About Us

Frederick C. Villarica

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR/OWNER OF UNA BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Fred started out as a high school wrestler and once he graduated, attended Adelphi university to study nursing. At the same time Fred began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Roderigo Gracie, which he continued for one year until he attained the rank of Blue Belt. Roderigo left New York for California and Fred began extensively studying with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Legend Alexandre Soca Freitas. Under Soca until Fred attained the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 28.

Fred has competed regularly in tournaments, namely: NAGA Champion , GRAPPLERSQUEST Champion, Multiple time IBJJF medalist from Purplebelt to Blackbelt, Abu Dhabi Pro Blackbelt Bronze.

Fred Villarica is currently employed as an RN at Northwell health system, working in the Level 1 Trauma ED.

Alonzo Rodriguez

CO - INSTRUCTOR AT UNA BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Alonzo trained under Master Alexandre “Soca” Freitas since 2005 and has attained the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is currently training students at UNA Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. At 145 lbs. Alonzo has relied mainly on technique in order to win tournaments and is sometimes referred to as “one of the best coaches in New York”. Tournaments he has competed in and won Gold Medals in are; Pan Ams, Long Island Pride BJJ, NAGA and Alonzo continues his devotion to training in Jiu Jitsu and is committed to learning new skills which he can pass along to students.

History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Roots of UNA Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

In 1914, Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo in Japan, sent one of his top five students,Mitsuyo Maeda, to spread the art of Judo to different parts of the world.

In 1917, Carlos Gracie was one of the first students of Mitsuyo Maeda in Brazil. Carlos went on to teach his brother Helio Gracie, and together the brothers formed the discipline that is known today as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In 1986, Carlos Gracie Jr. started the Gracie Barra Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and is head of Gracie Barra, one of the largest and most successful worldwide Jiu-Jitsu associations. Jean Jacques Machado, a Master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was the first and foremost instructor of Alexandre “Soca” Freitas in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. From there, Alexandre moved to New York and started Soca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Wantagh, New York.

Alexandre “Soca” Freitas is one of the top ranked Jiu Jitsu Tournament fighters in the world, including winning a the gold in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Tournament, as well as being the Brazilian National Champion. Fred Villarica, studied under Soca for 8 years until he attained his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and has gone on to open his own academy, UNA BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU, located in Forest Hills, New York. Una Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opened its doors to students in November of 2011. Since then, beginner students have won Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in tournaments around the tri – state area, marking UNA as the premiere school for the next generation of champions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.