Professor Sandro Silva is a lifelong martial artist from Brazil, holding a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Iliarde Santos, a sixth-degree black belt in the lineage of Ricardo de la Riva and Carlson Gracie. He began training in Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira at the age of five, which laid the foundation for his impressive 33-year career that includes over 150 professional fights across various disciplines, such as Boxing, Capoeira, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Vale Tudo.

With 18 years of teaching experience in multiple countries, Sandro employs a unique, effective, and fun teaching method that engages students while sharing his extensive martial arts knowledge and life experiences as a father, educator, and war veteran. As an international martial arts instructor and holder of five university degrees, he is dedicated to helping students build confidence, discipline, and resilience through the transformative power of martial arts.

Suzanne is a psychologist with 10 years of experience specializing in human behavior and a passionate Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with over six years of experience. Her expertise allows her to support the team with effective teaching strategies, focusing on the individual needs of each student while helping them build confidence, discipline, and resilience. Actively involved in the Kids Program, she ensures a safe environment where children can learn and grow. With her background in psychology, she fosters emotional well-being and positive development. She believes that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth—where giving up is never an option.

Ian Rittinger is a paralegal who graduated from San Diego State University in 2018. Ian started training jiu jitsu in San Diego in 2018, and has been in love with the art ever since. He received his purple belt in September 2024 under Prof. Sandro Silva. A lapel guard enthusiast with a playful mindet, Ian loves experimenting with new techniques and enjoys intense, technical rolls with his training partners.

With over 12 years of Jiu Jitsu experience, Casey Ogden is a Black Belt under the Renato Tavares Association and brings a background in wrestling. Casey combines effective grappling fundamentals with modern training methods to create a well-rounded approach for students of all levels. 

A competitor at heart, Casey is also the Good Fight Tennessee Lightweight Champion and New Breed Nashville Middleweight (Advanced) Champion—but his true passion lies in helping others reach their potential and grow through Jiu Jitsu.

With over 8 years of Muay Thai and striking experience, teaching across all age levels, Josh brings both technical precision and a deep passion for the art to every class.
Josh views Muay Thai as a beautiful, strategic art form and a fantastic basis for striking in MMA. His goal is to help students not only execute techniques, but truly understand their purpose and strategy so they can adapt, remember, and make them their own.

A career Army Officer, Edward has served all across Europe and the Middle East with two tours in Iraq. He found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while training with Army Special Operations. He has trained soldiers to defend themselves in armed and unarmed combat for nearly two decades. He continues training both BJJ and Muay Thai. He began training with Professor Sandro in 2023 and received his purple belt in 2024. A life long learner, Edward sees every day on the mat as an opportunity to learn, teach, and improve.