OUR INSTRUCTORS • MATAMORAS, PENNSYLVANIA
Meet the team behind your next step. High-level Jiu Jitsu, shared knowledge, and a welcoming place to learn—from your first class to your next challenge.
COME TRAIN WITH US →PROFESSOR
LEADERSHIP THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt • “The Cannon”
A lifelong martial artist with a competitor’s perspective and a teacher’s purpose.
Professor Mike brings a broad martial arts background to Mojo Dojo, combining Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with experience in wrestling, kickboxing, and professional mixed martial arts. He wrestled in high school and college, and his professional MMA career included Bellator appearances and a 5–2 record under the nickname “The Irish Cannon.”
On the Jiu Jitsu competition mats, Mike earned gold at the 2016 IBJJF Pan Championship in the Master 1 brown belt middleweight division. That experience gives students a connection to the details, preparation, and persistence that high-level competition demands.
At Mojo Dojo, Mike’s passion is helping people understand the art. His instruction emphasizes technical detail and a strong foundation, giving beginners a place to start and experienced students meaningful opportunities to keep developing. The standard is high, and the invitation is open: bring your goals, ask questions, and grow with the team.
Through Mojo Dojo’s affiliation with Master Carlos Henrique, whose school is based in Mount Sinai on Long Island, our students also have opportunities to learn directly from him during seminars at the academy.
INSTRUCTOR
ROOTED IN MOJO DOJO. CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
A coach and mentor whose commitment reaches well beyond the academy.
Brian has trained under Professor Mike Bannon for his entire Jiu Jitsu career. Since beginning in 2015, he has grown within Mike’s system and is now a brown belt, carrying forward the same commitment to learning, discipline, and respect that shaped his own journey.
A United States Air Force combat veteran, Brian brings a strong sense of service to his work with students. He is heavily involved in the community, teaching and mentoring children through Jiu Jitsu and coaching youth softball and baseball. Across each setting, his purpose is consistent: help young people believe in themselves, learn accountability, and understand the value of being a good teammate.
For Brian, coaching is about more than the next technique or the next game. It is an opportunity to help kids develop confidence, resilience, and habits they can carry into school, sports, and everyday life. His connection to Mojo Dojo reflects what the academy stands for—one team, one family, and a shared commitment to helping others grow.
INSTRUCTOR
KEEP LEARNING. KEEP BUILDING.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
Experience that contributes to a stronger room and a shared pursuit of better Jiu Jitsu.
As a brown belt on the Mojo Dojo instructor team, Paul represents the dedication and continued learning at the heart of the art. His role adds another experienced perspective to a training environment built around fundamentals, thoughtful practice, and respect for your partners.
Learning Jiu Jitsu means returning to the details, working through challenges, and building understanding over time. Paul is part of the team that makes that process a shared journey—where students can ask questions, work on their game, and feel connected to the academy as they progress.
INSTRUCTOR
SERVICE. DISCIPLINE. MENTORSHIP.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
A lifetime of service. A commitment to helping others grow.
Chris Martinez is a retired United States Marine Corps veteran, retired law enforcement officer, and dedicated martial arts instructor with years of experience in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His background in military service, law enforcement, and the martial arts community has shaped a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, self-defense, and mentorship.
As the former owner and head instructor of Dark Arts Jiu-Jitsu, Chris devoted himself to developing students of all ages. His work centers on helping people build confidence, resilience, respect, and technical skills they can carry both on and off the mats.
Chris’s teaching philosophy connects disciplined training with personal growth. He values a positive, family-oriented environment where students feel supported, take pride in their effort, and have the opportunity to succeed at their own starting point.
At Mojo Dojo, Chris continues to share his knowledge, experience, and passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of martial artists, one class at a time.
YOUR FIRST CLASS STARTS WITH A WELCOME.
You do not need experience to begin. Come meet the people who will help you take your first step at Mojo Dojo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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