Instructors

I am a First Degree Black Belt under 4th Degree Professor Rodrigo Cabral, and a 175lb Sub FC / Submission Hunter Pro Black Belt Champion. I’ve also competed at the highest levels in events like EBI Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds, Fight2Win Pro, Submission Underground, Third Coast Grappling, and the Onnit Invitational—earning multiple Fight of the Night honors along the way.

I was born in Temple, TX, and have spent most of my life here. I married my wife Jennifer in 2019, and in 2023, we welcomed our daughter Lovelynn— they are my greatest motivation.

I began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 14 after struggling with bullying and low self-esteem. BJJ completely changed my life, and I’ve seen it do the same for so many others. That’s why teaching and helping people grow—both on and off the mats—is my true passion.

At Virtue BJJ, we pride ourselves on being more than just a gym. We’re a family-focused team that supports one another in every way, whether you’re just starting out or competing at the highest level. With a strong sense of community and some of the top competitors in the region, Virtue is a place where anyone can grow, thrive, and become the best version of themselves.

Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and after completing college, I relocated to Temple, Tx in 2015. After watching Marcelo Garcia’s victory over Ricco Rodriguez via heel hook in ADCC my fascination with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was ignited. Fueled by my new found passion for BJJ I went in search for a school to further pursue my interests in the sport. I was connected with Professors Justin and Jeff at a local gym where they frequently trained, coached and build life long friendships. As a training partner and Instructor I am dedicated to guiding others in their personal and athletic growth both within and beyond the gym. September 2023 I was awarded my black belt under the guidance of First Degree black belt Justin Renick and Fourth Degree black belt Rodrigo Cabral.

I’m a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt and Judo Brown Belt, with a striking background in boxing since 2021 under Richard Lord at Lord’s Boxing Gym. I’ve been training in martial arts since 2010, consistently cross-training in Judo and BJJ over the years.

Since September 2024, I’ve had the privilege of teaching alongside Professor Justin Renick in our 5:30 AM morning program at Virtue BJJ. Coaching has been an incredibly rewarding part of my journey—I love helping others grow in both skill and confidence.

Outside the gym, I stay busy with work and family life. My children are now beginning their own martial arts journeys at Virtue, and it’s an honor to share this path with them. Whether on the mats or in life, I’m passionate about helping others reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves.

I began my Jiu Jitsu journey in October 2023 and quickly discovered a deep passion for the art. Since then, I’ve earned my blue belt and embraced every step of the journey. With a lifelong love of sports and a dream of coaching, Virtue BJJ has given me the opportunity I’d always hoped for. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been training alongside my wife and our two boys—it’s something truly special we get to share as a family. Coaching has also become a major part of my life. Watching kids build confidence, push past their limits, and succeed on the mats is an experience I’m proud to be part of. I enjoy competing myself whenever I get the chance. Outside the gym, I love spending time with my family, playing other sports, and exploring my interest in history.

I teach wrestling classes on the weekends at Virtue and am also a blue belt in Jiu Jitsu under Professor Justin Renick. I wrestled in High School having 121 career wins and continued wrestling division 2 at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina. In total I have 9 years of competitive wrestling experience. Some of my accolades are 2x State Qualifier for NC State Championship, 5th place at NC State Championship, 3rd place at NC Greco State Championship, and 4A Dual State Championship. I have a passion for passing on my knowledge to children and adults through wrestling.

I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on 01/18/2018 and am now a Purple belt under Professor Justin Renick. My journey started with weight loss but soon the mats became my second home. After a few short weeks the weight was melting off and within 9 months I was down 48lbs. After a couple of years of training, I was featured in the Jiu Jitsu Times for my remarkable weight loss. Being able to share this passion with my husband who also trains is truly amazing. I’ll tell any and everyone all about Jiu Jitsu and how it can change people’s lives for the better and help them through life’s challenges. I love coaching the kids’ classes as well as the Ladies only class and enjoy breaking down the techniques for each individual student to fit their needs. I’m very passionate about introducing girls/women to the art of Jiu Jitsu.