Team Fabricio Philippines
Ranks & Leadership
Our instructors' credentials and the BJJ belt system at KMA.
Leadership
Our Lineage
International Team Head Instructor
Professor Fabricio Martins Costa
8th Degree Red & White Belt
Head of Equipe Fabricio JJ and Team Fabricio JJ (Copacabana, Brazil). Awarded his 8th Degree by Osvaldo Alves — CBJJ Technical Director, 9th Degree Red Belt, and IBJJF Head Instructor.
Philippine Team Head Instructor
Professor Stephen Kamphuis
5th Degree BJJ Black Belt · IJF Judo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Founder of KMA and head of Team Fabricio Philippines & Team Fabricio Asia. 5th Degree awarded August 2022 by Master Fabricio Martins Costa (8th Degree). Certified by the International Federation of BJJ.
Also holds an International Judo Federation Certified 2nd Degree Black Belt, earned in New Zealand.
Black Belt Journey
Stephen's Progression
From black belt to 5th degree — nearly two decades of growth.
5th Degree
August 2022 — Awarded by Master Fabricio Martins Costa (8th Degree)
4th Degree
July 2017 — Awarded by Fabricio Martins Costa (7th Degree)
3rd Degree
September 2012
2nd Degree
July 2010 — Endorsed by Osvaldo Alves (9th Degree Red Belt)
1st Degree
July 2007 — Brazil
Black Belt
August 2004 — Awarded in Brazil
Judo Ranking
International Judo Federation — Certified 2nd Degree Black Belt
2nd Degree
1990 — New Zealand
1st Degree
1980 — New Zealand
Belt System
BJJ Belt Progression
The path from white to black belt. Each rank represents years of dedicated training, knowledge, and mat time.
Adult Ranks
Black Belt
Mastery of the fundamentals and beyond. A teacher and lifelong student of the art. Typically requires 8–12 years of dedicated training.
Brown Belt
Refining and mastering technique. Preparing for the responsibility of the black belt.
Purple Belt
Advanced understanding of transitions and strategy. Often begins assisting with instruction.
Blue Belt
A solid technical foundation. Building a personal game and linking techniques together.
White Belt
The beginning of the journey. Learning fundamental positions, escapes, and submissions.
Promotions
KMA Black Belts
Black Belt promotion — the culmination of years of dedication, awarded at a Team Fabricio gathering.
Double Black Belt promotion at the Team Fabricio gathering, Ayala Malls Circuit.
Start your journey
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist — everyone is welcome on the mats at KMA.
Train with us