Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Falavinha.
Hi Matthew, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really starts with Jiu-Jitsu. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Over the years, the sport has given me so much discipline, friendships, lessons about resilience and it’s shaped the person I am today.
I’ve had the chance to train under incredible coaches, compete, and even manage one of the biggest Jiu-Jitsu brands in the U.S. for a while. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to build something of my own, something that represented the culture and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu in a real, authentic way.
That’s how Combate Kimonos was born. It started small, just an idea to create better gis and gear that looked good, felt right, and told a story. Over time it’s grown into a full brand that supports other academies and athletes with custom uniforms and apparel.
Eventually, my business partner and I opened Combate Academy here in Texas. It’s a family-run gym where we teach kids, adults, and families not just martial arts, but confidence and life lessons. It’s been amazing to watch people walk in shy or unsure and grow through training just like I did.
It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to embrace the grind. Jiu-Jitsu teaches you that you can’t control everything, but you can control your effort, your attitude, and how you show up every day. That mindset has helped me in every part of this journey, from running a business to being a husband, dad, and coach.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely had its ups and downs. I don’t think any path worth taking is ever really smooth. Starting both a brand and a gym from scratch has come with a lot of challenges from figuring out how to manage production delays and shipping issues, to juggling family life and business responsibilities all at once.
There were times I questioned if I was doing the right thing, especially in the early days when everything felt like a grind and nothing was guaranteed. I’ve had to learn patience, how to trust the process, and how to keep going even when things didn’t go the way I planned.
Running Combate Kimonos and Combate Academy at the same time taught me a lot about balance. There are moments where you’re tired, stressed, or unsure but then you see your students growing, or someone wearing your gear across the world, and it reminds you why you started in the first place.
I’ve learned that the hard times are what really shape you. Just like in Jiu-Jitsu, you can’t avoid the tough rounds, you’ve got to face them head-on. Looking back, those challenges built the foundation for everything I’m doing today.
We’ve been impressed with Combate Academy and Combate Kimonos, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run two things that really go hand in hand. Combate Kimonos and Combate Academy.
Combate Kimonos is my Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle and gear brand. We make high-quality gis, no-gi gear, and apparel, and also help other gyms design their own custom uniforms. I wanted to create something that represented the true spirit of Jiu-Jitsu. Discipline, community, and style while offering quality gear people can be proud to wear.
Combate Academy is our family-run gym here in Texas. My partner and I opened it to build a place where kids, adults, and families could train together and grow on and off the mats.
What sets us apart is the authenticity. We live this lifestyle every day, and everything we do. From the products to the teaching, comes from passion and purpose. Combate isn’t just a name; it’s about the daily fight to grow and keep showing up.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is impact. Making a difference in people’s lives through Jiu-Jitsu. Whether it’s helping a kid gain confidence, seeing a parent train alongside their child, or watching someone wear our gear and feel proud of what they represent, that’s what drives me.
Jiu-Jitsu changed my life, and everything I do with Combate Academy and Combate Kimonos comes from wanting to give that same experience to others. At the end of the day, it’s not about titles or money, it’s about growth, community, and using what you love to help others become stronger inside and out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.combatekimonos.com
- Instagram: @combatekimonos @combateacademytx
- Other: https://www.combateacademy.com
