Marco Canha
Marco Canha is a Brazilian black belt under Ricardo Vieira and a Checkmat coach who co-founded Fightzone London.
Biography
Sources for this profile
Fightzone London, “Marco Canha,” undated, academy biography.(opens in a new tab)
Marco Canha leads the instruction at Fightzone London.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — opening paragraph.
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Ricardo Vieira awarded Canha his black belt at Fightzone in Rio de Janeiro.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — opening paragraph, Ricardo Vieira.
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Canha was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — opening paragraph, Rio de Janeiro.
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He began jiu-jitsu in 1994, aged 12, spending a few months with Murilo Bustamante.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — second paragraph, 1994.
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After a break, Canha joined Roberto Traven at Strike gym.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — third paragraph, Strike.
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At Strike, coach Muzio de Angelis encouraged Canha to make jiu-jitsu part of his life.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — fourth paragraph, Muzio de Angelis.
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After several months in the United States, he returned to Brazil and joined Ricardo Vieira at Fightzone in Copacabana.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — fifth paragraph, Copacabana.
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Canha relocated to London in 2010 and represented Checkmat.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — sixth paragraph, 2010.
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His teaching in Britain included seminars around the country.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — sixth paragraph, seminars.
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BJJ Eastern Europe, interview with Andre Borges, May 7, 2013.(opens in a new tab)
André Borges recalled training under Canha at London Fight Factory and receiving his black belt from him.
Where in the source: 2. Please tell us about your Jiu-Jitsu story — London Fight Factory.
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Borges said he followed Canha to Fightzone London when it opened in late 2012.
Where in the source: 2. Please tell us about your Jiu-Jitsu story — late 2012.
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Borges described Fightzone London as a joint project of Canha and James Roach, with Canha teaching jiu-jitsu and Borges teaching no-gi.
Where in the source: 5. Please tell us about your BJJ academy Fightzone.
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London International Open 2014, Final Results, updated November 18, 2014; PDF hosted by GNP1.(opens in a new tab)
The London International Open 2014 results place Marco Aurélio Oliveira Canha of Checkmat first in the men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight division.
Where in the source: London International Open 2014; page 20, BLACK / Master 1 / Male / Light; First — Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London International Open No-Gi 2014, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF's 2014 London No-Gi Open results put Canha first in the men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight division for Checkmat.
Where in the source: LONDON INTERNATIONAL OPEN IBJJF JIU-JITSU NO-GI CHAMPIONSHIP 2014; MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT — Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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Fightzone London, About, undated.(opens in a new tab)
Canha, James Roach and Cristina Sempere founded Fightzone London together in October 2012.
Where in the source: How it started — October 2012.
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Fightzone London added another floor of mat space within three years of opening.
Where in the source: How it started — extra floor.
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Fightzone London, “James Roach,” undated.(opens in a new tab)
Canha took James Roach through every jiu-jitsu belt and promoted him to black belt in December 2019.
Where in the source: James Roach — final paragraph, December 2019.
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Fightzone London, “Chris Newman,” undated.(opens in a new tab)
Chris Newman joined Canha's programme in January 2013 and received his black belt from Canha in November 2019.
Where in the source: Chris Newman — January 2013; November 2019.
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Seymour Yang (Meerkatsu), “BJJ Black Belt: Marco Canha,” July 6, 2011.(opens in a new tab)
In July 2011, Seymour Yang described a private lesson with Canha at London Fight Factory in Old Street.
Where in the source: BJJ Black Belt: Marco Canha — private training session.
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Fightzone Costa Blanca, “Marco Canha,” undated.(opens in a new tab)
Fightzone Costa Blanca presents Canha as the visiting supervisor of its training.
Where in the source: Marco Canha — final paragraph, supervisando.
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Companies House, officer appointments for Marco Aurelio Oliveira CANHA, current public register.(opens in a new tab)
The Companies House record for Marco Aurélio Oliveira Canha gives his birth year as 1982.
Where in the source: Marco Aurelio Oliveira CANHA — Date of birth, 1982.
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Canha is recorded as Brazilian in Companies House.
Where in the source: ROACHCANHA LIMITED — Nationality, Brazilian.
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Daisy Meager, VICE, May 8, 2018.(opens in a new tab)
Canha wanted Fightzone to feel welcoming.
Where in the source: Videos by VICE; Canha chips in.
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MMA UK, interview by Sean Lafferty, posted by Peter Knox, August 20, 2019.(opens in a new tab)
In 2019, Marcos Nardini said he trained regularly with Canha and valued how he explained techniques.
Where in the source: An Interview With Marcos Nardini — first answer, breaking down techniques.
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Fightzone Costa Blanca, About, undated.(opens in a new tab)
Fightzone extended its London project to Costa Blanca, Spain; the Spanish academy dates its establishment to 2022.
Where in the source: FIGHTZONE COSTABLANCA — est. 2022.
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IBJJF, London International Open No-Gi 2013, partial results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London International Open No-Gi 2013 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London Winter International Open 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London Winter International Open 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, Rome Spring International Open 2025, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the Rome Spring International Open 2025 in men's black-belt Master 3 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MALE / MASTER 3 / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London International Open 2026, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London International Open 2026 in men's black-belt Master 3 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MALE / MASTER 3 / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, European No-Gi Championship 2016, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat joint third at the European No-Gi Championship 2016 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, European No-Gi Championship 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the European No-Gi Championship 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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Fightzone Costa Blanca, “Andre Borges (Portuga),” undated.(opens in a new tab)
André Borges's academy biography dates his promotion by Canha to February 2011, jointly with Keith McKenzie as Canha's first black belts.
Where in the source: Andre Borges (Portuga) — febrero de 2011; Keith McKenzie.
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IBJJF, London International Open 2012, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the London International Open 2012 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London International Open 2013, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the London International Open 2013 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, European No-Gi Championship 2012, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the European No-Gi Championship 2012 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London Fall International Open 2015, partial results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the London Fall International Open 2015 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, Paris International Open 2017, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat second at the Paris International Open 2017 in men's black-belt Master 1 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 1 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT (76.00KG); Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, Dublin International Open 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the Dublin International Open 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, Dublin International Open No-Gi 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the Dublin International Open No-Gi 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, Amsterdam International Open 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the Amsterdam International Open 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, British National Championship 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the British National Championship 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT (76.00KG); Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, British National No-Gi Championship 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the British National No-Gi Championship 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 middleweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / MIDDLE; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London Fall International Open 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London Fall International Open 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London Fall International Open No-Gi 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London Fall International Open No-Gi 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, London Fall International Open 2019, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the London Fall International Open 2019 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT (76.00KG); Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, British National Championship 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the British National Championship 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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IBJJF, British National No-Gi Championship 2018, final results.(opens in a new tab)
IBJJF lists Canha of Checkmat first at the British National No-Gi Championship 2018 in men's black-belt Master 2 lightweight.
Where in the source: Athletes Results By Category — MASTER 2 / MALE / BLACK / LIGHT; Marco Aurelio Oliveira Canha.
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Zach Aittama, Combat Press, Polaris 6 results, February 17, 2018.(opens in a new tab)
Canha defeated Ashleigh Grimshaw by decision at Polaris 6 on February 17, 2018.
Where in the source: FULL RESULTS — Marco Canha / Ashleigh Grimshaw; event date in opening paragraph.
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Bryan Tucker, MMA Fighting, Polaris 30 live results, November 2, 2024.(opens in a new tab)
At Polaris 30 on November 2, 2024, Canha beat Andy Roberts by unanimous decision.
Where in the source: Prelims — Marco Canha / Andy Roberts; article date and event introduction.
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Seymour Yang (Meerkatsu), interview with Alain Guerra Pozo, November 12, 2010.(opens in a new tab)
In a November 2010 interview, Alain Pozo recalled training with Canha at London Fight Factory.
Where in the source: When you came back to the UK you trained at London Fight Factory — Alain Pozo's answer.
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Maggie Left, FloGrappling, Samantha Cook feature, March 8, 2019.(opens in a new tab)
By March 2019, Samantha Cook was a black belt under Canha and taught at Fightzone London.
Where in the source: Opening paragraph, black belt under Marco Canha; paragraph after event link, teacher at Fight Zone.
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FloGrappling, interview with Jackson Sousa, March 15, 2017.(opens in a new tab)
In March 2017, Jackson Sousa described training with Canha at Fightzone London and said both held black belts from Ricardo Vieira.
Where in the source: How is the training in England? — Jackson Sousa's answer.
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