Athletic Advance Costa Rica revolutionizes athletic training through innovation, excellence, and a holistic methodology developed by sports preparation professionals after years of research.
Their proprietary functional training system boosts health, athletic capacity, and quality of life, while martial arts programs like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and boxing build confidence, discipline, and resilience against adversity.
Complementing these are dynamic strength & muscle sessions, conditioning, yoga, and physical therapy—all delivered in effective, one-hour formats that integrate seamlessly into daily life.
Locations
Our camps offer a tropical escape where you train hard, connect on the mats, and experience Costa Rica beyond the gym.
Athletic Advance Jiu Jitsu in Paradise camps take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to Costa Rica’s top beach destinations like Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo, and Jacó. We focus on high-quality BJJ with technical sessions, situational training, and live rolling, plus time to enjoy beaches, surf, nature, and coastal town life.
Santa tere experience
Nosara experience
Our camps offer a tropical escape where you train hard, connect on the mats, and experience Costa Rica beyond the gym.
Known for achieving success at the adult black belt level in IBJJF World tournaments—breaking barriers for athletes from smaller nations.
Originally from Costa Rica, Javi first made waves as the first from his country to podium at black belt Worlds, establishing himself as the nation’s most decorated grappler with consistent top finishes on circuits like AJP Tour (Costa Rica #2, North America #9) and recent medals including 3rd at IBJJF Master International Europe 2025. With an undefeated 4-0 professional MMA record and years of international competition showcasing his sharp, modern style and strategic precision, Javi brings elite-level experience earned through grit and technical mastery.
As a coach with Athletic Advance, Javi shares that same world-class insight through clear, detailed instruction and smart progressions. His calm teaching style helps beginners build fundamentals, hobbyists sharpen their A-game, and competitors break through plateaus—always with the focus on real growth and confidence that carries off the mats.
Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton is a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and professional mixed martial artist with over 25 years of experience.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ariel began training Jiu Jitsu in Costa Rica under Professor Mauro Sergio, where he quickly discovered his passion for the art. His journey led him to the Gracie family, inspiring a move to New York City to train under Daniel Gracie and the Renzo Gracie Team during the historic Blue Basement era—a period that produced many of the sport’s most respected athletes. There, Ariel refined the pressure‑based, submission‑driven style he’s known for today.
Ariel went on to serve as Head Coach at Renzo Gracie Brooklyn, one of the top academies in the world, where he led over 700 students. He launched the women’s program, developed the MMA curriculum, and built out the kids’ Jiu Jitsu program—helping shape the next generation of martial artists. A multiple‑time Costa Rican Jiu Jitsu champion and veteran of ONE Championship’s lightweight division, Ariel brings both elite‑level experience and a teacher’s mindset to every class.
Now based in Miami, Ariel is channeling that same world‑class energy into his own academy—creating a space for beginners, competitors, and families to train hard, stay humble, and grow together.
Jiu jitsu camps:
Arenal, Costa Rica
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