RANK: BLACK BELT
Mike started training in gymnastics in 1991 and was a nationally ranked gymnast until 1999. After retiring from competitive gymnastics Mike transitioned into coaching.
Mike has coached for multiple gyms and was a head coach at the world-famous Camp Woodward in Woodward, PA. While in Pennsylvania Mike worked as an assistant coach for Penn State University. Mike started Jiu-Jitsu in 2014 and started the coaching movement shortly after.
RANK: BLACK BELT
Coach Rafael has been training Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years. He also trained Muay Thai avidly for years and has an all-around love for anything martial arts related. Rafael received his black belt in 2018 and moved to Arizona in 2021, where he continues to practice under Michael Currier.
His philosophy is that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, whether you are looking to compete, get in shape, or just try a new sport, the mats have something to offer everyone.
Off the mats, he is an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Coach Rafael credits Jiu-Jitsu for changing his life and believes that the lessons learned on the mats are some of lifes most valuable gem
RANK: BLACK BELT
In 1997, Professor Zakk started his martial arts journey at the young age of 5 years old. After several years of training in Tang Soo Do, an accident forced him to take a long hiatus. Later in 2009, Zakk was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, becoming instantly obsessed and relentlessly spending the next 3 years training.
In 2012, he then made the decision to cease his MMA style training, and fully devote his training time to the grappling arts of Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and Sambo after falling in love with the constant mental and physical challenges they required.
In 2013, at the age of 20, Zakk felt the need to seek out more challenges and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After returning home from his initial training, Zakk would spend the next several years fine-tuning his skills as a Jiu-Jitsu student, coach, and competitor until receiving his Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in July of 2019.
RANK: BROWN BELT
Gerald began training in martial arts at the age of 9. He has a wide array of experience spanning Kenpo, Jeet Kune Do, Judo, and Boxing. Gerald found Jiu-Jitsu in 2014 and it has been his primary combat sport ever since. Gerald loves the application of science and art that BJJ utilizes and believes it’s arguably the only one where you can train in realistic exchanges facing an opponent presenting 100% resistance.
As a lifelong martial artist, Gerald has always advocated for the many benefits that training can offer such as physical fitness, self-discipline, confidence, and respect, and believes these traverse every facet of life.
In addition to training Jiu-Jitsu, Gerald is a Technical Product Manager having worked for top tech companies such as Microsoft, Hulu, and Meta. He enjoys restoring Japanese classic cars, mid-century modern design, and world travel.
RANK: PURPLE BELT
