About the Academy
Wanderley Jiu Jitsu & MMA delivers the best training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA in the Milwaukee & Wauwatosa area, for complete beginners and world-level competitors alike.
Our Story
Wanderley Jiu Jitsu & MMA was founded in 2020 by Professor Daniel Wanderley, a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. and Gutenberg Melo. After years teaching at world-renowned gyms including Carlson Gracie HQ and Roufusport, Daniel brought that elite experience home to Milwaukee, where he personally leads the majority of classes.
Our coaching staff has trained and cornered athletes at the very top of the sport, from UFC and Bellator champions to national and world titleholders. That same world-class instruction is delivered every day to students of all levels, whether you are stepping onto the mats for the very first time or preparing to compete on the biggest stages.
More important than the pedigree is the family-friendly atmosphere we take great pride in. From our kids program to our adult BJJ, striking, and MMA classes, Wanderley is a place where everyone has a home on the mats, learns real skills, and grows in confidence, discipline, and character.
Meet the Team
Learn directly from championship-level coaches who care about your growth on and off the mats.
Owner & Head Instructor
5th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Daniel Wanderley is a decorated, world-class coach who has trained elite athletes from the UFC and other major MMA organizations. Among the notable fighters who earned their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts under Coach Daniel are Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (former UFC Lightweight Champion), Sergio Pettis, Gerald Meerschaert “GM3” (UFC middleweight submission record holder), and Brendan Allen.
Throughout his career, Coach Daniel has also trained and worked with high-level fighters such as Belal Muhammad, Paul Felder, Jared Gordon, John Makdessi, Chico Camus, and Patricio Pitbull, among many others. He served as the Team Pettis BJJ coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 20, working closely with Carla Esparza through all three of her fights on the show and helping guide her to the finals, where she became the first UFC Strawweight Champion in history.
In 2020, after many years coaching at renowned gyms such as Carlson Gracie HQ and Roufusport, Coach Daniel founded Wanderley Jiu Jitsu & MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He personally teaches the majority of the classes, bringing world-class experience and hands-on instruction to every student. A 5th Degree Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. and Gutenberg Melo, Daniel is originally from Recife, Brazil.
Accomplishments
Daniel is a loving husband and father. He is happiest out with his family traveling, training together, or simply spending time as a family.
Head Striking Coach
Kickboxing & Muay Thai Head Coach
Jordan Mapa is a professional MMA fighter and striking coach with a 7-4 pro record and 6 career finishes. He has taught at world-class gyms such as Roufusport and brings that same elite-level striking instruction to every class at Wanderley.
Jordan has experience training athletes from around the world, from complete beginners to international competitors. Friendly, patient, and deeply experienced, he is the kind of coach who makes your first class feel as welcoming as your hundredth.
Accomplishments
Ask anyone in the room: Jordan is one of the friendliest coaches you will ever train with, and he brings that same positive energy to every class he teaches.
Kids BJJ Instructor
BJJ Black Belt & Professional MMA Fighter
Gabriel Wanderley is the son of Professor Daniel Wanderley. A BJJ black belt and multiple-time IBJJF champion, Gabriel has been training in martial arts for over 13 years and has competed at the highest levels for most of that time. He is a world champion who is now chasing his goal of reaching the biggest stage in MMA.
When he is not preparing for an upcoming fight, Gabriel coaches the adult and kids classes at Wanderley Jiu Jitsu & MMA and loves every minute he spends on the mats. His competition record includes a 6-2 pro MMA record, a 7-1 amateur MMA record with 2 amateur titles, 2-0 in Pankration, and 2-0 in BJJ super fights.
Select Accomplishments
Gabriel loves competing, training, and fighting in the cage as he works toward becoming a UFC fighter. Away from the gym, he enjoys traveling with his family and spending time at the beach.
Walk in a beginner, leave hooked. Claim your 1-day free trial and see why Milwaukee trains at Wanderley.
