TAP purpose is to help individuals of all ages reach their full potential mentally, technically, physically, and spiritually. The academy is led by skilled black belt instructors and world-class athletes who are dedicated to training, teaching, and competing at the highest levels.

TAP is owned by husband and wife Thalys and Abbi Pontes, combining their initials (T.A.P.) while reflecting their passion for making opponents "TAP out" in competition.

Professor Thalys Pontes

Thalys is a multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who embraced the power of faith from an early age. Growing up in the favelas of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, he turned difficult circumstances into a clear example of determination and resilience.

Thalys uses his success in jiu-jitsu to show the power of faith, inspiring everyone around him. He sets a strong example through his daily efforts to improve himself both in training and in life. His influence goes well beyond jiu-jitsu, as he positively affects students and other athletes around the world by sharing what he knows and loves about the sport.

Thalys Major Achievements in Jiu-Jitsu:

1st Place IBJJF Worldwide GI Ranking - 5 years

1st Place IBJJF Worldwide No-GI Ranking - 2 years

1st Place IBJJF World Championship GI

1st Place IBJJF Pan American GI (3x)

1st Place IBJJF European NO-GI (2x)

1st Place IBJJF American Nationals GI

1st Place IBJJF American Nationals NO-GI

1st Place IBJJF Pan Pacific Championship GI

1st Place IBJJF Pan Pacific Championship NO-GI

1st Place FloGrapling Worldwide GI Ranking 1 year

1st Place F2win Super Fight (7-0) 3 Belts

1st Place PBJJF World Championship GI

1st Place IBJJC Kids World Championship GI

1st Place IBJJC Kids World Championship NO-GI

1st Place AJP Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Gi (2x)

1st Place AJP Brazil National Pro Gi

1st Place ACBJJ European NO-GI

1st Place ACBJJ European GI

1st Place ACBJJ Asian Open GI

1st Place ACBJJ Asian Open NO-GI

1st Place NABJJF American Nationals NO-GI (2x)

1st Place NABJJF American Nationals GI (2x)

2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NO-GI

2nd Place IBJJF World Championship GI

2nd Place IBJJF Brazilian Nationals GI

2nd Place IBJJF Pan GI

2nd Place CBJJE World GI

+100 1st Place IBJJF Opens GI & No-Gi

+200 1st Place in Championship around the World

Professor Abbi Pontes

Growing up in South Carolina, Abbi begins Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager, transforming from a shy girl into a powerful, accomplished champion. After earning her black belt and achieving her dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship, she now confidently guides women, young girls, and neurodivergent kids to develop the same inner strength and confidence that transformed her own life.

Abbi demonstrates through her Jiu-Jitsu success that faith, determination, and resilience are the foundations of achievement. She inspires through her unwavering commitment to self-improvement in everything she pursues. Her influence extends well beyond Jiu-Jitsu and college, making a definite impact on students and athletes worldwide as she shares her knowledge and passion for the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Abbi Major Achievements in Jiu-Jitsu:

1st Place IBJJF Worldwide GI Ranking for 3 years

1st Place IBJJF World Championship GI

1st Place IBJJF Pan GI (3x)

1st Place IBJJF Pan NO-GI

1st Place IBJJF American Nationals GI

1st Place IBJJF American Nationals NO-GI

1st Place IBJJF Atlanta Open GI (3x)

1st Place IBJJF Foley Open GI (2x)

1st Place IBJJF Las Vegas Open GI (2x)

1st Place IBJJF Houston Open GI (2x)

1st Place IBJJF Orlando Open GI (2x)

1st Place IBJJF Charleston Open GI

1st Place IBJJF Charlotte Open GI

1st Place IBJJF Dallas Open GI

1st Place IBJJF Miami Spring GI

1st Place IBJJF Atlanta Summer GI

1st Place IBJJF Orlando Summer GI (2x)

1st Place F2win Super Fight (5-1)

2st Place IBJJF World Championship GI (2x)

2nd Place IBJJF World Championship NO-GI

2st Place AJP Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Gi

3rd Place IBJJF World Championship GI

+100 1st Place in Championship around the US.