Kevin Mahecha

Kevin Mahecha grew up in Manhattan, New York, alongside his twin brother Brian. From an early age, the Mahecha brothers gravitated toward martial arts, initially training in Kung Fu and Kickboxing. Their passion eventually steered them toward Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, beginning their formal training at American Top Team in 2007.

Kevin's dedication and rapid technical growth quickly became evident, earning him his blue belt from Master Ricardo Libório in 2008. Under the continued mentorship of Jonatas Gurgel, Kevin progressed methodically through the purple and brown belt ranks, ultimately receiving his black belt from Gurgel in 2014.

Kevin Mahecha is widely recognized for his technical, modern grappling style, characterized by advanced guard techniques such as the Berimbolo and crab-ride. His analytical approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction is notably influenced by his and his brother Brian's academic backgrounds—Kevin in software engineering and Brian in kinesiology. This unique combination has led Kevin to develop a structured, systems-based "tree" framework for teaching techniques, allowing students to grasp complex positions and transitions with clarity and precision.

Throughout his competitive career, Kevin has secured victories against several prominent athletes, including Tim Spriggs, Michael Liera Jr, and Rodrigo Freitas. Demonstrating continued excellence at the highest levels, Kevin captured gold at the 2024 IBJJF Fort Lauderdale International Open, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and strategic competitor.

Kevin Mahecha co-founded Outer Heaven Jiu-Jitsu Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside his brother Brian. The academy quickly established itself as a respected training hub for aspiring grapplers, emphasizing structured technical instruction, mentorship, and community building. Kevin remains deeply committed to fostering a vibrant local jiu-jitsu community through his leadership and teaching at Outer Heaven.

A vocal advocate for clean competition, Kevin actively promotes steroid-free practices within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. He openly brands himself as "Steroid Free" across social media platforms, reinforcing his commitment to integrity, fair play, and ethical standards in the sport.

Reflecting his growing influence and respected standing within the BJJ community, Kevin Mahecha represents Albino & Preto as a sponsored athlete. This partnership underscores his recognition as both a competitor and instructor, highlighting his continued impact on the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.