It’s a crisp and rainy day in Manhattan, New York City. A far cry from the sunny southern California coast I recently visited to stop at the usual Academies. We’re here to see Roberto Jimenez, who is preparing for a super fight against Kaynan Duarte at WNO 25 on December 4th. 

Roberto Jimenez pictured on 14th Street, Manhattan.

The entrance to Unity Jiu-Jitsu is completely unmarked, save for a small sticker beneath the buzzer on the 14th street entrance. We buzz in and take the stairs down a few levels into the basement where the air is warm and thick. I can sense immediately that there is hard work being done in this room. Professor Murilo Santana has fostered a unique and impactful culture where the level of instruction and the expectation of hard work create a demanding environment. You get out what you put in. It’s also expected that you bring a positive attitude and good energy to the space.

A portrait of Leandro Lo watches over the mats.

With the proliferation of Jiu-Jitsu worldwide and the rise of fitness culture at large the bar for a Jiu-Jitsu facility has been raised. Spa-Jitsu describes the intersection of high-end gym facilities with the undeniably grimey, acquired taste that is jiu-jitsu. Unity is an old school gym. While the space is large and offers every amenity you’d expect (showers, weight room, lounge area, cold drinks, etc.) it feels more like a jiu-jitsu club-house. There are holes in the wall, boardgames strewn about the break room, and the student’s belts are piled in a nest on the mat. 

Murilo is incredibly welcoming and encouraging of the work we are doing but makes it clear that some things are not for the camera. He denies my request to take a portrait of him. He is, however, glad we are here. It’s a blast from the past: this isn’t for the gram. You need to be here and join in on the training to get the full experience. If you do, you’ll be welcomed in like a member of the team.

Murilo Santana walks his students through the day's agenda.

Roberto Jimenez arrives just in time for the 11am session, and Murilo launches the team directly into a dynamic wrestling warm up. Next are the seemingly endless competition rounds. The pace is high, but Murilo demands that everyone stays sharp. This isn’t just a cardio session—he won’t allow sloppy takedowns or ineffective jiu-jitsu. He pushes them hard. Everyone stays sharp through the grueling three-hour session.

Roberto undergoes exhaustive shark tank rounds.

Roberto is locked in. The first rounds are a shark tank and it’s clear that he’s the shark. Breaks are short and, while his endless cardio is on full display, it’s his creativity that shines brightest. Athleticism is a fundamental characteristic of modern jiu-jitsu athletes but originality is what defines many of the sport’s biggest stars. Roberto teleports to the back, divebombs on guillotines, and attacks relentlessly. He is truly one of the most interesting athletes to watch express his jiu-jitsu. His readiness for the fight in two weeks is on full display.

Roberto spars with Devhonte Johnson.

Sebastian Rodriguez rests in-between rounds.

When training ends, Murilo asks me to take the team’s photo. He instructs the students on the left side of the group to make room for the portrait of his late friend and teammate, Leandro Lo. My shutter closes, and I give them the “okay.” The group disperses. Hard work by good people.

Murilo arranges the team for a photograph.

After a cool down Roberto leaves the gym and steps into the cold, rainy, New York City day. “I like New York City, you get to see people from all over the world.” Crossing the street, he heads to a small market. Inside, he searches for water and orange juice, which he has difficulty finding according to his specifications. He navigates the market like a maze. The “natural rebel” does not take his nutrition lightly.

Roberto finds an orange juice to his liking.

After finding an acceptable juice he returns to the gym for lunch—quinoa, bison, avocado, and a “dessert” of toast with agave honey. He humors teammate Sebastian Rodriguez and his playful comments, picking Roberto’s brain about his rules of nutrition. Roberto is welcoming and happy to share his views on food; he embraces the quirkiness it seems to suggest to others.

Roberto prepares his lunch under the inquisitive eye of Sebastian Rodriguez.

He finishes his dessert. His next stop is Jersey City for some evening training. He thanks us, Roberto is on his way, disappearing into the city.

Roberto pictured outside of Unity Jiu-Jitsu with Trey Robinson. 

Roberto Jimenez will face Kaynan Duarte at WNO 25 in Houston, TX on December 4th. 

All photography by Slack Barrett. You can see more of Slack’s work on instagram at @slackbarrett