KATA is a modern martial arts academy focusing on the art of Jiu Jitsu. Our system is grounded in a holistic approach to the art with classes focusing on everything from self defense to sport, alongside training programs focused on conditioning and overall fitness.
Through our practice, we advocate for the betterment of health and wellness whilst developing skill. KATA aims to curate a culture that values self-improvement not only for the individual, but for the community as a whole.
When it comes to Jiu Jitsu, we strive for perfection and stress the importance of how the art is executed.
Our approach begins with the focus and development of individual MOVEMENT, then the study of techniques using those movements to gain LEVERAGE over another individual. All together, we use this knowledge to create our own style and approach to the ART.
HEAD PROFESSOR
Anthony Caito is a seasoned martial artist, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and former MMA fighter with over 20 years of martial arts experience. His journey began at the age of 9 when he started practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with his family under Ralph Gracie in Northern California. Alongside Jiu Jitsu, he also competed in wrestling from middle school through high school, where he qualified for the California CIF State Championships and earned multiple scholar-athlete awards. As he progressed, Anthony trained under Dave Camarillo, further advancing his martial arts journey and refining his skills.
After high school, he began teaching Jiu Jitsu and coaching wrestling for local youth programs while studying Kinesiology at San Francisco State University. Wanting to further his development, he moved to Southern California and transferred to California State University Long Beach.
This transition allowed him to train with the world-renowned Mendes brothers for the next three years. During this time, he continued competing in the IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu circuit. After receiving his black belt in Jiu Jitsu at just 24, Anthony set his sights on Mixed Martial Arts, eager to challenge himself beyond the grappling world. Over the next six years, he immersed himself in Boxing, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo, sharpening his striking and overall game. That journey led him into the cage as a professional, where the experience deepened his understanding of combat sports and shaped his approach to both training and teaching.
During this time, he also began teaching Jiu Jitsu classes and seminars at local academies. His passion for teaching grew, and he developed a deep love for sharing the art of Jiu Jitsu with others.
Now running his own academy and program, Anthony is dedicated to creating a community centered around the values and discipline that Jiu Jitsu instills. He approaches the art with a modern, technical mindset, focusing on efficiency, precision, and innovation in techniques. His goal is to help students develop a deeper understanding of Jiu Jitsu by blending traditional principles with a more contemporary and analytical approach to training.
Anthony is committed to cultivating a strong, like-minded community at KATA, his academy, where practitioners can come together to grow, challenge themselves, and push one another to continuously evolve as martial artists—both on and off the mat.
