JIU-JITSU/MUAY THAI INSTRUCTOR

Tony began his martial arts journey in 2010 beginning with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and traditional boxing. Tony has trained Marine Corps Martial Arts while enlisted in the United States Marine Corps since 2003 and has been a head instructor for Loves Park Police Department Defensive Tactics Program since 2011. Tony has been fortunate enough to train Muay Thai at the world renown YOKKAO Training Center in Bangkok Thailand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Cukuros Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Okinawa Japan and Korea BJJ in Seoul South Korea, as well as striking in Panay, Philippines and traditional boxing at Rockford’s own Patriot Boxing Gym. Learning from instructors and students from cultures around the world as well as navigating language barriers has given Tony the unique ability to instruct people from all walks of life with a wide variety of abilities.

JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Tim was first introduced jiu-jitsu in 2008 under multiple time world champion Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros in Chicago, IL. After quickly falling in love with the art he dedicated his life to jiu-jitsu as he moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to continue his studies. Tim was fortunate enough to live at the famed Jiu-Jitsu Hostel Connection Rio while training multiple times per day at Gordo Jiu Jitsu in Barra da Tijuca. Tim decided to explore the country and moved to Curitiba, Brazil. Tim trained daily in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts under Pride/UFC Veteran and the former head jiu-jitsu coach of the world famous Chute Boxe Team Cristiano Marcello. Tim earned his blue belt under Cristiano and his CM System Team . Upon returning to the Rockford area, Tim connected with Coach Tony Ingarra, his long time training partner before moving to Brazil, and made Pride his home. During his time at Pride, he has found the most rewarding part of his journey yet, teaching and sharing the mats with his two children. Tim’s knowledge gained over decades of training along with his systematic approach to jiu-jitsu makes him one of the most valuable instructors in the Midwest.

JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Erik began training jiu-jitsu in 2016 and has been a staple on the mats ever since. Erik has attended the Gracie Survival Tactics course multiple times and received his instructor certificate. Erik has developed jiu-jitsu based defensive tactics programs and systems for law enforcement agencies throughout the county and has instructed hundreds of officers and supervisors. Erik brings his passion and knowledge of jiu-jitsu along with his leadership skills from holding multiple supervisory roles within law enforcement to our mats.

JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Luke has been an integral part of our family since we first opened our doors. From attending and instructing classes every program Pride offers to building the culture and community within the team. Luke is one of the first to show at the facility and one of the last to leave after class. He has dedicated years of service to operating with and instructing specialized teams within law enforcement agencies throughout the Midwest. Luke brings leadership, technical proficiency, and experience developed through countless hours on the mats, in competition, and in real world hostile engagements to our team in his classes. Luke consistently sets the standard and challenges those around him to become the best version of themselves.

JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Josh began his martial arts journey as a way to challenge himself both mentally and physically, continue to achieve his personal goals, and provide a positive activity he can do alongside his children. Josh brings decades of experience and leadership gained from his service with the United States Army as a Ranger and his time building and developing his own businesses. Josh has a passion for helping others as he serves on multiple boards of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans, is highly involved in his community’s local school board, and has helped create and run numerous classes Pride offers. If the doors are open, Josh is there ready to better himself and those around him. Josh’s preparation, attention to detail, and passion for jiu-jitsu and martial arts resonates with each class he instructs.

JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTOR

Danielle is credited with developing Pride’s Lady Lions Jiu-Jitsu program. She is the head instructor for Lady Lions and she actively participates in Pride’s Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu classes. Danielle travels frequently nationwide to attend seminars and train at different academies to learn from the best the sport has to offer. Danielle has been instrumental in the growth and development of women’s jiu-jitsu in the Rockford area and works diligently to perfect her own craft and share it with others. Danielle is an active competitor and shares the lessons she’s learned through the trials of competition with her students.