Instructors

Wilson Gouveia is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist, a 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , and the owner of American Top Team West Pines in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Born in Fortaleza, Brazil, Gouveia began training in martial arts at age 13, starting with Karate & Judo before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. He moved to the United States in 1999 to pursue a professional MMA career, training under the American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Gouveia competed professionally in Mixed Martial Arts from 2001 to 2011. A 10-time UFC veteran, he fought in high-profile promotions, including the UFC and EliteXC, facing notable opponents like Keith Jardine and Jason Lambert. Known for his versatility, Gouveia competed in both light heavyweight and middleweight divisions, earning a reputation for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise and striking skills.

After retiring from professional fighting, Gouveia founded ATT West Pines Inc. in 2016, where he serves as the head instructor and owner.His leadership and expertise have made ATT West Pines a leading martial arts gym in South Florida.

Glaico “Brazilian Zombie” França is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist born on February 28, 1991, in Curitibanos, Brazil. With a professional MMA record of 23 wins, França is recognized for his grappling prowess and versatility in the lightweight and middleweight divisions. He began his martial arts journey as a child, training in judo, karate, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before transitioning to MMA. Currently ranked #27 among Brazil’s middleweight fighters, he trains out of Coconut Creek, Florida.

França gained prominence as the first fighter from Santa Catarina to win The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4 in the lightweight division at UFC 190 in 2015. During the reality show, he showcased his submission skills, defeating Raush Manfio, Nikolas Motta, and Joaquim Silva by submission before securing the lightweight title against Fernando Bruno via third-round submission. His notable achievements include winning the welterweight championship at Brazil’s Aspera FC in 2017 with a first-round knockout over Marcelo Barreira and capturing the Pancrase welterweight title in 2018 by submitting Takashi Sato in the fourth round, earning the title “King of Pancrase.”

França competed in the UFC from 2015 to 2017, facing opponents like Gregor Gillespie and James Vick, and later fought in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he faced Sadibou Sy in 2019. Despite a suspension for a positive steroid test in the PFL, which he had already served by the time of the announcement, França remains an active competitor with a reputation for resilience and technical skill. His nickname, “Brazilian Zombie,” reflects his relentless fighting style and ability to endure tough battles

Tim started his martial arts journey in 2007 in Doral, Florida, until being transferred to Dallas where he trained under MMA legend Guy Mezger at Guy Mezger’s Combat Sports Club. Tim returned to south Florida in 2011 and thereafter joined the American Top Team West Pines team. After 8 years of training under Professor Wilson Gouveia and Professor Vince Werner, Tim was awarded his black belt in December of 2019.

Tim routinely travels to Connecticut and Maine to visit family where he trains with Professor Brad Wolfson’s team at Soulcraft BJJ in Hamden, Connecticut, and Professor Brianne Grenschel at The Foundry in Farmington, Maine. Tim works part time for the Florida Athletic Commission as an Inspector for combat sporting events and lives in Miami with the love of his life Mildred and their 7-pound furry fury Parti Yorkie named Obi-Wan.

“Thanks to all for sharing the blood, sweat, and tears. Embrace the Grind!”

Nathan “Soulforce” Coy is a retired American mixed martial artist and a former wildland firefighter, born on July 24, 1978, in Portland, Oregon. A professional MMA competitor from 2007 to 2017, Coy fought in the welterweight division across prominent promotions, including the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC), compiling a total of 15 wins. Known for his grappling-heavy style, Coy secured 4 knockouts, 2 submissions, and 9 decision victories during his career.

A standout wrestler at Oregon State University, Coy was a two-time Pac-10 champion and All-American, finishing his collegiate career with an 85-42 record in the 174-pound weight class. He transitioned to MMA in 2007, training with Team Quest alongside UFC legends like Randy Couture and Matt Lindland. Coy debuted with a strong start, winning his first five fights, including a notable TKO over Dave Courchaine at Strikeforce: At the Dome in 2008. He also defeated UFC veterans Rick Story and Mike Pierce and took future UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley to a split decision in 2010.

Coy competed on The Ultimate Fighter 21 in 2015, representing American Top Team. IN 2020 Coy retired from MMA and transitioned to a career as a wildland firefighter in South Florida.

Osvaldo “Ozzie” Del Valle is a Black Belt born in Colombia, living in US since 1998.

Ozzie earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Wilson Gouveia in 2020.Ozzie was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu by taking his son to train, and began taking classes under Wilson Gouveia in 2010.] He continued training at the academy and began to teach classes as Professor Wilson started earning his trust in him.

“Jiujitsu taught me not to let my emotions dictate my actions. I learned more on the mats than with any motivational speaker”

Ariel’s journey into martial arts began with Judo at the age of 9. He later joined wrestling in his high school years and began his MMA journey in 2011 at American Top Team practicing BJJ and Muay Thai. Ariel became fascinated with BJJ and its lifestyle; receiving his black belt in April 2022 from Wilson Gouveia at the age of 33.

Coach Ariel is a firm believer that jiu jitsu works at all levels and weight classes.

“Through my jiu jitsu journey, not only have I improved as a human but, I gained Ohana. Jiu Jitsu is not just a martial art, but a lifestyle.”

Fernando is a Brazilian jiujitsu black belt under Wilson Gouveia since December of 2021. He has trained with Wilson at American Top Team since white belt to black belt, except for a few years during blue belt days where he trained in his home country, Ecuador.

During the day he works as a mortgage loan officer, and enjoys the company of his wife Veronica and his fur baby Sam. His favorite part about bjj is the ability to develop and improve technique through hard training and repetition to overcome adversity, even from bigger and stronger opponents. This is a concept that he has translated from the mats to real life challenges.