Our Mission
At Lionheart Jiu Jitsu Academy, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment where students of all levels can develop their skills, confidence, and discipline. Through world-class instruction rooted in technical excellence and competition-tested techniques, we strive to build a strong, inclusive community that feels like a second family. Our mission is to expand the reach of Jiu Jitsu by providing exceptional training opportunities and inspiring lifelong growth, both on and off the mats. Together, we aim to shape resilient individuals who embody the values of respect, perseverance, and camaraderie.
Our team
Maarten Bauwens
The President
Maarten is the founder and headcoach of Lionheart Jiu-jitsu Academy since 2020. Blackbelt under Max Lindblad from Sweden, following the Checkmat lineage all the way from Leo Vieira. Starting his BJJ journey in 2013, he was focused on doing competition from the start. His road through competition led him to win the AJP World Pro in Abu Dhabi in 2017, the AJP Europe Continental in 2019 and the IBJJF Europeans in 2020. He competed in +15 countries and gold-medalled in every major organization. After the covid hiatus he went back to competition while also leading the classes in his own academy. As a black belt he got bronze at the IBJJF Europeans 2023. Now his focus is on teaching all his battleproof techniques to his students in his two academies while still upholding his own competition level. He likes music, movies, powerlifting and steak
Black BELT
Jonathan claeys
Vice President HQ
He is a black belt under Ricardo Vieira (Checkmat) and also a judo blackbelt. As Maarten’s right hand at Lionheart HQ he teaches class to adults and kids, takes care of merch and patches the gi’s. Jonathan is also one of the founding members of Lionheart and has been a loyal asset since the start. His style is judo-based but very playfull from bottom where he likes to play De La Riva and go for all kinds of submissions. He likes dogs, loud music and protein pancakes
Black belt
Andreas De cauwer
Vice President Antwerp
In 2021 he joined the ranks of Lionheart HQ as a white belt. After winning all the local competitions he received his well-deserved blue belt. Known for his wrestling and deceiving guard game he is a handful for everybody on the mats. In 2024 he started Lionheart Antwerp Chapter with Maarten to expand the reach of the Academy. Crossing over the Schelde river, there is now a full running academy in Antwerp led by the Antwerp Chapter’s right hand Andreas. He likes to play music, coffee bars with a nice view and a fresh haircut.