Our History

Did you know?

Back in 1991, our founder, Professor Allen Hopkins, had the fortunate pleasure of attending a 2 day seminar with Master Rorion Gracie. Call it a life changing experience, call it an awakening, call it whatever you want — his experience was undeniable, and it was clear what he needed to do. Master Rorion recommended Professor Pedro Sauer in Utah, which was the closest place to his hometown in Kansas. So he packed up and headed to Salt Lake.

The rest is history!

In 2004, he earned his Black Belt from Master Pedro Sauer.

In 2005, he moved to Hattiesburg, MS and started the first Team Hopkins Academy of Jiu-Jitsu. The news spread quickly and soon after, affiliate schools were established in Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.

Over the past 30 plus years, he has accumulated countless hours of learning and training from the likes of:

• Grandmaster Helio Gracie
• Grandmaster Alvero Barreto
• Grandmaster Relson Gracie
• Grandmaster Rorion Gracie
• Grandmaster Flavio Behring
• Grandmaster Fransisco Mansur
• Grandmaster Carley Gracie
• Grandmaster Rigan Machado
• Grandmaster Reyson Gracie
• Master Pedro Sauer
• Master Sylvio Behring
• Master Rilion Gracie
• Master Rickson Gracie
• Master Royler Gracie
• Master Royce Gracie
• Master Renzo Gracie
• Master Rolker Gracie
• Master Carlson Jr Gracie
• Master Rodrigo Gracie
• Master Luis Heredia
• Master Marcelo Alonzo
• Master Andre Pedeneiras
• Master Carlos Valente
• Master Marcio Stambowsky
• Master Carlos Machado
• Master Jean Jaques Machado
• Master Fabio Santos
• Master Ricardo Murgel
• Master Luis Palhares
• Master Caique

We are honored to have him as our professor and blessed to share his knowledge and wisdom to our students.

Now you know.