Why did you start BJJ?

It was a game changer and revolutionized martial arts. At the time I was training JKD and Thai Boxing and found out how ineffective they were without a ground game.

How long ago?

It’s over 20 years ago now. I started with Craig Kukuk and Renzo Gracie when they opened their schools in New Jersey.

What are the 3 most important things BJJ has taught you?

You are going to take a beating from your friends and like it.
There are no short cuts.
You’d better learn how to deal with disappointment.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

No matter what bad thing happened that day or how difficult my day was, when I am teaching it all goes away. Seeing the students working hard, having fun and their smiles makes it all go away.

What is your outside profession?

Former police detective and budding chainsaw sculptor

Goals for the future?

Spending quality time with my family as my kids become young adults and developing the best BJJ school around.

If I knew then what I know now about BJJ, I would…

…take a day off from training. It’s ok; your magic powers will not go away.

If you could meet anyone in the world/history, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Genghis Khan. I would have to find out what made the Mongols so damn tough!

What is your favorite candy/bar and why?

You know I only eat straight chocolate.

What other information would you like people to know about you?

I am a former undercover narcotic detective, a current police academy instructor, a judo player and, best of all, a surfer.