The CheckMat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization was founded in 2008 by the Vieira brothers, Leo and Ricardo, after a break with BJJ powerhouse team Alliance in 2002 and then subsequently with team Brasa. Although still in its infancy when compared to some of the legacy teams, CheckMat has established itself as a dominant force on the competition scene earning prestigious team titles including IBJJF European Championships and NoGi World Championships, as well as producing many top ranked, world renowned fighters. The CheckMat organization has spread quickly throughout the globe, having established affiliates in 16 different countries.
The name “CheckMat” pays homage to the game of chess, which the founders noted shares many similarities with the art of BJJ, including an essential hierarchical order from the pawn to the king (white belt to black belt) and its strategic nature requiring forethought and the ability to implement a series of moves dynamically based on an opponent’s reactions.
