Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026: Date, Schedule, Travel Tips, and Where to Stay

Quick Answer

The Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Lighthouse Academy inside High Alpine Training Club, 40679 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

The two-hour workshop is built around Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction from Joao Miyao, one of the sport’s best-known modern lightweight competitors and a practitioner strongly associated with the berimbolo and De La Riva-based game. The event specifically highlights the opportunity to learn the berimbolo from Miyao.

The seminar is listed for ages 8 and older, costs $100 per participant, and is limited to 75 spots. Parking is available at High Alpine Training Club.

Current IBJJF records reinforce Miyao’s competitive pedigree: his profile lists first-place finishes at the 2026 Brazilian and Pan IBJJF championships in the Master 1 rooster division, along with multiple recent World, Pan, European, and no-gi titles.

If you are traveling from outside the Big Bear Valley, staying overnight can make a high-altitude training weekend much easier. Arrive Friday, sleep locally, eat and hydrate before the seminar, then return to an A Chalet cabin after training rather than immediately beginning a long mountain drive home.

Browse A Chalet cabins for the Joao Miyao seminar weekend.

Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026 at a Glance

What Is the Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar?

The Joao Miyao seminar is a focused Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training session hosted by The Lighthouse Academy at High Alpine Training Club in Big Bear Lake.

The event gives local and visiting grapplers a chance to learn directly from a competitor whose name has become closely associated with highly technical guard play, inversions, De La Riva guard, and the berimbolo.

The published event description singles out the berimbolo as a central reason to attend. Rather than advertising a broad beginner introduction to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the workshop is positioned as an opportunity to study a movement system from an athlete who helped popularize it at the sport’s highest competitive levels.

The seminar lasts two hours, which makes it compact enough to fit into a weekend trip while still providing time for technical explanation, drilling, and whatever additional training format the instructor chooses on the day.

A detailed minute-by-minute curriculum, gi requirement, sparring format, belt restriction, or specific sequence of techniques has not been publicly posted. Participants should therefore confirm attire and training requirements before arriving.

Who Is Joao Miyao?

Joao Miyao is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and longtime elite competitor known particularly for his guard work and technical innovations in lighter weight divisions.

Along with his twin brother Paulo Miyao, Joao became closely associated with the modern development and competitive use of the berimbolo, a rotational guard attack often used to create back-take opportunities or improve position.

His current IBJJF athlete profile lists an extensive recent record. In 2026, he is shown with first-place finishes at both the Brazilian and Pan IBJJF championships in the Master 1 rooster division. The same profile also records World Master, Pan, European, Brazilian, and no-gi championship results across recent seasons.

That ongoing competition activity is important context for the Big Bear seminar. Attendees are not simply studying techniques associated with Miyao’s earlier career; they are learning from an athlete who remains active in high-level competition.

What Is a Berimbolo?

The berimbolo is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu movement and positional system most commonly initiated from guard, particularly De La Riva-style positions.

In simplified terms, the athlete underneath uses grips, leg positioning, off-balancing, and rotational movement to move around or underneath an opponent with the goal of improving position, commonly toward the back.

The technique can look acrobatic to newcomers, but effective berimbolo work depends on details such as distance, timing, control of the opponent’s hips and legs, grip management, and maintaining connection throughout the rotation.

Miyao’s competitive reputation makes this a particularly relevant subject for his seminar. His technical style helped make the berimbolo a major feature of modern sport Jiu Jitsu.

Participants should not assume that the seminar will teach only one isolated movement. The public event description highlights the berimbolo, but the exact progression and supporting positions will be determined by Miyao during the workshop.

When and Where Is the Seminar?

The seminar is confirmed for:

Saturday, September 26, 2026
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

at:

The Lighthouse Academy inside High Alpine Training Club
40679 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Both Visit Big Bear and High Alpine Training Club’s current website confirm the 40679 Big Bear Blvd. address.

High Alpine Training Club is a large high-altitude fitness, recovery, and performance facility in Big Bear Lake. Current local tourism information describes it as a roughly 16,000-square-foot training campus at approximately 6,752 feet above sea level.

The facility serves local members, outdoor athletes, visiting teams, and performance-focused guests, making it a logical setting for a specialty combat-sports seminar.

Who Can Attend?

The seminar is listed as suitable for ages 8 and older.

No public belt-level restriction is currently stated. That means the published listing does not limit attendance to advanced belts, although the technical nature of a berimbolo workshop may be easier to follow for students who already understand basic BJJ positions and movement.

Parents considering the seminar for a younger child should assess the child’s prior grappling experience and ability to participate in a two-hour technical session.

If the participant is completely new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, contact the organizer before registering to confirm whether the seminar is appropriate for a first-time student.

How Much Does the Joao Miyao Seminar Cost?

The published price is $100 per participant.

The event is limited to 75 spots.

Because a fixed participant cap is published, it is better to secure a place through the organizer rather than assuming walk-in availability on September 26.

The public listing does not currently spell out a refund policy, transfer policy, spectator fee, payment deadline, or whether registration includes any additional gym access.

For registration questions, contact Jessica Deffenbaugh at 626-848-2145.

What Can Participants Expect?

The confirmed focus is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction with a strong emphasis on learning the berimbolo from Joao Miyao.

Participants should expect a technical seminar rather than an ordinary open mat.

Depending on how Miyao structures the class, a seminar of this kind may involve demonstration, partner drilling, positional troubleshooting, and questions. However, those elements have not all been promised publicly, so the exact format should be treated as instructor-dependent.

No current public listing specifies:

• A detailed technique sequence
• Whether the seminar is gi or no-gi
• Whether live rolling is included
• Whether photographs or autographs are included
• A belt requirement
• A spectator policy
• Specific check-in time

Confirm any of those details that matter to you before traveling.

Parking and Arrival

The event listing states that parking is available at High Alpine Training Club.

The facility is located directly on Big Bear Boulevard, but participants should still allow time to park, find The Lighthouse Academy training area, check in, change if necessary, and be ready before the 10:00 AM start.

For a specialty seminar with a published 75-person capacity, arriving early is preferable to entering the room at the scheduled starting time.

Follow venue staff instructions if parking or entry procedures are adjusted for the event.

What Should You Bring?

The organizer has not published a complete equipment list, so the most important step is confirming whether the seminar will be gi, no-gi, or another format.

A useful BJJ seminar packing list includes:

• Appropriate gi or no-gi training gear once confirmed
• Rash guard or athletic shirt as appropriate
• Water bottle
• Small towel
• Sandals or slides for leaving the mat area
• A clean change of clothes
• Athletic tape, braces, or supports you normally use
• Personal medications
• Registration or payment confirmation
• A notebook for recording technical notes after training

Wear clean equipment, trim fingernails and toenails, and avoid walking barefoot outside the mat area.

If you are bringing a child, pack additional water, snacks for after training, and a dry change of clothes.

How Should You Prepare for Training at Altitude?

High Alpine Training Club is located at roughly 6,752 feet above sea level, so athletes visiting from lower elevations may notice that strenuous exercise feels different.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can demand repeated bursts of muscular effort along with sustained cardiovascular work, even during drilling.

Practical preparation includes:

• Arriving rested
• Hydrating before the seminar
• Eating enough beforehand without having a heavy meal immediately before training
• Pacing yourself during repeated drills
• Taking normal breaks when needed
• Avoiding unnecessary hard training immediately before the seminar

Arriving in Big Bear the night before can be useful for athletes who normally live near sea level because it removes an early mountain drive from the morning schedule and gives you more time to settle in.

If you experience unusual or concerning symptoms during exercise, stop and follow appropriate medical guidance rather than treating altitude discomfort as something you need to push through.

Is the Seminar Good for Youth BJJ Athletes?

The event is explicitly advertised for ages 8+, making youth practitioners part of the intended audience.

For a young athlete who already trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, exposure to a specialist such as Miyao can provide a different perspective from regular academy classes.

Parents should consider whether the child is comfortable with complex guard movements and a longer seminar format.

The event information does not state whether youth participants will be separated by age or paired with adults, so parents who need specific pairing or supervision information should ask the organizer before registration.

How to Make a Weekend of the Joao Miyao Seminar

Friday: Arrive in Big Bear Lake

Drive up Friday afternoon or evening and check into your cabin.

Keep the night simple. Eat a balanced dinner, drink water, organize your training gear, and confirm that the seminar is still scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Saturday Morning: Eat, Hydrate, and Head to HATC

Have breakfast early enough that you are comfortable training later in the morning.

Bring your gear and registration information, then leave enough time to park and find The Lighthouse Academy inside the training facility.

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Train With Joao Miyao

Use the two-hour workshop to focus on the details rather than trying to memorize every movement.

For a technical topic such as the berimbolo, small adjustments in angle, grips, hip position, and connection often matter more than simply copying the overall rotation.

Saturday Afternoon: Recover

After training, change into clean clothes, rehydrate, and have lunch.

A cabin gives you somewhere comfortable to shower, rest, and write down key details from the seminar while they are still fresh.

Check A Chalet cabins for the September 26 seminar weekend.

Sunday: Keep the Pace Easy

If you stay through Sunday, choose activities based on how you feel after the seminar.

A relaxed breakfast, time around Big Bear Lake, or an easy local outing may be more appealing than scheduling another demanding athletic session.

Giving yourself a full weekend also provides room to review and mentally organize what you learned before returning to normal training.

Where to Stay for the Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar

Because the seminar takes place in Big Bear Lake, an A Chalet property in Big Bear Lake is the most practical choice for visiting athletes.

For a small family or pair of training partners, Dream Lake Cabin is a verified Big Bear Lake option currently listed for up to four guests with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Its current booking page confirms a kitchen, Wi-Fi, outdoor grill, air conditioning, and pet-friendly accommodations.

For a larger group of teammates, Conklin Canopy is currently listed with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and room for up to eight guests.

Its verified amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, game room, barbecue, secure deck, and parking for up to three vehicles.

For a BJJ weekend, a washer and dryer can be especially useful for sweaty training clothing, while a kitchen makes it easier to manage pre-seminar meals and post-training food without depending on restaurant schedules.

Always review the live property listing before booking to confirm occupancy, parking limits, amenities, pet policies, and current house rules.

Browse current A Chalet cabins for the Joao Miyao seminar.

Tips for Booking a BJJ Seminar Weekend Cabin

Arrive Friday night. This removes the need to combine an early mountain drive with a 10:00 AM training start.

Choose Big Bear Lake first. High Alpine Training Club is in Big Bear Lake at 40679 Big Bear Blvd.

Look for laundry. If several teammates are traveling together, a washer and dryer can be particularly useful after the seminar.

Check the sleeping layout. Maximum occupancy does not necessarily mean every guest has a separate bed.

Confirm vehicle limits. Training partners often arrive separately, so make sure the cabin can legally accommodate the number of cars in your group.

Leave Saturday afternoon open. After two hours of technical training at altitude, you may prefer food, a shower, and recovery instead of a tightly packed itinerary.

Confirm seminar equipment requirements before packing. Do not assume gi or no-gi until the organizer provides the final instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026?

The seminar is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Where Is the Joao Miyao Seminar?

It takes place at The Lighthouse Academy inside High Alpine Training Club, 40679 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

How Much Does the Seminar Cost?

The published price is $100 per participant. The event has a listed capacity of 75 spots.

What Ages Can Attend?

The seminar is advertised for ages 8 and older. No public belt-level requirement is currently listed.

What Will Joao Miyao Teach?

The event specifically highlights the opportunity to learn the berimbolo from Miyao. A more detailed technique curriculum has not been publicly announced.

Is Parking Available?

Yes. The event listing states that parking is available at High Alpine Training Club.

Where Should I Stay for the Joao Miyao Seminar?

An A Chalet cabin in Big Bear Lake provides a practical home base close to the event. Staying overnight can help athletes arrive rested, prepare meals locally, recover after training, and avoid a rushed same-day drive.

Check A Chalet availability for the September 26 training weekend.

Plan Your Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar Getaway With A Chalet

The Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026 gives grapplers a rare opportunity to study one of modern sport Jiu Jitsu’s signature movement systems with an athlete closely associated with its development.

The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Lighthouse Academy inside High Alpine Training Club. Admission is listed at $100 per participant, ages 8 and older, with 75 available spots.

For visitors coming from outside Big Bear, make the training day easier by arriving Friday, getting a full night’s sleep, eating and hydrating locally, then returning to your cabin after the seminar to recover.

Browse A Chalet cabins and plan your Joao Miyao Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar 2026 getaway.