Kevin Mahecha

Main Achievements

Black Belt Accolades:

• 1st Place — IBJJF Miami Winter Open (2022)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Atlanta Summer Open (2022)
• 1st Place — IBJJF New Orleans Summer Open (2022 / 2023)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Tampa Winter Open (2023)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Atlanta Fall Open & No-Gi Open (2023)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Atlanta Open (2021)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Orlando Open (2025)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Miami Open (2015)
• 1st Place — IBJJF Nashville Summer Open (2018)
• 1st Place — Guatemala Open (2016)
• 2nd Place — IBJJF American Nationals (2015)

Colored Belt Accolades:

• 2nd Place — IBJJF Pan Championship (2014 brown)
• 3rd Place — IBJJF World Championship (2010 blue bronze medalist)
• 3rd Place — IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship (2012 purple / 2013 brown)

Overview

Kevin Mahecha is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Jonatas Gurgel. Widely recognized as one of Florida’s foremost grapplers, Mahecha is celebrated alongside his twin brother, Brian Mahecha, for a highly technical, avant-garde grappling style heavily reliant on modern positions like the berimbolo and the crab-ride.

Early Martial Arts & Kickboxing Success

Born in Manhattan, New York, Mahecha felt a strong connection to combat sports from an early age. At 15, he began training in Kung Fu and Kickboxing, with his brother Brian following shortly after. Under the tutelage of coach Jarett “JP” Perelmutter, the Mahecha brothers developed a fierce competitive drive and elite work ethic.

Kevin quickly made a name for himself in the striking world, notably earning a silver medal under Muay Thai rules at the prestigious IFK World Championship in 2008.

Transition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Mahecha’s first exposure to grappling was unconventional, initially playing with concepts seen on Bas Rutten instructional DVDs. His formal introduction to the sport came in November 2007, when he joined the world-renowned American Top Team (ATT) academy, learning under the legendary master Ricardo Libório and coach Emyr “Shark” Bussade.

By July 2008, Libório awarded Kevin his blue belt. This milestone prompted the Mahecha brothers to shift entirely away from kickboxing and commit 100% of their focus to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Rise to Black Belt and Coaching

In 2009, Kevin followed coach Bussade to a new ATT affiliate in Wellington, Florida, where he was promoted to purple belt and joined the coaching staff. By 2012, Kevin strengthened his training bonds with ATT coach Jonatas “Tagarela” Gurgel. In a joint effort, Bussade and Gurgel promoted the brothers to brown belt in 2012. Two years later, in June 2014, Gurgel officially awarded Kevin his black belt.

Through their joint venture, Mahecha BJJ, Kevin and his brother have become widely recognized digital educators in the grappling community, breaking down the intricacies of the modern open guard.