Meet Our Instructors Learn From The Best
Jimmy Starling Mendoza Aguilar
Founder & BJJ Instructor
Jimmy Starling Mendoza Aguilar is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with over 15 years of martial arts experience. His journey began in 2009 at Dragon Studios Nicaragua, where he trained Kung Fu and competed in national and international tournaments across karate, kickboxing, taekwondo, and Kung Fu. In 2015, he started practicing MMA with Xtreme Kombat Nicaragua and discovered his passion for grappling arts. Under the guidance of Professor Rodrigo Luiz Dos Santos (Team Bixao), Jimmy earned his purple belt and developed deep expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. On January 15, 2024, he founded Starling MMA to share his knowledge and build a world-class martial arts academy in Nicaragua. Jimmy is certified by CONAMMIP, the Nicaraguan Muay Thai Federation, the Nicaraguan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Kombat Taekwondo International.
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Our Expert Team
Experienced instructors dedicated to helping you achieve your martial arts goals
Jefferson Zapata
MMA Instructor
Jefferson Zapata has over 12 years of experience in martial arts, with training in wrestling, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and MMA. He was a member of the National MMA Team for two consecutive years. He is an amateur champion in MMA and kickboxing, a professional MMA fighter, and an amateur boxer. Internationally, he was a world vice-champion in Striker MMA (Indonesia) and a Pan-American vice-champion in the same modality. His teaching approach is based on discipline, respect, and the comprehensive development of the student.
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Franklin Castillo
Judo Coach
Franklin Castillo is a Judo instructor with 17 years of experience, committed to the comprehensive training of children and pre-teens through sport and its values. Certified by the International Judo Federation, his methodology uses Judo as an extracurricular educational alternative, fostering discipline, respect, self-control, and confidence in every student. As a physical trainer, he adapts sessions to each developmental stage, ensuring the health and progress of his students.
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Joshi Guzmán
Zumba Instructor
Joshi Guzmán is a Zumba instructor with over 6 years of experience, dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and joy through dance and physical activity. Her Zumba classes combine Latin rhythms, dynamic movements, and cardiovascular exercises that help improve fitness, burn calories, and release stress, all in a fun, inclusive, and energy-filled environment. Designed for people of all levels, regardless of age or previous experience. Joshi is characterized by her charisma, constant motivation, and connection with her students, creating a space where each person feels comfortable, safe, and motivated to give their best. Each session is an experience that builds confidence, consistency, and love for movement. Her goal is for each student to enjoy exercise, improve their health, and transform their lifestyle, using Zumba as a tool for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
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Alejandro Bucardo
BJJ Kids Instructor
Alejandro Bucardo is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor focused on training children, combining technical teaching of the gentle art with the comprehensive development of each student. He has distinguished competitive experience, being Champion of the Open Güegüense and second place in the absolute category, achievements that support his preparation and commitment to the discipline. His approach goes beyond competition: Alejandro promotes sports training based on values, fostering discipline, respect, confidence, and teamwork. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he introduces children to a path of personal growth, self-control, and self-improvement, creating a safe, positive, and motivating environment where each student can develop physically and mentally.
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Stilher Mackniel Nicho Gómez
Boxing & Combat Sports Instructor
Stilher Mackniel Nicho Gómez is a versatile combat sports athlete with over 14 years of experience in English Boxing. He was the 2014 Amateur Champion at 125 lbs and recently qualified for the -69kg Alexis Argüello Cup. His martial arts journey includes a brown belt in Judo, 7 years of Combat Sambo and Grappling experience, plus training in K1 and MMA. Stilher has honed his skills sparring with high-level professionals like Walter "El Chacal" and Jimmy, bringing that elite-level training experience to his students. Committed to helping athletes compete and reach their potential, he's available for morning classes and sparring sessions across multiple combat disciplines.
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James Mark Navarro Silva
BJJ Instructor - Matagalpa
James Mark Navarro Silva is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at our Matagalpa branch, bringing high-level competitive experience to his students. A dedicated competitor with impressive achievements, James has proven himself on the mats multiple times. His competitive record includes winning the Open Nacional Cintas Azules 2024, taking 1st place in the Open Nacional 2024, placing 3rd in the Nogi Liga BJJ Costa Rica 2025, and being the winner of the Super Fight at Renegades Open 2025. James combines his competition experience with a passion for teaching, offering BJJ classes at the Matagalpa location for students of all levels who want to learn from an active competitor.
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