Meet the Coaches

Owner and Head Instructor

Wesley Burriesci is the Owner and Head Instructor of San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A lifelong grappler, he began teaching martial arts at 13 years old and has spent more than a decade helping children and adults build confidence, resilience, and discipline through wrestling, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A graduate of Cal State San Marcos with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development, Wesley combines high-level martial arts instruction with a deep understanding of how children learn and develop. He is an IBJJF Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and USA Judo Black Belt, and has trained under world-class wrestlers, judoka, and jiu-jitsu practitioners throughout his career.

Wesley’s journey at SDBJJ began as a student and staff member willing to do whatever was needed to help the academy succeed. Years later, he became the owner of the school he proudly calls home. Today, his mission is to create an environment where students of all ages can develop confidence, character, and lifelong friendships while pursuing excellence on and off the mats.

His goal is not only to create better martial artists, but stronger families, confident young leaders, and successful adults.

Instructor & Pan American Champion

Tyler Burriesci is an instructor at San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who is passionate about helping children, women, and adults build confidence, resilience, and strong character through martial arts. She combines a welcoming, encouraging teaching style with high standards, believing that students grow most when they are both supported and held accountable.

A dedicated competitor, Tyler has trained under multiple world champions and is the 2026 IBJJF Pan American Champion. She brings that commitment to excellence into every class while making martial arts accessible and rewarding for students of all ages and experience levels.

Tyler especially enjoys working with children, helping them develop discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence. Her goal is not only to create better martial artists, but confident young leaders and successful adults. She also takes pride in encouraging women and girls to discover what they are capable of through martial arts, creating an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed.

9th Dan Judo, 6th Dan Japanese Jujitsu

Walter is 78 years old and has been married to his best friend Ginny for over 50 years.

Formal Education:
Bachelor Science Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M)

Occupations:
Besides a lifetime of martial Arts coaching my fields include engineering, law enforcement (Retired NYPD Officer), practicing law, Superior Court Judge, and business owner.

Certifications:
USJA Master Coach, USA Judo International Gold Coach, USJA Master Rank Examiner, Professor of Judo (USJA), USJI Certificate of Judo Teacher Class A, IJF Rank Certification 8th Dan. USJI 8th Dan, USJA 9th Dan, NJI 9th Dan, USOC Olympic Coach Certification. First AID CPR AED Instructor.

Awards:
USJA Coach of the Year 4 times, YMCA National Coach of the Year, International Arm Services Judo and Jujitsu Academy Outstanding Meritorious Service Elite Coach and member of the Hall of Fame, Masters Hall of Fame Platinum Life Achievement Award, YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award – National, PSJA Man of the Year, International Ambassador of Judo.

Service and Accomplishments:
Over six decades of service to martial arts encompassing coaching in over 38 countries. Coaching and management positions representing the United States, Pan America Union, and the International Judo Federation. Duties included Coach and Team Leader with Olympic and Paralympic responsibility. Served with 8 World Games and 4 Paralympic and Olympic competitions. IJF Delegation and legal advisor World Judo Conference 3 times. PJU Delegate representing the PJU President at several International meetings. I recently served as IBSA Delegate for the Americas as the Chief Technical Officer responsible for all major point tournaments leading to the selection of the Paralympic teams.

Served as VP of USJA for over 12 years with additional positions on the Promotion Board, Board of Examiners, Legal and Ethics Committee. Served as President of the Pacific Southwest Judo Association for 13 years. I have written extensively on coaching athletes, coach certification as well as a detailed book “Judo Technical Manual and Study Guide” which shows all requirements and recommendations for promotions starting as a white leading to 10th-degree black belt. It is a handbook for coaches and students.

Coming soon!