
Hello and welcome to Katharo Training Center. I have the profound privilege of being able to offer and share the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I am a stand that everyone in the world gets this Martial Art in their life. It is truly transformational and brings about a higher quality of life for everyone. Let me tell you a little about myself so that you can get to know me better.
I began training in martial arts decades ago. I started with Kenpo Karate and earned my Black Belt. When I enlisted in the United States Navy (Deep Sea Navy Diver), I saw Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the very first time from a Relson Gracie Black Belt, Phil Cardella. I had never been exposed to anything such as this art, and it truly transformed my life.
After my first class, I was hooked! I was stationed in Hawaii where Grandmaster Relson Gracie had a school. For those of you who don’t know, Relson Gracie is the son of the founder, Grandmaster Helio Gracie. Grandmaster Relson Gracie is the brother of Master Royce Gracie, the man most of you know from the first Ultimate Fighting Challenge (UFC).
It was truly awesome. I was learning Jiu-Jitsu straight from the source. There is this saying, “Water is always purest closest to the source.” I got to train and learn directly from one of the founders. It is one of those privileges that you only hear about sometimes. Life happens the way life happens, and I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Now, I am honored to be able to pass on my knowledge to you.
I earned my Black Belt from Grandmaster Relson Gracie and am currently a 2nd Degree Black Belt. I specialize in self-defense based Jiu-Jitsu with an emphasis on takedowns and striking. I have taught seminars all over the country, promoted individuals to Black Belts, formed an affiliation of academies across the United States, taught for the United States Army, privately taught security contractors, as well as police, and helped assist in forming a non-profit organization to support disabled veterans through Jiu-Jitsu
I am committed to being a leader and example for our students. I am committed to spreading our Jiu-Jitsu all over the world. And, I am excited to make a difference for you and your families! I am personally inviting you out to come take a class and see what this Martial Art can do for your life! I look forward to seeing you on the mat.