BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACHES
Learn with confidence under the guidance of our accomplished leadership team. Discover a martial art, a sport and a way of life.
HEAD COACHES
At UFC GYM, we take pride in our coaches — elite athletes who have dedicated their lives to mixed martial arts and fitness training. BJJ coaches must hold a purple belt or higher. Our head coach team is led by program director, Mauricio “Tinguinha” Mariano, and includes world class athletes, national champions, high ranking black belts, and a coral belt.
Mauricio Mariano
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU PROGRAM DIRECTOR
“Tinguinha” is a 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt, IBJJF and SIJJF certified, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee and Brazilian National, Pan American + World Championship medalist.
BJ Penn
BJJ MASTER TRAINER
4th Degree Black Belt, former BJJ World Champion and a UFC Hall of Fame inductee who was undefeated for over 8 years.
Rob McCullough
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MMA
“Razor” Rob is a former WEC Lightweight Champion, Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion, BJJ Brown Belt and NASM certified.
Brandon Bender
BJJ PROGRAM HEAD INSTRUCTOR, ROSEMEAD
1st Degree Black Belt with 18 years of training experience and 12 years of teaching experience. Professional MMA athlete with 12-1 record.
Leandro Nyza
BJJ PROGRAM HEAD INSTRUCTOR, HONOLULU & WAIKELE
4th Degree Black Belt with 31 years of training experience and 18 years of teaching experience. Holds multiple wins in BJJ and MMA competitions.
Alexandre Novaes
BJJ PROGRAM HEAD INSTRUCTOR, TORRANCE
4th Degree Black Belt with 30 years of training experience and 24 years of teaching experience. Holds multiple medals at US and World level.
