Meet Our Team

MASTER RICARDO LIBORIO

Head Instructor

Master Ricardo Liborio has dedicated his life to two goals: training in martial arts, and helping enrich other's lives by promoting the benefits of training.

Born in Rio de Janerio, Brazil, Liborio began studying judo at the age of four. He trained in a variety of traditional and modern martial arts, including taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Western boxing. At age 15, he began learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Carlson Gracie Academy, under the tutelage of Carlson himself. In 1993, he received his black belt from Master Gracie.

Liborio's talent, drive, and sheer love of the art lead him to excel in competition. He took gold at the inaugural IBJJF World Championship, competing against opponents multiple weight classes above him.

Although Liborio could have made a career from competition alone, he felt compelled to do more. In 2000, he helped found the Brazilian Top Team school, and, upon moving to United States of America, established American Top Team. These schools have well-earned reputation not just as competitive powerhouses in MMA, but as having some of the best instruction in their respective countries. The schools are still thriving to this day.

Again, although he could have stayed put and enjoyed success, Liborio felt it was time to continue his calling to share martial arts with a broader audience. So, in 2017, he left the MMA industry to build Liborio's Martial Arts Nation.

Soon after, Liborio introduced the art of BJJ into the college landscape. And not just any college, but the biggest one in the United States, the University of Central Florida. Today through his three accredited classes and the UCF BJJ club, he and his assistants teach over 500 students each semester!

Liborio now heads the instructors at Martial Arts Nation Lake Nona and enjoys teaching new white belts all the way to seasoned professionals.

HOWARD GRAHAM

Program Director/Assistant Instructor

Graham Started Jiu-Jitsu in college with the very first class at UCF under Professor Ricardo Liborio. He progressed though the UCF program helping to build it to the largest sports club on campus. While doing this, Liborio offered the position of TA and Graham began teaching the new students that walked through the classroom door. He currently holds the rank of Purple Belt under Professor Ricardo Liborio.

Being the program director at the GYM Graham answers all of the questions people have and ones they don't yet. He also helps teach classes as an assistant instructor.

DUNCAN GARAHAM

Assistant Instructor

Duncan, or as the kids call him, "Duncan Donuts" started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at UCF when he was 17. Progressing through the program under Ricardo Liborio he became a TA for the program and helped teach for 2 years while he finished up his time at UCF. He now holds the rank of Purple Belt under Professor Ricardo Liborio and works as an assistant Instructor for the GYM.