Empowering Through Martial Arts
Our Journey
From a vision to Nicaragua's leading martial arts academy
The Journey Begins
Jimmy Starling Mendoza Aguilar began his martial arts journey in 2009 at Dragon Studios Nicaragua, training Kung Fu and competing in national and international tournaments across karate, kickboxing, taekwondo, and Kung Fu.
Meeting the Master
Jimmy started practicing MMA with Xtreme Kombat Nicaragua, where he met Rodrigo Luiz Dos Santos, known as "Bixao" in the martial arts world. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the direct Gracie family lineage, Rodrigo brought extensive experience from MMA and BJJ fights in Brazil, plus boxing and Muay Thai credentials. Rodrigo had arrived to help train Leonardo "Chimmy" Morales for his fight against Marcus Brimage, the ex-UFC fighter who debuted against Conor McGregor.
Team Bixao Era
Bixao founded his own academy, Team Bixao, with Jimmy as an active student from the very beginning. For eight years, Jimmy trained under Bixao's guidance, honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.
Starling MMA is Born
When Bixao returned to his homeland, he entrusted his dedicated students to continue teaching martial arts. On January 15, 2024, Jimmy Starling—now a purple belt in BJJ—accepted the challenge to start a new academy under the Team Bixao legacy. Starling MMA was officially born, registered with CONAMMIP, the Nicaraguan Muay Thai Federation, the Nicaraguan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Kombat Taekwondo International.
Our Academy Today
Today, Starling MMA stands as a multidisciplinary academy with a team of instructors with years of experience. Located in a central point of Managua, our instructors are certified nationally and internationally to compete in BJJ, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and MMA. We form children, youth, and adults under an approach of perseverance, discipline, and honor, building champions both on and off the mats.
What We Stand For
The principles that guide everything we do
Welcoming to All
Everyone starts somewhere. We create a supportive environment where beginners feel comfortable learning alongside experienced practitioners.
Professional Excellence
Our instructors are experienced martial artists who continue training and competing. They bring real-world knowledge and passion to every class.
Character Development
Martial arts teach more than fighting. We emphasize respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility in everything we do.
Community First
We're more than a gym - we're a family. Students support each other, celebrate victories together, and build lifelong friendships.
Individual Growth
From fitness enthusiasts to competition fighters, we help each student define and achieve their personal goals through dedicated training.
Accessibility
Quality martial arts training should be affordable. We offer flexible pricing and schedules so everyone can train regardless of budget or availability.