Mateo Cardona

From West Palm Beach, Florida, Mateo Cardona was destined for jiu-jitsu greatness. Having trained jiu-jitsu at an early age, supported by a family that trained, it is no surprise that Mateo has become a rising star in the sport of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Mateo first stepped onto the mats at just 5 years old, and by the age of 7, he was training consistently. As they say, a family that trains together, stays together. Eventually, his parents, Oscar and Claudia, opened their own academy, Cardonas Jiu Jitsu.

Mateo’s talent drove him to move to California – jiu-jitsu Mecca – to train at world-the renowned AOJ academy, founded by jiu-jitsu greats Guilherme and Rafael Mendes. Under their tutelage, Mateo’s career hit a new stride, topping the podium at some of the top jiu-jitsu events, including the World Championships in 2024 as a purple belt. Despite facing adversity and doubts going into the 2025 season as a brand-new brown belt, Mateo was able to secure the gold at the IBJJF Europeans and Pans. He counts these wins as the highlights of his career, because “No matter how I felt, God was always there for me.” In the same year, he added another major milestone by winning the IBJJF World Championships at brown belt.

Some of Mateo's top accomplishments include: 

  • IBJJF European Champion – 2025 (Brown Belt), 2024 (Purple Belt)
  • IBJJF Pan Champion – 2024 (Brown Belt & Purple Belt)
  • IBJJF World Champion – 2024 (Purple Belt)
  • IBJJF World Champion – 2025 (Brown Belt)

Mateo's Favorites Products:

VIEW MORE

Did You Know?

Favorite Match: My finals at Pans 2024 with Jose Steve.

Person of Inspiration: Both Mendes Bros

Hometown: Palm Beach, Florida

Started Jiu-Jitsu in: 2009

Current Team: Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Training Routine: 3 times in the morning

Favorite Post-Competition Meal: Steak and fries

Pre-Fight Ritual: Give God gratitude and ask for safety

Greatest Victory So Far: Brown Belt Worlds 2025

Dream in Jiu-Jitsu: To own an academy and have a team of genuine, passionate people

If I weren’t an athlete, I’d be...A chef

Quote that represents me: “By faith, not by sight”

Favorite Kingz Gi: The One V2 black

One piece of advice for beginners: Outwork everyone in the training room and train smarter, not just harder

Among Mateo’s strengths is hitting arm bars from bottom positions, which he sees as a “huge advantage against experienced opponents.” However, the secret to his success is his champion mindset, which he defines as “no matter how much you succeed and accomplish, is about always being able to put yourself in the position of a student, regardless of who is teaching you.”