Current owner and head instructor at Bushido-Kai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Irvine, CA, U.S.A.). Opened in August 2021. My BJJ journey began in 2005 under Gracie Barra when they first opened their headquarters in Lake Forest, CA to their expansion and permanent settlement in Irvine, CA. After earning my black belt in 2013 under Master Carlos Gracie Jr., I continued to train and teach most adult classes at the headquarters under Professor Otavio Souza. After Professor Otavio left to open his own academy in Huntington Beach, CA, I was invited to train and teach at Gracie Gym Irvine, an affiliate under Rillion Gracie and Gracie Elite. Gracie Gym eventually dissolved, so our school joined with Clark Gracie to be the Orange County representative of the Clark Gracie Association. Under Professor Clark’s tutelage, I was awarded my first two degrees at black belt. The COVID pandemic ultimately permanently shut down our school, which is when I decided to open my own academy. Having remained on good, close terms with Professor Clark, I was asked to join his association; however, I eventually decided to run a BJJ program independent of any association due to the very small community-based focus of my school. Having been a member of the IBJJF and a current member of the SJJIF, I understand the importance of these federations; however, I have always been disappointed with the politics that have surrounded the many competing governing bodies of BJJ. My discovery of Beltchecker as a global, public, peer-based organization was a pleasant surprise. As a result, I created a Beltchecker profile to help provide public legitimacy and recognition of my belt lineage, so that I can further grow my new school. Your vote of confidence and verification is a meaningful action to support my efforts to build upon my new school. I appreciate in advance your public verification. If you have any questions about my background, education, or belt lineage, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your time, consideration, and support!