Meet the masters of the mat
Experience the Passion and Expertise of Our Coaches
dial 808-938-JITZ (5489) to learn more!
Our Academy's story
Kaiju BJJ Academy is the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Davis, CA. With nearly 1300sq/ft of dedicated mat space and multiple sessions 7 days a week, we are your best option for a safe, clean, and welcoming environment to train and learn the intricacies of ground fighting. Led by our team of experienced coaches, you will develop a deep understanding of practical self-defense, sport jiu-jitsu, and competition prep. But more importantly, you can improve mentally and physically with like-minded individuals looking to do the same. Kaiju BJJ is also proud to coach the UC Davis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and host the UC Davis Judo Club weekly practices. #jiujitsuforall
Our Coaches - Guiding You to Greatness
Meet our team of dedicated instructors, each bringing years of experience and a passion for martial arts to inspire and elevate your journey.
Prof Kaiju (‘lil Aaron)
Professor Kaiju is our Head Instructor and co-owner of Kaiju Bros Jiu-Jitsu. He is a highly decorated Black Belt and has been training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2011. He was awarded his BJJ Black Belt by none other than the legendary Master Ralph Gracie. Despite only being twenty-three years old, Kaiju (aka ‘lil Aaron) is a multi-time World Champion in multiple BJJ promotions with a competition record of 113 wins and only 11 losses and has competed across the country and internationally. Prof Kaiju also holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Hawaiian Kenpo and is a decorated folk and freestyle wrestler. He teaches our Advanced Gi and NoGi classes but can be found at the academy in most evening classes, helping out and training.
FAVORITE SUBMISSION: Twister
Fun Fact: Kaiju is working towards his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy and, while not on the mats, loves online gaming and is quite the foodie.
Coach Alex
Coach Alex is a Purple Belt and our kids' program head instructor. He is the other half of Kaiju Bros Jiu-Jitsu and has been training BJJ for over 12 years. He covers adult classes from time to time and has a very top pressure-based approach to BJJ. Growing up around Jiu-Jitsu for more than half his life has given him an appreciation for the art that few can understand. Like his older brother, he also holds a Black Belt in Hawaiian Kenpo and wrestled throughout Jr. HS and HS. He is pursuing his degree in Marine Biology at UCSC.
Favorite Submission: ---
Fun Fact: Alex is quite the fashionista, with shoes being his item of choice, and he spends his free time online gaming.
Prof Chuy
Professor Chuy has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years and was awarded his Black Belt in 2021 by Prof Valentín Urgarte under the Sukata Brothers and is recognized under the Carlson Gracie Federation. He teaches both Gi and NoGi classes a couple of times a week and is a stickler for a strong foundation in the fundamentals. If he can wake up early enough, he might pop his head into the 6a classes from time to time, too. Prof Chuy is an amazing resource and always willing to take the time to explain the importance of little details.
Favorite Submission: ---
Fun Fact: In his downtime, Chuy loves riding his horses and raising his chickens.
Prof Johnny
Professor Johnny received his BJJ Black Belt from Charles Gracie a decade ago. He is a former Professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) and our resident combat Jiu-Jitsu guru. He teaches weekly both Gi and NoGi classes.
Favorite Submission: Triangle from Guard
Fun Fact: On top of being our go-to MMA guy, Johnny is also a Clinical Social Worker.
Prof Sam
Professor Sam is a Black belt under Manny Gonzalez and has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years at numerous gyms across the country due to his military career. He has a background in MMA and wrestling, which he started in 4th grade. Prof Sam teaches our Sat NoGi session and sometimes covers classes when needed. Given the opportunity, he will talk your ear off about all the newest techniques to hit the BJJ scene.
Favorite Submission: North South Kimura
Fun Fact: Sam went to the same high school as country music superstar Garth Brooks.
Coach Jared
Our resident NoGi guy, Jared, has been teaching for a while, starting off over at UCD in the ARC. He found his way to Kaiju a few years ago and now teaches an intermediate NoGi class. Despite his size, Jared is an insanely quick and technical Purple Belt. Don’t let his quiet demeanor throw you off, he’s a killer. When not training or at open mats, you can find him on campus pursuing his PhD in Philosophy.
Favorite Submission: ---
Fun Fact: Jared is deathly afraid of flying and regularly drives to visit his family in SD.
Coach Kris
Coach Kris is a brown belt under esteemed professor Caio Terra. Coach Kris is a seasoned competitor with a rich collection of accolades in both Gi and No-Gi competitions, including an IBJJF Masters World Championship in the Gi. Away from the mat, Coach Kris has a background in Computer Science and years of experience in Silicon Valley. His current passion is supporting mental health with technology solutions.
Favorite Submission: Omoplata
Fun Fact: Kris is a culinary enthusiast who finds great joy in cooking steak.
Coach Aaron
Coach Aaron has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu off and on for about 10 years and handles all the behind-the-scenes aspects of the academy. You can find him bright and early, leading the 6a fundamentals classes and greeting you as you walk into the evening classes. When Coach Aaron is not at the academy, he’s a few blocks away running his bike shop (APEX Cycles) that he opened in 2003.
Favorite Submission: Bottom Side Triangle to Kimura
Fun Fact: Aaron LOVES Boba milk tea drinks.
Join Us on the Mat Your First Week is On Us!
or dial 808-938-JITZ (5489) today!
Proud Partners in Martial Arts Excellence
Proudly Associated with UC Davis and the Caio Terra Association
At Kaiju BJJ Academy, we take pride in our strong associations that elevate our training and community spirit. We are honored to collaborate with UC Davis, coaching their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and hosting the UC Davis Judo Club's weekly practices. These partnerships reflect our commitment to spreading the art and discipline of martial arts within the academic community. Furthermore, our association with the prestigious Caio Terra Association links us to a network of world-class techniques and philosophies. This connection opens doors for our members to exclusive seminars, advanced training methods, and competitive opportunities under the guidance of internationally acclaimed experts. Together, these collaborations enrich our academy's learning environment, offering our students unparalleled experiences in their martial arts journey.
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or dial 808-938-JITZ (5489) today!