^{TAP is owned by husband and wife Thalys and Abbi Pontes.}

^{The academy name unites their initials (T.A.P.)}

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TAP method: we deliver attentive coaching, expert guidance, care, patience, and an age-appropriate environment built on a clear progression and consistent standards.

TAP source: our proven curriculum is developed by black belt and Jiu-Jitsu World Champions Thalys and Abbi Pontes in collaboration with Dr. Elisa Kusano, PHD (ABA), QBA, and a master in Psychophysics.

TAP purpose: is to empower individuals of all ages to develop their identity, teach them how to fight and reach their full potential mentally, technically, physically, and spiritually through the practice of Jiu-Jitsu in a family environment that nurtures champions who embody meekness, discipline, focus, and resilience, to carry those skills into their home, relationships, school, work, and everyday life.

Thalys uses his success to show what’s possible when faith, discipline, and heart lead the way.

From an early age, Thalys embraced faith and responsibility. Raised in the favelas of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, he left school around age 11 to work, support his mom, and devote himself to Jiu-Jitsu, believing that one day he would become one of the best fighters in the history of the sport. He turned pressure into purpose and hardship into fuel, building a bridge to a brighter future through relentless effort, resilience, and leadership.

At 26, Thalys is living the life he once prayed for as a child. He owns and operates the best Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rock Hill where during weekdays, he teaches; on weekends, he travel around the world to compete and teach the skills he developed on his journey to becoming a multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion. But he didn’t just chase titles - he basically used Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to build a better life for his family and loved ones.

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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

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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.

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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

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Thalys and Abbi leads by example every day, committed to growing on the mat and in life. His impact goes far beyond medals: he inspires students, parents, and athletes around the world by sharing what he loves, teaching with excellence, and showing that discipline and belief can transform any life.