Chad started Jiu-Jitsu at 17, introduced to the sport by his best friend and inspired by his high school teacher’s passion for MMA. Little did he know that that trial class would change his life.

Having been bullied and overweight growing up, Jiu-Jitsu became a refuge. It empowered him to defend himself against violence if needed.

In his late teens and 20s, Chad immersed himself in Jiu-Jitsu, training six days a week with three to four classes a day and countless rounds of sparring. His goal was to be “a bit better than yesterday.” This dedication also led him to teach white belts in exchange for free training, further sharpening his skills and knowledge.

For nearly two decades, Coach Chad has been a significant figure in the New York City martial arts scene, competing in both Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He has earned gold at numerous BJJ tournaments, including Gracie Invitationals, NAGA, Grapplers Quest, and Good Fight, and boasts an impressive 6-2 record in MMA. 

As a coach, his top priority is keeping his students safe while empowering them through martial arts. He emphasizes training hard with a focus on minimizing risk of injury. “My #1 rule when teaching a submission is to immediately teach the escape. There’s no offense without defense.”

Never would Chad have imagined that trial class back in 2006 would alter his trajectory. The lessons he learned on the mat–discipline, patience, humility–translated to his daily life. “It’s not just physical, but mental. No wonder they call it ‘human chess.’ This is more than a martial art–it’s a lifestyle. And I’ll be doing this til the day I die.”

Coach Selvin Cruz is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with over six years of experience as both a practitioner and a coach. Selvin has spent the majority of his time deeply focused on studying the art and helping others grow on the mats. His teaching is especially effective for smaller practitioners looking to develop technique and strategy against larger opponents.

Known for his warm, motivating presence and sharp attention to detail, Selvin excels at breaking down mechanics in a way that’s accessible for all experience levels — especially beginners. He’s also a certified professional personal trainer, bringing an expert understanding of body movement and conditioning into his instruction.

Selvin currently teaches our All Levels classes, where his thoughtful, technical coaching creates an ideal environment for learning, growth, and camaraderie.