About Us

Our story

Cypress Combat Club was founded in 2012 by Professor Ricardo Almeida with a simple premise: build a gym where the training is world-class but the culture is accessible. No egos at the door. No hazing rituals on the mat. Just serious coaching for anyone willing to put in the work.

What started as a 2,000 square-foot garage gym with a handful of students has grown into a 10,000 square-foot facility with over 300 active members. We've produced IBJJF champions, professional MMA fighters, and — just as importantly — hundreds of everyday people whose lives are better because they found martial arts.

We believe the best gyms are built on culture, not marketing. That the best coaching comes from people who still train. That kids deserve the same quality of instruction as adults. And that the real measure of a gym isn't how many champions it produces, but how many people walk through the door nervous and leave feeling like they belong.

Cypress Combat Club is in Los Angeles because this is home. The community here shaped us, and we're proud to give back through martial arts education that's accessible, honest, and built to last.

Our Approach

How we train

Structured curriculum

Every belt level has a defined syllabus. You always know what you're learning and why. Progress is measured, not guessed.

Coaches who compete

Our instructors still step on the mat in competition. They teach what works because they test it themselves.

Community first

Training partners become family. We host barbecues, attend each other's promotions, and show up for each other off the mat too.

Vol. 05 Coaches

Meet the team

Prof. Ricardo Almeida

Head Instructor & Founder

Black Belt, 3rd Degree

Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Ricardo Almeida

  • IBJJF World Champion 2018
  • ADCC Trials Qualifier 2019
  • Pan American Gold 2016
  • 20+ years teaching experience

Professor Ricardo founded Cypress Combat Club in 2012 after competing internationally for over a decade. A third-degree black belt under Royler Gracie, he brings a methodical, detail-oriented approach to instruction. He still competes in Masters divisions and believes every student — from day-one white belts to seasoned competitors — deserves the same quality of attention on the mat.

Kru Somchai Rattanapong

Head Muay Thai Coach

Khan 12

Trained at Sitsongpeenong, Bangkok

  • Former Lumpinee Stadium fighter
  • 200+ fights in Thailand
  • IFMA Coach Certification
  • 15 years coaching in the US

Kru Somchai brings authentic Thai boxing to Los Angeles. With over 200 professional fights in Thailand including bouts at Lumpinee Stadium, he teaches Muay Thai the way it was taught to him — with respect for tradition and relentless attention to fundamentals. His classes are known for building fighters who are technically sharp and mentally tough.

Coach Darius Cole

MMA Head Coach

BJJ Brown Belt

  • Former professional MMA fighter (12-3)
  • Cornered 5 UFC fighters
  • NASM Certified
  • Wrestling All-American (D2)

Coach Priya Mehta

Women's Program Director

Black Belt, 1st Degree

Ricardo Almeida > Priya Mehta

  • IBJJF No-Gi World Bronze 2022
  • Pan American Silver 2021
  • Self-defense curriculum developer

Coach Marcus Williams

Kids Program Director

Brown Belt

Ricardo Almeida > Marcus Williams

  • Child development certification
  • Former high school wrestling coach
  • Youth IBJJF referee
  • 10 years coaching kids

Coach Diego Ferreira

BJJ Fundamentals Lead

Black Belt, 2nd Degree

Ricardo Almeida > Diego Ferreira

  • IBJJF Pan American Champion 2020
  • SJJIF World Champion 2019
  • Certified Gracie University instructor

The Facility

10,000 sq. ft. of mat space

Come see for yourself

Your first class is free. Walk in any day or book ahead.