WINTER BJJ PROMO 15% OFF
Professor. JP head instructor of Mountain Home Vital BJJ
Professor JP Guevarra is known for his highly detail-oriented teaching style, developed through over 17 years of training and teaching experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His journey began in 2008, when he trained No-Gi and MMA under legendary Pancrase fighter Kiuma Kunioku in Tokyo, Japan.
While serving with the Department of Defense, Professor JP’s career required frequent relocation, allowing him to train with a wide range of talented practitioners worldwide. This exposure refined both his technical skill and his ability to adapt and connect with students of all levels and backgrounds.
Professor JP is also an active Jiu-Jitsu competitor, having tested his skills across the United States, Japan, and at some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, including: IBJJF Master Worlds
, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, ADCC Japan Trials and multiple IBJJF Open Championships
After returning to the U.S., he began formal Gi training under Professor Renan Vital in 2014 and earned his Black Belt in October 2020.
As the Head Instructor of Vital Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Professor JP continues to impact his students both on and off the mats. His leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence have helped shape the positive, family-oriented culture that Vital BJJ is known for today.
🇧🇷 Professor Renan Vital – Founder of Vital Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Professor Renan Vital, a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a 4th-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a Black Belt in Judo, and a Capoeira instructor. He is the founder of Vital Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in North Miami, Florida.
🌐 vitalbrothersbjj.com
🌍 Journey to Vital BJJ Mountain Home
In 2016, while stationed in Sasebo, Japan, Professor JP established a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for active-duty military personnel and their families. During this time, he discovered his deeper purpose—to bring authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to communities in the United States after his service.
In 2019, he transferred from Yokota Air Base in Tokyo to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho to continue his DOD career. Finding a lack of true BJJ instruction in the region, he set out to change that.
By August 2021, Vital Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy officially opened its doors in Mountain Home, Idaho. What began as a vision quickly grew into one of Idaho’s most successful academies, known for its strong technical foundation, welcoming culture, and competitive success.
In 2024, Professor JP made the life-changing decision to retire early from government service to dedicate himself full-time to Jiu-Jitsu. Today, he focuses on expanding the academy, mentoring students, and growing the Vital Brothers legacy throughout Idaho and beyond.
✅ Certifications & Qualifications
All Vital BJJ instructors and academies are certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).
🔗 Certified Black Belts
🔗 Registered Academies
The IBJJF/USBJJF requires background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of all practitioners, instructors, and academies. This process helps maintain a secure, professional, and trustworthy environment for every student.
🔗 Learn More About IBJJF Background Checks
Professor. Renan Vital founder of Vital BJJ
A native from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Professor Renan is 4th degree Black Belt in BJJ, Judo Black Belt, Capoeira Instructor and Degree in P.E. (Bachelors and License) Prof. Renan's teaching style is detail oriented and is an accumulation of his own personal training and teaching experiences since he began his BJJ journey in 1990.
His love for martial arts started in his young age of 6 years old and he dedicated his whole life for the sport. Professor Renan got his black belt in 2007 from Professor Paulo "Rabicco" Perrota together with Roberto "Gordo" Correa.
He got a scholarship for being part of the Judo Team in Brazil where he had the opportunity to train with Flavio Canto, Guilherme Silva, Leonardo Leite among others. After he graduated as a P.E. Teacher in 2010 he won the FJJDRIO State Championship and a ticket to come to USA.
In 2011 he came to California where he lived for 9 years and worked on his affiliate gyms: Vilanova BJJ, All America BJJ and
M-Theory Martial Arts before deciding to move to Florida and open his own gym.
Since 2011 Prof. Renan Vital has been living and teaching around USA and helping spread jiu jitsu throughout the communities.
Referee
Professor Renan Vital has a deep passion for the sport and he decided to improve his knowledge by doing Referee courses and working with the best federation in the World and for many years was Referee coordinator of some of those Federations:
UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF)
Rio de Janeiro State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (FJJ-Rio)
Brazilian Confederation of Jiu Jitsu (CBJJ)
International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)
Rio de Janeiro State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation Desportive (FJJD)
Brazilian Confederation of Jiu Jitsu Sportive (CBJJE)
North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (NABJJF)
Competitions
Professor Renan loves to compete and here is a highlight of his career:
6x SJJF World Champion in a row
2x IBJJF Pan American Champion
1x IBJJF Pan American Champion (NOGI)
3x NABJJF All American Champion
Here are a few accomplishments from Professor Renan throughout the years:
Gold Medal 2019 All American Championship (NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2018 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJIF/NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2017 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJIF/NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2017 Phoenix Jiu Jitsu Open (NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2017 Pan American Championship (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2016 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJIF/NABJJF) (Division)
Gold Medal 2016 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJIF/NABJJF) (Open Class)
Gold Medal 2015 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJIF/NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Bronze Medal 2015 IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2015 IBJJF BJJ Pro Santa Cruz (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2015 American National Championship (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2014 SJJIF Worlds Championship (SJJF/NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2014 IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open (IBJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal 2014 Pan-American NO-Gi Championship (IBJJF) (Division)
Bronze 2014 Pan-American NO-Gi Championship (IBJJF) (Open Class)
Gold Medal 2014 Pan American Championship (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2014 All American Championship (NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Bronze Medal 2014 IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship (IBJJF)
Gold Medal Chicago Summer International NOGI Open IBJJF Championship 2014 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal Grand Canyon Gi & No Gi Open 2014 (NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal Vegas Spring International Open IBJJF Championship 2013 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal Vegas Spring International Open Championship 2014 (IBJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold medal Grand Canyon Gi & No Gi Open 2014 (NABJJF)
Gold Medal Rio De Janeiro State Champion 2013 (FJJRJ)
Gold Medal Sao Paulo State Champion 2013 (FJJSP)
Silver Medal Vegas Summer International Open IBJJF Championship 2013 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal 2013 SJJIF Worlds Championship (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal Vegas Spring International Open IBJJF Championship 2013 (IBJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold Medal Grand Canyon Gi & No Gi Open 2013 (NABJJF) (Division and Open Class)
Gold medal Grand Canyon Gi & No Gi Open 2013 (NABJJF) (NO-Gi)
Gold Medal All American Jiu-Jitsu Tournament 2013 (NABJJF)
Bronze Medal Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu 2012 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal All Star 1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament 2012 (IBJJF)
5th place, World Championship Of Jiu-Jitsu 2012 (IBJJF)
5th place, World Championship Of Jiu-Jitsu 2011 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal Miami Open 2011 (IBJJF)
Gold Medal L.A. Open 2011 (NABJJF)
Gold Medal State Brazilian jiu jitsu Championships 2010 (FJJ-Rio)
Gold Medal State 2010 Absolute (FJJ-Rio)
Silver Medal Pan American Champion 2009 (CBJJE)
Gold Medal State Champion 2009 (FJJ-Rio)
Gold Medal State Champion 2009 (FJJDRIO)
Selective ADCC 2009
Silver Medal Brazilian Nationals Teams Championships 2005 (CBJJ)
Gold Medal Brazilian Nationals Teams Championships 2008 (CBJJ)
Bronze Medal European Championship of Jiu-Jitsu 2006 (CBJJ)
Bronze Medal Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu 2008 (CBJJE)
Gold Medal State Champion 2008 (FJJ-Rio)
Gold Medal State Champion 2008 (FJJE-Rio)
Silver Medal Absolute State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships 2008 (FJJE-Rio)
5th place World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships 2008 (CBJJE)
Selective Champion for the World Cup 2008 (CBJJE)
Gold Medal 2008 Thor Cup Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship
Gold Medal 2008 Thor Cup Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship Absolute
Gold Medal KDF Cup Champion jiu-jitsu 2008 (FJJ-Rio)
Bronze Medal Copa Rio - Brazil's Digest 2008
Bronze Medal National Natural Submission Fight 2008 (CBJJE)
Bronze Medal National Natural Submission Fight 2008 Absolute (CBJJE)
5th Rio International Open 2008 (CBJJ)
Silver Medal International Cup Konde Koma Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2008 (CBJJE)
Bronze Medal, International Cup Konde Koma Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2008 Absolute (CBJJE)
Brazilian National Championships 2008 (CBJJ)
Gold Medal Jet Power Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Cup 2008 (LERJJI)
Gold Medal State Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship 2007 (FJJ-Rio)