

Master Parrumpinha has improved my Jiu-Jitsu game 100%. He has given me more confidence in being able to defend myself at work when necessary. With society becoming increasingly more violent, it is necessary to learn how to defend yourself. Master Parrumpinha has given me the ability to learn and to teach others.

Sam McCoy - Boca Raton Police Department, Defensive Tactics Instructor