Meet our Spring 2025 BJJ Instructors
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Rafael Lovato Jr.
Rafael Lovato Jr., a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Machado, made history as the first non-Brazilian to win the CBJJ Brazilian National Championship (2007) and the open weight division (2013). Also an IBJJF World Champion (2007) and Bellator middleweight titleholder (2019), he now leads Lovato BJJ and 6 Blades team.
Instagram: @lovatorbjj
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Dan Strauss
Dan Strauss, an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, holds titles like ADCC and NAGA European Champion. A Polaris, EBI, and ADCC veteran, he is also the host of the Raspberry Ape Podcast, where he explores grappling and training insights. Known for his unique grip strength training, Dan teaches worldwide.
Instagram: @raspberry_ape
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Ross Nicholls
Ross Nicholls, Head Instructor at London Grapple BJJ, is a decorated competitor with titles including ADCC European Trials Champion and IBJJF British No-Gi National Champion. Known for notable victories over top grapplers, Ross brings extensive competition experience and technical expertise to his students at London Grapple.
Instagram: @rossnichollsbjj
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Natalie Day
Natalie Day, from Oxford, England, is the UK’s first woman to independently own and run a jiu-jitsu academy, GROW JIU JITSU. A black belt under Mauricio Gomes and current European Champion, she also founded GROW EVENTS and offers the UK’s first jiu-jitsu apprenticeship program for aspiring professionals.
Website: growjiujitsu.com
Instagram: @growjiujitsu, @growevents
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Chris “Kit” Macken
Chris “Kit” Macken, a UK brown belt and active competitor, recently debuted with a win on Polaris via leg lock. His Leg Lock Lab classes focus on leg techniques, including setups, counters, and escapes—essential knowledge for any grappler. Kit’s method emphasizes reverse-engineering for mastery.
Instagram: @nogisus_of_newazareth
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Joe Notebaert
Joe Notebaert, founder of the Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival and head instructor at Mallorca BJJ, leads the festival’s complete beginner BJJ classes, offering newcomers a structured introduction to the sport. A black belt under Cesar Lima, Joe blends his BJJ expertise with his event planning skills to create a unique festival experience.
Website: www.mallorcabjj.com
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Jon Thomas
Jon Thomas, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and instructor, trained under Romero Cavalcanti and Lucas Lepri. Known for his technical expertise and Toreando Pass, he has won numerous IBJJF titles, including World and Pan Championships. Jon currently coaches at Valhalla Jiu-Jitsu in Sweden.
Instagram: @jonthomasbjj
Meet our Spring 2025 Yoga Instructors
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Melayne Shayne
Melayne Shayne, leader of the Budokon Yoga Program, blends yoga, martial arts, and self-reflection to inspire personal growth. As founder of the Warrior Women Tribe, she empowers women worldwide through movement, retreats, and workshops, fostering connection and transformation in a supportive, co-creative space.
Instagram: @themelayneshayne, @budokonuniversity -
Jelena Lieberberg
Jelena Lieberberg, a Berlin-based yoga instructor and naturopath, is known for her dynamic KICK ASS YOGA style. A former TV presenter, she has led workshops across Europe and authored books on yoga and mobility. Jelena combines holistic therapies with yoga to support yogis, athletes, and movers.
Instagram: @jelenalieberberg
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Helena Rosenthal
Helena Rosenthal, a dedicated Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher since 2008, earned level 2 authorization from Sharath Jois. She has led programs in São Paulo, London, and now Mallorca. Helena blends her yoga teaching with a passion for music, particularly through Kirtans. Her approach fosters deep self-connection and mindfulness.
Website: www.helenarosenthal.com
Instagram: @helena_rosenthal
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Lillia and Peter with Our Yoga Mind
Lilla and Peter, founders of Our Yoga Mind, offer mindful, transformational yoga experiences that blend science and spirituality. Since training in Rishikesh, India, they’ve shared practices like Hatha, SUP Yoga, Breathwork, and Moon Ceremonies in Mallorca and online. Their approach fosters deep self-connection and holistic well-being.
Website: www.ouryogamind.com
Instagram: @ouryogamind
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Angela Selivanova
Angela Selivanova, a yoga instructor from Latvia, has taught since 2010, currently based at Bodhana Yoga Studio in Mallorca. Trained under Paul Dallaghan, R. Sharath Jois, and Vinay Kumar, Angela integrates yoga’s science and spirituality for holistic well-being. She leads advanced Vinyasa, philosophy, Pranayama, and meditation classes.
Websites: www.samahitaretreat.com, sharathjois.com, sthalam8.com, pranavashya.com
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Tao and Eve - Acro Yoga
Tao, from Mallorca, and Eve, originally from France, are passionate acro yoga instructors offering regular classes and retreats in France and Mallorca. Their acro yoga practice includes flows, Icarians, whips, and standing acro, emphasizing playfulness and connection. In 2024, they’ll open the first Acro House residency in Mallorca.
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Mirjam
Mirjam, a devoted Bhakti yoga teacher, blends spirituality and music to help others connect with their inner voice. A professional singer since age 9, she uses ancient mantras to release emotional blockages. Based in Mallorca, she supports conscious events across Europe, offering a unique approach to inner harmony.
Website: www.sacredspace.es
Instagram: @sacredspace.es
Other Spring 2025 Instructors
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Cameron Shayne
Cameron Shayne, founder of Budokon University, pioneered the integration of martial arts, yoga, and mobility into a unified movement system. His innovative classes blend combat arts, yoga, and calisthenics, promoting strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
Instagram: @cameronshayne, @budokonuniversity -
Simon Kenion Shears
Simon Kenion Shears, author, philosopher, and fitness coach, will give three talks at the Spring festival. His 2022 book, Working [it] Out: What Actually Makes Us Exercise?, challenges common views on motivation, exploring exercise through evolutionary psychology. Simon also founded Fresh Fitness Clubs, promoting sustainable exercise habits.
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Daniel Vivas
Daniel Vivas, an arm wrestling coach and bronze medalist at the Arnold Classic in Madrid, will lead two seminars at the festival, plus “beat the champ” challenges for attendees. Based in Mallorca, Daniel is also a National Police helicopter pilot. Two arm wrestling tables will be available throughout the festival.
Instagram: @daniel_armpower
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Luke Wills
Luke Wills, raised in Mallorca, is a certified instructor in the Wim Hof Method, Oxygen Advantage, and Art of Breath. His global journey includes diving, Thai boxing, and winter ascents, teaching that mind-body mastery unlocks our full potential. Luke’s sessions focus on breathwork, movement, and reconnecting with nature.
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Fiona
Fiona, an international cacao medicine guide and energy healer, leads cacao ceremonies for self-discovery and inner healing. Her sessions combine cacao with meditation, breathwork, and intuitive movement, creating a space for reconnecting with empathy and emotions. Originally from Australia, Fiona now resides in Barcelona.
Instagram: @thrivingessence
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Gongoro
Gongoro, an Italian gong therapist trained at Adinadd Art Gong School, offers transformative sound baths. Certified with over 300 hours under gong master Har Harí, Gongoro’s sessions use the gong’s universal vibrations to promote cellular healing, release trauma, and awaken intuition. Join his daily gong baths at 5pm.
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Anne-Christin
Anne-Christin is an Embodiment Coach specializing in body movement, intuitive dance, mindfulness, and Reiki to guide personal transformation. Her workshops help clients reconnect with their bodies, unlock intuition, and shift limiting beliefs. Based in Mallorca, she offers online and in-person coaching to promote daily joy and balanced living.
Website: www.thebeautyofnow.net
Instagram: @the.beauty.of.now
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Vladimir Semenčić
Vladimir Semenčić, co-founder of the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival, brings his passion for salsa and bachata to the festival this Spring. Since 2005, he and his wife Daniela have created dance events that attract thousands globally, blending dance education with cultural connection. Vladimir’s mission centers on building community through movement.
Instagram:@croatiansummersalsafestival
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Elena Aloisio
Elena Aloisio, originally from Italy, is a marine biologist, freediving instructor, and yoga teacher based in Mallorca. With certifications from Apnea Academy, AIDA, and SSI, she combines her love for the ocean and expertise to help others explore freediving, overcoming fears and mental limits in a single breath.
Instagram: @elena_apnea