Our Coach

In 1994, I initiated my journey in judo at the Starrett Judo Club under the guidance of the 1992 Olympian, Parnel Legros. Over the years, I traversed the country, securing victories in numerous national and international tournaments. I earned the distinction of being a 2-time US Jr World Team member and was honored as the 2004 Pan American Jr Male Athlete of the Year. Consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally, I furthered my achievements as a member of the under 23 US National Team and held the #3 seed at the 2008 Olympic trials.

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In 2009, following the completion of my physical education degree, I diversified my training by joining the Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, where I was mentored by the esteemed coach John Danaher. The transition proved fruitful, and by 2011, I had become a National Champion and US Open Champion, earning a spot on the 2011 Senior US World Team, 2011 Senior US Pan American Games, and 2012 Pan American Championship teams. 

 

Post-retirement from competitive sports, I immersed myself in MMA training camps alongside world champions like David Branch, UFC Welterweight champions George St. Pierre, and UFC Middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2014, I achieved the milestone of receiving a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from the legendary Renzo Gracie in 2015. Concurrently, I was appointed as a coach by the renowned trainer Greg Jackson, collaborating with esteemed fighters such as Jon Jones, Holly Holm, BJ Penn, Carlos Condit, and Cowboy Cerrone.

 

Presently, I serve as the coach for the highly accomplished Patchy Mix, the undisputed World Bellator Bantamweight champion, solidifying my role in the training and development of world-class fighters.