Professor Michael Donvito
Professor Michael Donvito is an accomplished martial artist with over 34 years of experience. He has trained in a variety of traditional martial arts, earning 10 black belts throughout his journey. Beginning his training at the young age of four, and achieved his first few black belts in Okinawan Kenpo, Kubodo, and Japanese Jiu-jitsu. As his passion for martial arts grew, Michael started training in Judo, a combative sport that introduced him to his grappling and ground fighting; both of which would become areas of obsessive study. His training in Judo lasted several years, during which he excelled and earned his second-degree black belt.
In 1998, Michael was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) by Special Forces personnel during a training session led by his father, Ronald Donvito. Over the next three years, Michael dedicated himself to training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while also teaching close combat courses with his father. During his training, Michael had the opportunity to train with multiple world-renowned champions in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). However, he encountered several challenges while looking for an instructor who could commit to training him long-term, which resulted in him working with three different instructors in Jiu-Jitsu camps. Some of the better-known instructors whom Michael has had the privilege to train with over the years include: Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Marcelo Alonso, Gustavo Machado, Roberto “Gordo” Correa, Mauricio “Tinguinha” Mariano, and former UFC Middle Weight Champion, Frank Shamrock.
Eventually, Michael met and trained with Master Carlos Machado, and after a seminar in South Carolina, he decided to train exclusively under him. After several years of dedication, Michael was promoted to a one-stripe black belt (1st Degree) by Master Carlos Machado in 2005. An experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor for over 25 years, Michael has had the privilege of being trained by Master Carlos Machado for more than two decades. In recognition of his proficiency, Michael was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt by Master Carlos Machado in April 2018.