Reeva Barbaza is a Muay Thai Fitness instructor at Brazilian Vanguard Jiu-Jitsu (BVJJ).
Reeva discovered her passion for striking in 2021 during her very first kickboxing class under the guidance of her first coach, Tomoki. From the beginning, she was drawn to the power of striking and the creativity of combinations. With a background in dance, the rhythm, coordination, and movement felt natural, making her transition into striking both seamless and exciting.
When Muay Thai was later introduced at the gym, Reeva initially found the art intimidating and unfamiliar:
"I changed my perception of Muay Thai after taking a few classes with Coach Hiro Amano, where I fell deeply in love with the discipline, technique, and tradition of the art. What began as curiosity turned into passion and dedication. Since then, I have committed myself to every Muay Thai class, training consistently and fully immersing myself in the sport."
"Eight months after I started, I stepped into my first technical sparring showcase. It was a humbling experience that reshaped my mindset and solidified my respect for Muay Thai as a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and self-mastery. That moment sparked my desire to teach. For me, teaching is not just about instructing, but about growing alongside my students, building strong foundations together, and elevating as a team."
Today, Reeva continues to train and refine her skills while leading Muay Thai Fitness classes for all levels and backgrounds. Her classes are high-energy and empowering, combining strength training, conditioning, endurance, and pad work to create a well-rounded and challenging experience.
Her mission is to help every student build strength, confidence, and resilience, both physically and mentally, and to ensure they leave each class feeling stronger, empowered, and proud of what their body can achieve.
