Monday 6:30am Class
- Black Belt
I received my black belt from Professor Daniel Tavares in December 2023, after joining the SAS Team/Daniel Tavares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 2016. I began my training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2000 in Florida while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, I trained and competed in numerous grappling arts over the years including Sambo, catch wrestling and Judo. I retired after a career in law enforcement and also retired as a colonel from the U.S. Air Force in 2022. I enjoyed my careers in the military and law enforcement careers and was able to utilize the grappling skills gained through years of training to gain a keen insight on how effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the grappling arts are in self-defense and in law enforcement applications.
I am one of the instructors at the Daniel Tavares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and I am very passionate about teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition to instructing students on how to be successful on the mat at competition, I always remain focused on teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for “real world” situations.
I am a multiple time medalist/winner at regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo tournaments and have also medaled at major IBJJF events including a gold medal at the Pan-Am No Gi Championships (purple belt). I believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an incredible sport/activity that is accessible to people from all walks of life, with any physical stature and has the unique ability to bring people together as they try to reach a common goal. Best of all…it may save your life one day!