Instructors

Master Jerry Laurita has been training in the martial arts since 1980. He is a Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate and Haidong Gumdo (Korean Sword). Jerry is a weapons expert that teaches the Bo Staff, Kama’s, Escrima, Chinese Broadsword, Samurai Sword, Sai’s, Nunchaku, Spear and Chinese Straight sword. He has also trained extensively in Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Wushu, Jeet Kune Do and Kendo.

Master Laurita has had the opportunity to learn and train with today’s greatest masters, such as Joe Moreira, Helio Gracie, Jeong Woo Kim, Machado Brothers, Michael Girardi Jr., Megaton, Mark Lyons, Dan Inosanto, Burton Richardson, Rickson Gracie, Hidy Ochiai, Gene LeBell, Manimal, Royler Gracie, Toshishiro Obata, Marshall Parnell, Surachai Sirisute and Jong Gu Lee.

Jerry is the Founder and President of the IBJJA (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association) which oversees over 20 schools across the country.

He is a member of the United States Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu, World Haidong Gumdo Federation and the Martial Arts Teachers Association.

Mike Martin began his training in the Martial Arts in 1990. He is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Black Belt in American Karate. He is the Head Instructor for our North Phoenix School. Mike is an excellent instructor who loves teaching kids and adults.

Paula Dominguez is the Program Director and the backbone of both of our schools. She is responsible for growing our schools by sharing the benefits of the Martial Arts with prospective new students and to make sure our current students are happy. Paula is also the only female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student at our school. So, if you don’t want to get tapped out by a girl, you better be nice to her.

Nick Sliger is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Brown Belt in Judo. He has won numerous Local, National and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments including taking 3rd place at the 2004 Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships and 1st Place at the 2005 United Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He is a passionate instructor who loves sharing his skills and experience. Nick is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with a Bachelors Degree from ASU.

Todd Gerrish (aka. AZChokester) is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a career Law Enforcement Officer. He is a very popular instructor at our school who has taken 2nd and 3rd place at the Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships and 3rd place at the U.S. Nationals.

Sal Azuela (aka. Lats) is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Wrestler. He is a 2x Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion. Recently, he began his professional MMA Career and holds a record of 2-0.

Randy Imhoff is the Haidong Gumdo Instructor for our North Phoenix School.

Ysi Rodriguez is a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Micah Phillips is a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is one of the most technical students at our school.

18631 N. 19th Ave. #137
Phoenix, AZ 85027
623-582-3153

6808 N. Dysart Rd. #136
Glendale, AZ 85307
623-935-5759

“My son’s self-esteem has greatly improved. He has developed a renewed belief in his abilities and skills because of the things he has learned from you. He used to give up and become frustrated easily. Now, he has determination and even when things do not go his way, he copes with the frustration better. I am very proud of him and very grateful to you for the time you have invested in him”
-Koni Jones, Mom

Omar has learned to keep his hands to himself and that hitting others is wrong. Karate has had a positive effect in his interactions with other children.”
-Marbella Rosado, Mom

“Karate is helping Paige find confidence in herself, along with pride and self-worth.”
-Maria Hayes, Mom

“Conner’s focus and concentration has improved a lot because of Karate.”
-Randy Imhoff, Dad

“Jacob is a lot more focused and goal oriented since beginning Karate. He is a lot more confident and shows enthusiasm in everything he does.”
-Coty Bodine, Dad