Discover Your Inner Warrior Train Like A Champion
Starling MMA is Growing!
BJJ instruction now in Matagalpa. Train with a proven champion.
James Mark Navarro Silva
BJJ Instructor
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor bringing elite-level training to Matagalpa. With multiple national and international titles, James combines competition-tested techniques with patient, effective teaching methods.
Recent Achievements
1st Place - National Open 2024
2024
Winner - National Open Blue Belts 2024
2024
3rd Place - No-Gi BJJ Costa Rica League 2025
2025
Super Fight Winner - Renegades Open 2025
2025
Certified Excellence
Registered and recognized by national and international martial arts organizations
Federación Nicaragüense de Muay Thai
Nicaraguan Muay Thai Federation
Federación Nicaragüense de Artes Marciales Mixtas
Nicaraguan MMA Federation
Federación Nicaragüense de Karate
Nicaraguan Karate Federation
Federación Nicaragüense de Judo
Nicaraguan Judo Federation
Kombat Taekwondo Internacional
International Taekwondo Organization
Instituto Nicaragüense del Deporte
Nicaraguan Sports Institute
Starling MMA Uniforms
Train in style with our official academy uniforms. Quality gear designed for performance and durability.
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Academy Store
Get equipped with quality martial arts gear and uniforms. Everything you need to train like a champion.
Kids' Sports Uniforms
- Multiple Disciplines
- Various Sizes
Adult Sports Uniforms
- Multiple Disciplines
- Various Sizes
Sports Accessories
Quality gear for your training
See Our Training in Action
Explore photos from our training sessions, competitions, and community events
Want to See More?
Check out our complete gallery
Geovany's Journey: From Student to Champion
From beginner to national champion in less than a year
"Starling MMA provided me with the foundation, technical knowledge, and support system needed to become a National Champion. The coaching staff genuinely cares about each student's progress, whether you're training for fitness or competition."
I began my training at Starling MMA in April 2024, and it has been an incredible journey. As a versatile athlete, I wanted to develop skills in both striking and grappling, and Starling MMA provided the perfect environment for that. I've had the privilege of training with exceptional masters like Axel Pérez, Jeferson Zapata, and our head coach Starling Mendoza, who have all contributed immensely to my growth. The training here is comprehensive - I've learned to fight from both guards and have developed a well-rounded skillset in Sambo, Boxing, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic Wrestling. The coaching staff genuinely cares about each student's progress, whether you're training for fitness or competition. Becoming National Sambo Champion in 2025 (in both Sport and Combat categories) and winning BJJ Open tournaments in Managua and Estelí are achievements I'm incredibly proud of, but what matters most is the continuous improvement and family atmosphere at Starling MMA. Now representing Nicaragua's National Sambo Team, I can say with confidence that this academy provided me with the foundation, technical knowledge, and support system needed to reach the highest level. If you're thinking about starting, don't hesitate. Whether your goal is to compete, get in shape, or learn self-defense, this is the place to be.
Key Achievements
- 2025 National Sambo Champion (Sport and Combat)
- BJJ Open Tournament Winner - Managua
- BJJ Open Tournament Winner - Estelí
- Member of Nicaragua's National Sambo Team
Starling MMA Scholarship Program
We invest in dedicated athletes who represent our academy with passion and excellence. Our scholarship program supports competitive fighters in reaching their full potential.
Geovany Avilez
National Sambo Champion & Scholarship Recipient
"From student to National Champion in less than a year - representing Nicaragua's National Sambo Team"
Geovany joined Starling MMA in April 2024 and became National Sambo Champion in 2025. Through our scholarship program, he developed world-class skills in Sambo, BJJ, MMA, Boxing, and Olympic Wrestling.
Alejandro Bucardo
Children's BJJ & MMA Instructor & Scholarship Recipient
"Dedicated instructor shaping the next generation of martial artists while continuing his competitive training"
Alejandro benefits from our scholarship program as he teaches children's BJJ and MMA classes, passing on his knowledge and passion for martial arts to young athletes while pursuing his own competitive goals.
Scholarship Benefits
- 100% coverage of enrollment fees
- Percentage of monthly tuition covered
- Full access to all academy classes and disciplines
- Complete use of training facilities and equipment
- Specialized coaching and competition preparation
- Opportunity to represent Starling MMA in tournaments
Selection Requirements
- Active participation in martial arts competitions (documented proof required)
- Evidence of competition participation in the last year across any discipline
- Commitment to represent Starling MMA in official tournaments
- Dedication to personal growth and athletic development
- Active participation in academy life and events
Business Partnerships
At Starling MMA, we value our community and have partnered with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts to our members.
Show your membership card and enjoy special benefits at these establishments.
Discount on dog grooming services
On frames and lenses
On courses
At Ciudad Sandino, Matagalpa and Altamira branches
On projects + Free lifting visit
Sponsorships that Forge Champions
At Starling MMA, we believe that the true impact of Mixed Martial Arts goes beyond competition.
Our sponsorships reflect our commitment to comprehensive athletic development, healthy competition, and personal growth for each fighter.
By supporting training, providing professional preparation, uniforms and accessories, as well as financial backing, we provide the tools necessary for athletes to reach their maximum potential inside and outside the octagon.
Wally Gonzalez
Preparation and professional training sponsorship
Wally Gonzalez
Preparation and professional training sponsorship
Ana Cruz
Representing us at GAMMA World Championship in Indonesia - MMA
Wisman Martinez
Panamerican MMA Championship
Transform Your Life Through Martial Arts
Real experiences from our Starling MMA family
"Coach Santos has cultivated a gym environment where the love of competition and thirst for self improvement are the driving forces behind every session. Iron sharpens iron, and these men and women are razor sharp."
"This is a good club to train BJJ with Jimmy (and Judo with Franklin). Coach Jimmy is kind and motivated!"
"Entrenar artes marciales mixtas me ha transformado de muchas maneras. Cada sesión me llena de energía y confianza, y siento que supero mis límites constantemente. La disciplina, el enfoque y la camaradería que encuentro en el dojo me motivan a seguir mejorando. Es increíble cómo cada golpe y cada técnica me enseñan no solo a luchar, sino a ser más fuerte en todos los aspectos de mi vida. ¡Estoy entusiasmado por el camino que estoy recorriendo!"
"Es excelente esta escuela de artes marciales mixtas porque te enseñan bien y los profesores son buenas enseñando y los compañeros son amables"