About us

Group photos of people in martial arts uniforms, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and trainers, at a martial arts gym or competition. Some individuals are wearing black, white, or blue gis, with belts of various colors, and medals visible in some pictures.

Dojo Americana was founded in 2007 in Oceanside under Mark Hopkins. Originally established as an MMA gym, it offered a variety of martial arts programs, including Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai. Over the years, Dojo Americana has continued to grow while staying true to its roots in practical, high-level martial arts training.

Professor Mark‘s interest in grappling started back in 1983 after watching his good friend demolish a much larger bully in a street fight.  He would eventually start training in judo in 1988.  Shortly after, he trained with some of the wrestlers when San Diego State had a wrestling club.  A couple of years later he discovered jiu-jitsu while watching Royce Gracie dominate in the first UFC in 1993. 

In his jiu-jitsu classes students will learn a mixture of grappling, including his favorite techniques for self defense/street situations, wrestling and judo takedowns, and a wide variety of jiu-jitsu sweeps, guard passes, and submissions.  His philosophy is to be in the top position whenever you can, but you better be effective and comfortable when you can’t be in the top position.

Our Professors

A man wearing a blue martial arts gi with black belt, sitting on a mat with a light-colored wall in the background.

Mark Hopkins

Professor Mark Hopkins is currently a 4th degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and was awarded his black belt in 2006 from Master Carlos Valente.  He is currently associated with Eduardo Telles and the 99 team out of San Diego.  He has medaled in numerous IBJJF competitions as a black belt in the Master 4 and 5 category.  He earned gold at IBJJF No Gi Worlds. 2nd at No Gi Worlds Absolute division. 3rd at IBJJF Pans and Worlds.

                         Head Professor
About- Jason Soresen, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo blackbelt. BJJ Professor at Dojo Americana

Jason Sorensen

Professor Sorensen earned his Jiu Jitsu black belt in 2023 under Mark Hopkins and brings over 13 years of Jiu Jitsu experience to the mats. He also earned his Judo black belt in 2014 and has been training in Judo for more than 17 years. His background in both disciplines gives him a well-rounded approach to grappling, takedowns, and practical martial arts instruction.

About- Professor Zach Gardner (Flex)- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2nd degree blackbelt. Southern California Black belt medalist at Naga and IBJJF.

Flex

Professor Flex is a 2nd degree Jiu Jitsu black belt who earned his black belt in 2018 under Mark Hopkins. He is a highly accomplished competitor with multiple NAGA championship belts, along with titles from other Southern California organizations. He is also an international BJJ Globetrotters instructor, bringing a highly technical and well-rounded perspective to his teaching.