Tony Torres-Aponte
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Tony Torres-Aponte is among the pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts in the United States. Tony has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ("BJJ") for over twenty-years in the U.S., making him one of the longest North American practitioners. He was introduced to BJJ by the Gracie brothers in the mid 1980's while living in Torrance, California.[1] He trained under Royce and Rickson Gracie early on in his career and received his BJJ Black Belt from Royce Gracie.[2][3]
Before training in BJJ, Tony trained in Muay Thai under Nam Pha "Lot" Sarhardechio. Tony was a participant in some of the very first professional Muay Thai fights on U.S. soil.[4] As a young man, Tony also trained in Taekwondo obtaining the rank of Black Belt.
Currently, Tony owns, operates, and instructs at the Urban Jungle in Houston, Texas.[5] He trains fighters in BJJ, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts. Notable fighters that have trained with Tony include UFC veteran Mike Swick.[6] Current UFC Heavyweight Champion Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and lightweight contender Thiago Tavares have also spent time with Tony at the Urban Jungle.[7] Tony is an Official Judge of the (ADCC) (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship. [8]
