Built on authentic Gracie-lineage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, forged over decades of competition and world-class coaching. This is who we are.
Our instruction traces directly back to the founding family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. That lineage isn't just history — it shapes every technique and every class we teach.
Professor Matt Simms began his martial arts journey with wrestling in 1996, and found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Mauricio Zingano — going on to become an accomplished BJJ and MMA practitioner in Colorado.
A 3rd Degree IBJJF Certified Black Belt, Matt has competed at the highest levels of both BJJ and mixed martial arts. As a professional MMA fighter, he compiled a pro record of 4–2 and an amateur record of 6–1, capturing 3 MMA titles at 155 lbs and earning multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling State Championship titles along the way.
Matt is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in Colorado — proficient at breaking down complex technique and passing on his elite skills to students and training partners at every level. He has helped develop countless competitors in BJJ, MMA, and Muay Thai. Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or preparing for your next fight, Professor Simms brings the same intensity, attention to detail, and genuine care to every session.
Our Muay Thai program carries the direct influence of one of the sport's all-time greats.
Professor Matt Simms and Team Zingano had the rare privilege of training under Sakmongkol Sithchuchok — a period that profoundly shaped the gym's Muay Thai philosophy and approach. That time with Mong greatly influenced the technical depth and authenticity of our Muay Thai program, and that knowledge continues to be passed down to every student who walks through our doors.
Sakmongkol is widely regarded as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. A 3× Lumpinee Stadium Champion and 5× WMC World Champion, he compiled a staggering professional record of 231 wins, 20 losses, and 4 draws over a legendary career spanning the golden era of Thai boxing in the 1990s. Known for devastating left kicks, exceptional technical precision, and epic battles against Ramon Dekkers, John Wayne Parr, and Jongsanan Fairtex, Sakmongkol set the standard for technical Muay Thai worldwide.
Mauricio with Helio and Royce Gracie
Master Mauricio Zingano was a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and a native of Brazil who dedicated over two decades of his life to teaching and growing the art. He learned directly from the Gracie family, and his BJJ lineage traced through Professor Carlos "Caique" Elias — one of the highest-ranked Gracie-lineage practitioners in the world.
Mauricio received his Black Belt from Professor Caique in 2004 and moved to Colorado, where he established Zingano BJJ with a simple mission: bring authentic, world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction to the Broomfield community. His teaching blended technical depth, a fierce competitor's mindset, and a genuine belief that martial arts transforms lives.
As a competitor, Mauricio was formidable — compiling a professional MMA record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, and an amateur record of 2–0. He was highly respected throughout the jiu-jitsu and MMA world — admired not just for his skill on the mat, but for the integrity, passion, and authenticity he brought to every aspect of the martial arts community. Among his most cherished experiences was training alongside Helio and Royce Gracie, a testament to the trust and respect he earned within the Gracie family itself.
Beyond the mat, Mauricio was the founder and president of the Rocky Mountain Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (RMBJJF), working to grow competitive BJJ throughout Colorado and the region. He coached students from their very first class all the way to national and international podiums, and his greatest legacy is the community, culture, and black belts he produced — none more so than Professor Matt Simms, who now leads the school in the spirit Mauricio built.
The gym culture Mauricio created — technical, ego-free, family-first — reflects everything he learned from the Gracies, and everything he believed BJJ should be.
Not all gyms are created equal. At Zingano BJJ, you get elite black-belt instruction in a gym that genuinely cares about your growth — whether you're training for health, sport, or competition.
Instruction rooted in the original Gracie family system, taught by 3rd Degree Black Belts with decades of experience.
We prioritize respectful rolling and genuine development. Our gym culture is built on helping each other improve — not egos.
Kids, parents, beginners, and competitors all train together. The mat is for everyone — and everyone feels it.
Our head instructor is a former professional MMA fighter. You get coaching that's been tested at the highest competitive levels.
Our team competes at IBJJF events and consistently brings home gold at the local, state, and national level.
BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, and No-Gi — a complete martial arts education under one roof in Broomfield.
No gear. No experience. No commitment. Train where champions are made — try Zingano BJJ FREE for 30 days.
Or call us: (888) 827-8688
| Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Zingano BJJ has a second location in Brighton, Colorado — under separate management and with its own class schedule.
Visit Brighton Location →