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10th Planet - Tigard, OR Jiu-Jitsu

TAP World Class Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Rock Hill, SC

About Our Jiu-Jitsu Academy


TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was created with a clear goal: to bring authentic and effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the people of Rock Hill, SC.


Our mission is to help individuals of all ages - men, women, and children - improve their lives through the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our instructors, who are highly skilled black belts and world-class athletes, have dedicated their lives to teaching and training.


Our learning environment is both fun and dynamic, while prioritizing the safety of students at all skill levels and ages. When it comes to training, our main focus is on technique and structure. We offer a variety of classes that highlight the importance of fundamental yet effective methods.


 

Our Promise


At TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we are committed to helping our students enhance themselves both physically and mentally through the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our training goes beyond the techniques and physical workouts. We have seen firsthand how our students, both young and old, have experienced remarkable improvements in their focus, discipline, and mood, both on and off the mats. They testify to the positive impact Jiu-Jitsu has had on their lives, with increased mental clarity, heightened discipline, and a more positive outlook. Whether it's our young students gaining better grades and improved confidence or our adult students finding a sense of empowerment in their daily lives, we strive to provide a learning environment that nurtures personal growth and transformation.


Meet Our Instructors

TAP was created by the husband and wife duo, Thalys and Abbi Pontes. The name for their school came from combining their initials, T(halys) A(bbi) P(ontes), as well as their shared love of making people "TAP out.”

Thalys Pontes

Abbi Pontes

Thalys Pontes

Professor Thalys Pontes is the head instructor of our adult programs, as well as our intermediate to advanced kids programs at Tap World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.


Thalys started training as a young teenager in Brazil. He quickly fell in love with the sport as he recognized the opportunity it provided him to better his life. Thalys now has over 10 years of dedicated experience in Jiu-Jitsu.


Thalys began his journey with team PSLPB Cicero Costha before earning his black belt from team LEAD. He defines his Jiu-Jitsu style as that of a submission hunter, always striving to make his opponents TAP. One of his crowning achievements as an athlete was securing first place in the IBJJF World Championship 2022, the most prestigious tournament in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has also achieved several other first-place titles in high-level Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, including the IBJJF European, Pan American, and Pan Pacific Championships.


While Thalys has a love for competing, his true passion lies in teaching his students at TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His career as a coach started back when he was a blue-belt in Brazil. Since then, has traveled to 21 different countries to immerse himself in learning, sharing, teaching, coaching, and competing. Thalys takes great joy in imparting the knowledge he has gained from his extensive travels and life experiences to his students, fostering their growth and development.
Abbi Pontes

Coach Abbi Pontes is the head instructor of the women's program and also leads our novice to beginner kids programs at Tap World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.. Originally from South Carolina, Abbi began training in jiu-jitsu as a young teenager. She was very shy as a young girl, but she attributes jiu-jitsu to helping her overcome her shyness and reach her full potential.


With over 7 years of training, Abbi recently achieved the rank of black belt after winning the 2023 IBJJF World Championship. Her promotion took place on the podium, with Professor Bruno Bastos, the head of team LEAD BJJ, and her husband and long-time coach, Professor Thalys Pontes, presenting her with the belt. Abbi is an experienced competitor, having earned titles in major tournaments of the sport.


While Abbi enjoys competing, her true fulfillment comes from teaching her students at TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She specializes in teaching women and young children, taking joy in helping them develop strength and self-confidence through the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, just as she did.
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