MMA is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports. The combat sport of Vale Tudo (Free Fight) that had developed in Brazil from the 1920s was brought to the United States by the Gracie family in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Classes are taught by Head-Coach Ivam Maciel (Pro MMA Record 4-0 / ZTFN Lightweight Champion) and Assistant Instructor Jeffrey Almeida (AM MMA Record 6-0 / Victory Fights Featherweight Champion) both originally from Brazil