Meet the Coaches

Co-Owner and Head Instructor

I’ve been teaching kids to grapple since I was 13 years old. I’m a product of Liberty High School and the Lions Wrestling Club, a team which is ranked one of the top 50 wrestling rooms in the country according to USA Wrestling and has won countless team and individual state titles under Coach Eric Brenton. After high school, I wrestled under 2-time California State Champion and D1 NCAA Championship Qualifier Brody Barrios at Palomar College, where I became an Academic All-American and graduated with an AA in Health and Fitness and another in Math and Science.

I fell in love with jiu-jitsu shortly after college, training and teaching up to 6 classes per day, earning my black belt in the IBJJF minimum 5 ½ years. My black belt in jiu-jitsu was awarded to me by seventh-degree black belt Master Paulo Fernando and Grand Master Octávio de Almeida Jr. in Brazil. My black belt in judo was awarded to me by seventh-degree black belt Master Paulo Fernando and President of the United States Judo Association, red belt, and Olympic Judo Coach Walter Dean.

I started my career at SDBJJ doing whatever work I could find, taking pride in the academy I call home. From mopping the mats to recycling water bottles left behind by members, I was willing to do whatever it took to put gas in my car so I could continue to train the next day. After a few years of teaching kids and adults, I continued my studies at Cal State San Marcos, aiming to be the best kids’ instructor I could possibly be. I earned my BA in Child and Adolescent Development (with a 3.8 GPA at CSUSM) and completed my capstone course with Dr. Janice Phung, who has published multiple studies about the benefits of martial arts for children (particularly those with special needs).

I wrestled 126 matches my senior year, 72 of which were in the off-season. I continued my competitive career in BJJ, winning several gold medals in various organizations, including Tap Cancer Out and Dream BJJ’s no-time-limit submission-only Baddest Blue competition.

I am on a personal mission to facilitate the lessons grappling taught me to as many children and adults as possible – whether it’s fostering resilience, emotional regulation, prosocial behavior, or the countless other benefits martial arts offer.

Co-Owner

Coming soon!

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!