Honoring the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the journey that built a championship academy right here in Oakdale, New York.
Kioto traces a direct line back to the founder of the art. Every belt earned on our mats carries that history forward.
The Legend
One of the most respected figures in the sport, Grand Master Francisco Mansor (also spelled Mansur) is a Jiu-Jitsu red belt, 9th degree, who earned his instructor's degree directly from the late Master Hélio Gracie.
In 1965 he founded the Kioto academy, one of the most traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the world and a team known for its deep roots in the self-defense side of the art. His academy in Rio de Janeiro became one of the largest Jiu-Jitsu programs for young students anywhere in Brazil.
A look at the Grand Master whose teaching shaped everything we do on the mats today.
Professor Milton Regis is a certified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Grand Master Francisco Mansor and the head instructor leading the Kioto BJJ affiliation in Oakdale, NY. He doesn't coach from the sideline. He trains alongside his students in every class.
A decorated competitor, Milton holds titles at the World Master, Pan American (Gi and No-Gi), North American Grappling, and Brazilian National Championships, along with state titles. In 2007 he co-created and still promotes Long Island PRIDE, a respected BJJ competition that draws world champions and high-level competitors from across the country.
Head Instructor
From a nine-year-old in Rio de Janeiro to the founder of a championship academy on Long Island.
Milton Regis de Almeida is born on February 7, 1964, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Taken to the Kioto academy, the top children's Jiu-Jitsu program in Rio, he becomes a state champion while still a white belt.
After winning the Brazilian National Championship, Milton is promoted to black belt. A lieutenant in the Brazilian Army, he was also selected for the Judo Army Team.
Milton moves to the United States, spends two years in Boston, then settles in the New York area, reunites with his master, and opens his own academy.
He launches the PRIDE BJJ Championship, now a fixture in the region that attracts elite competitors year after year.
Professor Milton and Professor Melissa Regis lead a thriving Oakdale academy, training alongside students of every age and level. Explore the programs →
The same lineage, the same standards, taught on the mats in Oakdale. Find the program that fits you.
Build real skill, fitness, and confidence in a welcoming room, Gi and No-Gi.
Explore →Discipline, focus, and self-defense for ages 3 and up, taught by black belts.
Explore →A supportive class built around real-world confidence and self-defense.
Explore →Practical, dedicated self-defense rooted in the Kioto system.
Explore →Ready to start? Check the class schedule, ask about membership, or view the areas we serve.
From first hesitant steps onto the mats to real confidence and skill, our students say it best.
Your first class is on us. Tell us a little about yourself and we'll take care of the rest.
More than 60 years of tradition, taught on the mats in Oakdale every single week. Step on and find out what it's all about.
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