Alliance BJJ Madison

Welcome to Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Madison, home of the 15x World Championship Team.

Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel and Alexandre Paiva. Alliance is recognized as one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the world, known not only for its technical ability but also for its professionalism. Alliance has produced hundreds of World Champions, over 25 of them at the black belt level.

At Alliance Jiu Jitsu Madison we believe martial arts training helps every child and adult build the mental and physical skills they need to succeed in life. Jiu Jitsu is not only about self defense. It is about self confidence, improved focus, physical strength, and positive social interaction. We teach our members to set goals, work hard, and follow through, all while having fun and making friends in a safe and professional environment.

Meet your instructors

Owners and head instructors Mark and Sonya Plavcan welcome you to Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Madison. Mark and Sonya met through Jiu Jitsu and have turned their passion for the art into the most successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program in Wisconsin.

Mark Plavcan, Head BJJ Instructor. Mark started martial arts at age 7 with Judo and has been on the mats ever since. He joined the Alliance team in 2009 and received his black belt in March 2013 from the legendary Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. Now a 2nd degree black belt, Mark has coached MMA fighters, UFC veterans, and World Champion BJJ competitors, and is widely considered one of the best BJJ coaches in Wisconsin.

Sonya Plavcan, Head BJJ Instructor. Sonya is only the second woman ever to receive a black belt from Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti. One month after her promotion she took 2nd at the IBJJF Pan Ams, and five months later she won double gold at the IBJJF Master World Championships. She is the only female Black Belt World Champion in the state of Wisconsin and one of the top ranked female black belts in the world.

What we offer

• Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, all levels from day one white belt through black belt
• Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including the Little Samurai program
• Competition team training for blue belt and up
• No Gi Jiu Jitsu
• Free one-on-one intro lesson for new students

Major team titles

• World Jiu Jitsu Championship team titles: 98, 99, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 24, 25
• Pan American team titles: 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 21, 24, 26
• European Championship team titles: 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22, 24, 26
• Brazilian Nationals team titles: 09, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 24, 25, 26

Where to find us

Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Madison trains out of Twisted Fitness at 711 Rethke Avenue, Madison, WI 53714. Our facility opened in the fall of 2019 and is purpose built for grappling. New students are always welcome. Call 608-241-9007 or email [email protected] to book your free one-on-one intro.