Coach Edwin has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 22 years, and is a third degree black belt under Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles Maciel. He began his journey with Roger Machado in 2002 where he received his blue belt. From 2003 to 2010, he trained only no-gi grappling with Eddie Bravo under the 10th Planet system, during which Edwin developed what is now widely known as the, “Prison Guard”. Eddie Bravo promoted Edwin his purple and brown belt.

Wanting to learn from a multiple time world champion, Edwin left 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu to train under Cobrinha in 2010. While training and competing under Cobrinha, he medaled in the IBJJF Nogi World Championship as well as the Master’s World Championship tournaments. On November 14, 2015, Cobrinha gave Edwin his black belt.

Edwin worked as a sworn law enforcement officer in Los Angeles from 2015 to 2021. During his service, he was POST certified as a Force Instructor with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and taught a grappling/Jiu-jitsu wellness program in his police department. The program focused on the use of control tactics for arrests, officer safety, and physical fitness.

"The Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen mindset is the pursuit of perfection while understanding that mastery is unobtainable. While under immense adversity, we continue to advance."

Coach Jason is a third degree black belt that has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 20 years. He received his black belt from Roger Machado in 2014. Jason has trained in multiple arts such as MMA, wrestling, boxing, aikido, taekwondo and kung fu, with a focus on the functional application of the martial arts for self defense. His ideal form of jiu-jitsu is one that is universal to every situation, whether that is with or without the gi or with or without striking. He considers himself a lifelong learner and is constantly looking for better ways to improve his martial arts and himself.

Jason is a South Pasadena native and now raises his 4 children in the city he grew up in. As a father, he understands the value of martial arts, especially for children. Just as important as the ability to protect themselves from bullying is the opportunity for character growth that results from training. Jason believes that it is very important that children develop into people who can not only defend themselves physically but also stand up to the negative influences of society and social media. He places a high priority on character and value lessons in his youth classes.

Jason is also a practicing doctor of physical therapy who primarily treats orthopedic conditions and holds a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.