About Us

“Every parent shares an unbreakable drive—to love, support, and guide their children to become everything they are meant to be. For me, that passion is the beating heart behind One-on-One Submission Grappling. This isn’t just a business—it’s the story of my family, our struggles, and our triumphs. It’s about my sons, Kalex, Kruz, and Kane, who inspired me to create something far bigger than myself. It’s about the very journey of our family, our values, and our mission to lead, transform, and thrive in a new era of youth development. This is our calling—to help each young person unlock their potential and rise with confidence, resilience, and purpose.”

“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, where the call to nurture the next generation of leaders has never been more urgent.” When my boys first stepped onto the jiu-jitsu mats, Kalex and Kruz were like many kids—quiet, shy, unsure of their own potential. I could see the fear in their eyes, the uncertainty in their steps. But I knew something deep inside them was waiting to be unleashed. My wife, Erika, wasn’t convinced at first. She questioned if jiu-jitsu was the right path for them. Would it be too intense? Would they struggle too much? But I firmly believed in what this sport could offer them.  "I wholeheartedly believed they would push through and become the very best version of themselves"  

 Since 2020, there’s been a significant shift in how families view education. Many are looking for more personalized, holistic approaches that traditional schools haven’t been able to meet. By creating an academy that combines leadership, discipline, and physical training like jiu-jitsu, we are aligning our company with the societal shift that’s already underway. This is truly an “idea whose time has come.” 

Through jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, a child can learn more than just physical techniques; they gain values and life lessons that shape their character. The mat becomes a classroom where they build discipline, learning to show up consistently, work hard, and never quit, even when faced with challenges. They develop resilience, understanding that failure is not defeat but an opportunity to grow stronger. As they grapple with opponents, they cultivate respect, not just for others, but for themselves—embracing the importance of integrity, humility, and sportsmanship. The journey fosters self-confidence, teaching them to trust their abilities while remaining grounded. Ultimately, jiu-jitsu becomes a metaphor for life itself, teaching them that with the right mindset, dedication, and adaptability, they can overcome any obstacle both on and off the mat.

Today, Erika is their greatest supporter—standing proud, watching them grow into resilient, tough, and confident young men. We stand shoulder to shoulder in every step, actively involved in their training and their triumphs. And what I’ve witnessed is nothing short of remarkable. My boys went from being unsure of themselves to becoming forces of nature—strong, disciplined, and mentally unshakeable. They now face challenges head-on, and it’s not just their bodies that have grown strong, but their minds. They’ve learned how to fall and rise, again and again, with even greater determination.

And that transformation didn’t just happen by chance. It came through the grind, through sweat and tears, through the moments they wanted to quit but chose not to. That’s what jiu-jitsu gave them. It gave them the ability to push beyond what they thought was possible. That’s what drives me today, and that’s why I'm building The Leadership Institute and One-on-One Submission Grappling—to offer that same growth and transformation to every child who steps onto the mat. The truth is every child has fire within them and it is our job to help them ignite their truth. 

In Phase Two, we launch the One-on-One Leadership Institute,  where we take our full commitment to personal excellence beyond the mat.  Through a unique blend of academic education, leadership training, and  physical development, we are forging a new generation of resilient,  disciplined leaders. 

This journey is about more than just my boys. It's about every boy and girl I've witnessed fall through the cracks. It’s about my own battle with cancer, a fight that brought me to the edge of everything I knew. There were days when I wasn’t sure if I would make it, moments when I questioned whether I had the strength to go on. But in the crucible of life—it taught me that even in the darkest times, there’s always a way forward. You dig deep, you find strength where there seems to be none, and you fight. That’s why I created The Crucible—a place where there are no easy exits, no points, and no resets. Just like in life, you have to face your obstacles head-on, adapt, and overcome.

The Crucible is the centerpiece—it’s where champions are made, where we forge not only fighters but leaders. We push our athletes to their limits because we know that it’s in those moments of struggle that true character is revealed. And while Phase 1 is about building physically strong competitors, it’s Phase 2, the Leadership Institute, that will truly change lives. This is where we go beyond the mat—where we develop leaders, instilling discipline, mental toughness, and the kind of resilience that lasts a lifetime. The lessons learned on the mat go far beyond sport—they’re the very foundations for success in every aspect of life.

At One-on-One, we are community driven where families come together to build something greater than themselves. It’s where we forge a bond through struggle and growth. It’s where kids learn not just how to win, but how to lead, how to persevere, and how to take on the world with unwavering confidence.

For me, this isn’t just about jiu-jitsu or submission grappling—it’s about legacy. It’s about giving back and creating something that will impact lives for generations to come. I’ve seen my boys rise, I’ve risen myself, and now I’m here to help others do the same. Together, we’ll build champions, not just in sport, but in life. I believe this is a critical time for all of us.