MEET THE TEAM

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Coach Steven is a world-class black belt, an accomplished competitor, and a Jiu-Jitsu technician of the highest caliber. He trained under and received his black belt from none other than multi-time world champion Cassio Werneck. Coach Steven brings powerful techniques, a simple effective teaching style, and an encouraging personality that’s already made a huge impact on our academy. His passion shines through in how he connects with each student, helping them grow at their own pace in a fun and engaging way.

Coach Tracey has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2012, a pursuit that has significantly contributed to his physical and mental resilience. Alongside his dedication to BJJ and our WJJA  students, he is a full-time Psych nurse committed to providing compassionate care to his patients. Balancing these two demanding roles are both challenging and fulfilling. Above all, Tracey is deeply dedicated to his family, who are his greatest support and inspiration in all his endeavors.

Coach Rodrigo was born in Brazil, where he developed a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has been training for over 15 years. Throughout his journey, he has trained at renowned schools across Brazil and the United States. In addition to his martial arts expertise, Rodrigo is a chemist with over 20 years of experience as a food scientist. He draws inspiration and dedication from his wife and daughter, who are the driving force behind everything he does.

Coach David, a native of Woodland, CA, has a rich background in self-defense and martial arts, rooted in his early need to adapt as a shorter individual. His journey in martial arts began with Wing Chun before he took a significant step by enlisting in the Marine Corps right after graduating early from high school. Coming from a long line of Marines, David excelled in the military, serving as a radio operator and a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI). In this role, he trained over 1,000 recruits, achieving an impressive 44% expert qualification rate in marksmanship. David’s commitment to service included more than two years deployed overseas, with a notable stint in Fallujah, Iraq. He concluded his military career with an honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant. In March 2019, David began his formal training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and quickly developed a deep passion for the art. His military precision and keen attention to detail have made him an exceptional coach, particularly skilled in nurturing self-confidence and resilience among our young Jiu Jitsu members. Coach David's dedication to martial arts and his desire to empower others reflect the core values we cherish here at our academy.

Coach Mike began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2021, initially seeking a way to get back into shape. What he found was much more—a passion for the sport and a deep connection with the Jiu Jitsu community. For him, Jiu Jitsu is more than just a physical activity; it’s a discipline that fosters growth, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic, which he believes can unlock success in every aspect of life.  As a coach, he brings high energy and a strong focus on the finer details of Jiu Jitsu technique. He believes that while Jiu Jitsu may not be for everyone, it is for anyone who is willing to embrace the journey and challenge themselves. It’s a path of constant learning and self-improvement, and he is committed to helping each student discover their potential, both on and off the mats.  With over two decades of experience in leadership and mentoring roles, he has had the privilege of coaching and developing future leaders. Now, he brings that same passion for coaching to WJJA, where he strives to help every student, from beginners to advanced athletes, grow and thrive.

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Coach Hans is a dedicated judo brown belt with nearly ten years of experience, actively pursuing his black belt. He cares deeply about helping individuals achieve their full potential and embodies the judo philosophy, focusing on maximum efficiency with minimal effort while promoting mutual welfare. We’re fortunate to have him as our coach; his patience and enthusiasm inspire students to thrive both on and off the mat. We also deeply appreciate his decade of service in the United States Air Force.