Lakea Vargas
Meet Our Instructor
Lakea is a highly decorated Judoka and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and instructor. He holds the rare distinction of a “Double Black Belt”, having achieved the rank of black belt in both disciplines. A certified USA Judo coach and elite-level competitor, Lakea has spent over 20 years on the mats, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished judokas of his generation.
Lakea Vargas
Double Black Belt | Team USA Veteran
As a two-time Senior World Team member and Pan American Games USA Team member, Lakea has proudly represented the United States on the international stage, competing across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His technical and explosive fighting style has earned him numerous podium finishes at some of the world’s top judo tournaments.
Career Highlights:
• 2024 U.S. Open – Silver Medalist
• 2022 Senior Nationals – Bronze Medalist
• 2021 U.S. Open – Bronze Medalist
• 2019 Pan American Open – Bronze (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
• 2018 Pan American Championships – Bronze (Costa Rica)
• 2018 World Cup – Silver (Dominican Republic)
• 2018 IJF Senior World Championships – 9th Place (Budapest)
• 2018 U.S. Junior Olympic Nationals – Gold Medalist
• 2018 Junior Scholastics Nationals – Gold Medalist
• 2017 World Cup – Bronze (El Salvador)
• 2015 U.S. Cadet World Team Member – Sarajevo, Bosnia
Lakea’s success across both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has earned him national recognition as a hybrid grappler with world-class credentials. His journey is a testament to relentless dedication, elite-level discipline, and a lifelong passion for martial arts at the highest level.
