MASTER ROGER MACHADO
Head Instructor - 7th Degree BJJ Coral Belt
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Classes
Master Roger Machado is a 7th Degree Coral (Red/Black) Belt with over 35 years experience teaching at the Black Belt level. A lifelong practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Roger brings a wealth of knowledge unmatched by any other instructor in the area. Unlike many competition focused teachers, Roger believes in his philosophy “Jiu-Jitsu for Life”. He emphasizes the practice of Jiu-Jitsu as a pathway for character building and self improvement.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Roger and his brothers were raised in the culture of Jiu-Jitsu. Nephew to the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ( the late Carlos Gracie Sr.), Roger studied under his Uncle Carlos Gracie & Uncle Helio Gracie, cousins Rolls Gracie, Rickson Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.
Roger and his brothers were the original instructors of the now legendary Gracie Academy in Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This Gracie school would later become known as the original “Gracie Barra”, the school that countless Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions can trace their lineage to.
After finishing university in Brazil, Roger ventured to the United States in the late 1980’s to teach the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Along with his cousins in the Gracie Family, Roger and his brothers are pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States.
ERNIE TOM JR.
Instructor - 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Thursday Evening Classes
A lifelong wrestler, Ernie began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in the mid-1990’s under Master Rickson Gracie. After receiving his blue belt from Rickson, Ernie began training with the Machado brothers shortly after they opened their school in Pasadena, California.
Ernie earned his black belt in 2006, and brings nearly 30 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience.
RUDY AGUILAR
Instructor - 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt
Rudy’s 20 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience complemented by two years of wrestling, he brings a unique perspective to ground techniques.
Rudy’s approach to Jiu-Jitsu is rooted in the traditional Machado lineage, focusing on technical precision, mental discipline, and continuous improvement. His two decades of training have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Brazilian Jiu- strategies and philosophies.
As an instructor, he strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. His goal is to help students develop not just martial arts skills, but also personal confidence and mental resilience.
Whether working with beginners or advanced practitioners, Rudy emphasizes the importance of technique, respect, and continuous learning.
TONY NG
Instructor - BJJ Black Belt
Mon(7pm), Wed (7pm) & Fri Evening Classes
Tony began grappling as a varsity wrestler in high school and helped his school win the Baseline League Championship. A long-time martial arts fanatic, Tony has also trained in Tai Chi, Judo, Karate and Taekwondo (which he has earned his black belt in his 20’s).
His jiu jitsu journey started when he witnessed the first UFC where Royce Gracie dominated the various martial styles with jiu jitsu, which inspired him to take his first class in 1998. After training at several different schools and several setbacks, he joined Master Roger Machado in 2014 where he trained through the ranks and eventually earned his black belt.
Tony teaches Monday/Wednesday gi class where he imparts Master Machado’s teachings and philosophies and the Friday no-gi evening class where he integrates judo and catch wrestling into the curriculum.
Tony also enjoys training and coaching teammates in competition which has garnered multiple gold, silver and bronze medals.
ADAM KAWASAWA
Instructor - BJJ Black Belt
Tuesday & Thursday 9am Classes
Adam started training Jiu-Jitsu under Roger Machado in January 2014. Prior to Jiu-Jitsu, he trained Aikido as a kid for about a year in Downtown LA’s arts district. Although Aikido wasn’t an effective martial art, it instilled in him the philosophy of flowing and redirecting energy & momentum.
Adam enjoys systemizing positions and loves the creative aspects of Jiu-Jitsu. He practices an “eco friendly” Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes energy efficiency, economy of movement, and enjoyment of training.
Outside of BJJ he as an avid yoga practitioner.
KEVIN MOONEY
Instructor - BJJ Brown Belt
Tuesday Evening Classes
Born and raised in upstate New York, Kevin trained Okinawan Karate all throughout high school and college. During his graduate education, he began to train in Kendo - a Japanese martial art based on sword fighting.
After moving to California for work, he continued training in Kendo for a few years before eventually taking up Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 under Master Roger Machado.
JOHNNY SHEPPERD
Instructor - BJJ Black Belt
Johnny is a passionate jiu jitsu practitioner and accomplished competitor with a strong wrestling background. With over a decade of experience, he has earned multiple gold medals in jiu jitsu competitions, showcasing his skills and dedication.
Beginning his journey in high school wrestling, Johnny has trained with top coaches and continuously improves his craft. Now, he shares his passion as a coach, mentoring aspiring athletes and embodying the principles of discipline and respect that define the jiu jitsu community.
