During our Brazil Camp last Fall, we visited Professor Tony’s hometown of Recife where we enjoyed incredible beaches trips, trained at various academies in the city, tried new foods and made good friends. It was a trip of a lifetime and a true cultural exchange.
On this trip we also had the privilege of meeting several DreamRoot local leaders who run three jiu jitsu social projects that serve some of the most impoverished populations in Brazil and visited the Arte Suave / DreamRoot Training Center in Paulista, Pernambuco.
Preparing to meet the leaders, Team Passos students donated 150 donated jiu jitsu uniforms (gis) and 50 belts to distribute to their students in need. Each U.S. camp participant brought an extra suitcase filled with the gis and took them to Brazil.
To-date, through Team Passos students and Onda BJJ, we have donated a total of 364 gis.
For many Brazilian students, this was the first gi. To have their own uniform instills a sense of dignity and confidence which enhances learning and growth on the mat. To learn more about the impact of a uniform, check out this blog article.
A boy from the Sertão DreamRoot Training Center shared that the donated gi was actually the first piece of new clothing he has ever received. And many of the gis were delivered to an orphanage in Aldeia, Pernambuco run by DreamRoot local leader Jesse Hall.
As you may imagine, there were many poignant moments during this trip. It was powerful to witness true bonds of friendship, respect and encouragement formed among students and leaders from the U.S. and Brazil. One young man explained that our presence gives them hope and energy to keep going.
Thank you to all who have donated gis over the years. And a huge shout out to the camp participants who help transport all of the gis. Your contributions are changing lives and generations to come.
We are also grateful for the local leaders who run jiu jitsu social initiatives in some tough locations around the world. Through their sacrifice and dedication of continually showing up, they are creating safe and supportive spaces for community members to experience:
Healthy connections
Predictable routines
Activities and relationships that build self-esteem
An alternative to going to the streets or isolating in an empty house
We are preparing for our next Brazil Camp that will take place in October 2022. If you are interested in joining, please contact us at info@teampassos.com.
More about DreamRoot Leadership Institute
DreamRoot Leadership Institute (DreamRoot) is a non-profit that was birthed at Team Passos Jiu Jitsu. It exists to reverse cycles of poverty in underserved communities where people dream of a life that is free of hunger, despair and suffering. They do this by strengthening local leaders and providing training, resources and networks to help launch local initiatives that transform their communities and lead to sustainable social and economic growth.
We have officially launched our Jiu Jitsu Leadership Cohort for Assistant Coaches at Team Passos HQ in partnership with DreamRoot Leadership Institute!
This cohort provides a solid foundation for participants to learn how to facilitate world-class jiu jitsu programs and effectively lead others on and off the mat. In addition to equipping and multiplying coaches at Team Passos, this cohort is also a beta program for DreamRoot. They will soon offer the training program to underserved communities around the world (learn more here).
Over the next 4-months, participants will receive tailored instruction and hands-on experience in how to facilitate classes as an Assistant Coach while developing their leadership skills. Cohort participants also benefit from personal coaching sessions and additional resources throughout the program.
With the mission of the academy being to transform people’s lives through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one student at a time, so they can achieve more, our coaches carry a large leadership responsibility and influence for impacting positive change.
The goal of the cohort is to equip and empower others to fulfill their leadership calling. This program emphasizes the continued development of the participants’ leadership journey. This cohort is not about accumulating more information. Rather, we at Team Passos are seeking transformation in the way we act in our families, workplaces, schools and at the academy; where we further become the leader each of us are called to be. We measure transformation less on “doing” and rather on our perspective and thought processes, which then effects our decisions, actions, and behaviors.
We believe this Assistant Coaches’ training will have a tremendous impact on each program, student, and the academy as whole. We are always working to take your experience at Team Passos to the next level. Continually equipping and developing our coaches is just one way we ensure you gain world-class jiu jitsu instruction and training experience.
Be sure to give a shout out to the cohort participants assisting in class when you see them!
“Jiu Jitsu is just a tool. The academy is just a platform. Remember: it’s always about people” – Tony Passos
Cheers to the first Monday of the year! Ringing in the New Year is a great opportunity to reflect, hit the reset button, and set an annual focus. We are not referring to a New Year’s resolution.
And while we are a huge fan of goal setting, let’s view our goals from the angle of where we are today, where we want to be, and what it will take to get there; that’s what we call narrowing the performance gap.
This begins with vision and is finished by a consistent execution of an intentionally crafted routine.
Vision
We must become clear on where we are going in order to gauge progress, make course corrections and celebrate milestones along the journey, and to realize when we have arrived. Rather than focusing on what we want to do or have, it is important be clear on who we want to become. Who we are determines where we are headed.
Knowing what kind of person you feel called to be and understanding your deeper purpose will guide your goals, and help you align your actions and decisions to your values and priorities.Without this vision,you will be directionless and inevitably waste our time, energy, and potential on seemingly “good” activities at best and become totally derailed at worse.
Through this clarity of vision, you will be able to assess where you are now and how to narrow the performance gap to where you would like to be. The performance gap informs your goal setting.
Once you’ve identified a goal or three, identify the strategy needed to make it a reality and build a routine that will set you up for achieving them. The key is having a deliberate approach, backed by a solid routine. A healthy and balanced routine provides the structure needed for each of us to develop and be our best. It is your daily, weekly, monthly, and even annual routine that facilitates you to achieve your desired goals and sustains your success. It provides a Lacking this will lead to frustration and unfulfilled potential.
High performers stick to the basics. They develop, refine, and execute a fundamental routine that positions them for success. Theythen commit to walking out that routine with a level of focus and excellence. Instead of becoming bored with routine and monotony, and subsequently veering off course to chase the next fleeting idea, high performers commit to implementing an intentionally crafted routine to achieve their vision, periodically evaluating for opportunities to adjust and fine-tune.
This is the same approach we take when drilling in class. Even after having learned a new technique, we rep it over and over. The reason for this goes beyond just developing the skill of applying the technique effectively during a roll. The more we repeat the same technique, the deeper we will understand the position. As the technique becomes second nature to us, we are then able refine it, explore various angles, and build upon it. This routine of repeating the same drills over and over deepens our understanding the position and ultimately the art of jiu jitsu. And this is what allows us to progress in our jiu jitsu journey.
Repping a well-crafted routine that is critical to our development and performance so that we can achieve our goals and dreams on and off the mats. Rather than wearing ourselves out by trying to control the outcome, focus on the process. Put into practice what you know to do and commit to consistently walking out your responsibility.
As you build a routine around the person you want to become, pay attention to how you allot your time. Time is our most precious resource. How we invest, or waste, time reveals our priorities. Be intentional with your day by prioritizing your time in a way that builds foundational habits that lead you to becoming the person you feel called to and to live in your deeper purpose.
Here are some practical tips that lead to higher performance:
Designate specific days that you consistently train. If you miss a day, focus on getting back into the rhythm of your set training routine.
Make healthy eating and getting adequate sleep non-negotiable. Manage your water intake to be able to perform your best on the mat (and in life). Fun fact, did you know that sleep is most directly tied to vitality?
Know who and what empowers you to perform at your highest level and prioritize them.
Embrace and honor your human limitations. Design a realistic schedule that keeps your bucket full. Creating rhythms of work, play, and rest. Commit to taking a day off once a week, make space to reflect and process, connect with your teammates, and do things just because you enjoy them.
As we roll into this New Year, let’s focus on narrowing our performance gap between where we are today, and who we want to become. Let’s continue to stretch ourselves outside of our comfort zone and put into practice what we know to do. Start by clarifying your vision, setting goals, and building a routine; a routine where every piece of your day is designed to help you be your best and perform at your highest level. Then, check in with yourself regularly. Take time to reflect, process, and make any adjustments daily, quarterly, and annually.
You will experience exponential grow as you execute a routine that builds upon your cumulated successes from the days and weeks before. Rather than a destination to arrive at or a task to perform, embrace the process, with all its joys, trials, and everything in between. We are here for you at the academy as we walk alongside you in this journey together.
What is one thing you can start doing immediately that will get you further on the path of who you want to become?
And, while we’re at it, choose one thing you should stop doing immediately that would help you perform at your best.
We are super excited to be partnering with a new non-profit called DreamRoot Leadership Institute. DreamRoot serves to reverse the cycles of poverty by unleashing the potential of local leaders in under-resourced communities to solve local challenges and raise up others to do the same. The objective of this partnership is to expand the impact of our Jiu Jitsu outreach efforts which we have been implementing here in the U.S. and abroad in Brazil.
Our mission is to transform people’s lives through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — one student at a time — so that they can achieve more. We have a vision to see every person, regardless of their life’s circumstances, be given the opportunity to realize and achieve their dreams; where they are living out their fullest potential and all of society advances as a result.
Over the years, Team Passos has been involved in using Jiu Jitsu programs in the slums of Brazil and even here in Virginia as a way to reach children, youth, and adults to build life skills, mentor, and cast a higher vision for their lives. In addition to the regular gi donations, we have been training and mentoring several Jiu Jitsu Professors running BJJ initiatives in Brazil. With this new non-profit, we will be able to expand the reach and thus the impact.
These initiatives and the impact are the fruit of the collective action, heart and dreams of everyone here at Team Passos. Each of our students have been a huge part in bringing this to reality through your support and encouragement. I want to take this time to thank again everyone who has donated gis over the years. Here is a more thorough update about our gi drives.
What we’re working on in 2020:
In collaboration with DreamRoot, we will launch our first 6-month Jiu Jitsu Leader Incubator Cohort for several local leaders running programs in Northeast Brazil. These cohorts offer needed training, resources and a support network for leaders working in some challenging environments.
We are in the process of renovating one of the Jiu Jitsu academies we have been working with into a training center. The center offers additional programs like English, music, and entrepreneurial classes to students who would otherwise not have access to such programs.
In the near future we desire to roll out virtual leadership and entrepreneurial incubator cohorts for at-risk youth and underprivileged individuals.
I’d like to invite you to check out the DreamRoot website. If you would like to learn more about DreamRoot or would like to get involved, please let us know.
Bom dia and happy Labor Day! This year we roll in the 125th anniversary of Labor Day becoming a holiday in the United States. It is a holiday honoring the social and economic achievement of workers and consequently their contributions to the world. As a nation, we celebrate the value and dignity of each of our work and what it contributes to the greater society.
Upon immigrating to the U.S. over 15 years ago, I began my initial years working odd jobs from raking leaves to singing as the mouse and then cleaning toilets at Chuck E. Cheese. While the work was not easy, the hours were long, and the language was foreign, I would not change this experience for anything. There is a beauty in working with excellence in anything we are tasked with. After holding on to the vision of one day teaching Jiu Jitsu for a living and owning an academy, my dream eventually became a reality.
The testimony of an environment that allows people to progress when they work hard and pursue their dreams is not an advantage that many around the world have available to them. I am blessed to have had this opportunity here in the U.S. and am grateful for all those who have helped make this possible. It is because of having received this chance in life that I am keenly aware of my both privilege in receiving it and responsibility to steward it.
None of us arrive on our own. We are standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. And we have an obligation to lift others up to rise together. We are called to greatness and we are capable of achieving it.
As I reflect on the Labor Day holiday, it is my hope that we each, collectively, develop our talents and ideas to contribute ingenuity and progress to the world. That we spend our time on higher pursuits. To invest our resources in the advancement of society. And wield our influence to foster unity. This is not just a hope, but it is what we work toward every day at Team Passos. It is absolutely humbling to see how far we as a team have come and what we have accomplished in such a relatively short amount of time. And to think, it all started with a dream coupled with the willingness and ability to work hard, planted in an environment that allowed it to flourish.
The world needs your dreams and your work. I encourage everyone to go after their dreams and work hard until it is realized. You will greatly impact those around you. Together we can accomplish more than we could ever imagine possible.
Jiu Jitsu has proven to be a catalyst of transformation in so many people’s lives. Over and over we hear one inspirational success story after another. From the underdog rising to victory, being able to overcome physical, emotional, and mental barriers, to Jiu Jitsu being the vehicle out of poverty. The transformation in people’s lives through the art of Jiu Jitsu is undeniable. I have experienced such transformation in my own life and have the privilege to continually witness it first-hand in my students and coaching team. But what is it about Jiu Jitsu that is so transformational?
Jiu Jitsu by nature throws us into vulnerable and uncomfortable positions where we wrestle head-on with our own limitations. It is on the mat where we come face-to-face with our personal challenges and push past what has previously held us back. But what makes Jiu Jitsu so extraordinary is the community and BJJ family you find there. It is in a supportive BJJ community that allows us to consistently come to that place of vulnerability where we learn and progress. Essentially it is relationships that transform.
Coming to the U.S. in 2004, with my family living in Brazil, I found myself without an immediate community and attempting to navigate a new culture and customs all alone. I lost no time in finding a gym to continue my Jiu Jitsu training. It was there that I met many friends who helped me learn the ropes in this new city and encouraged me to go after my dream of teaching and coaching Jiu Jitsu for a living. They are still my close friends today, 15 years later. Jiu Jitsu connects us with lifelong friends to go through the ups and downs of life together; celebrating the successes and helping us to keep going through setbacks.
As much as I appreciate the time on the mat in a gi, it is those moments outside of the class time that are the most critical. Where I have seen the most incredible transformations take place in people’s lives is on the benches off to the side of the mats and in the locker rooms. It is during the side-talks 15 to 20 minutes after class. There is no denying that when we fall into an unfavorable position while rolling, we are offered an effective tool to grow emotionally and physically. However, it is a supportive training environment with encouraging teammates that facilitates the beautiful art of Jiu Jitsu to truly shine. It is in this collaborative culture that allows us to face challenges, grow stronger and progress further in the face of adversity than if we were to go it alone.
The academy is a place to connect with others and make friends. It is a place where students and parents come to leave behind the stress from their work day and decompress before transitioning home for the evening. With busy schedules where it often requires weeks of scheduling in advance to find a time to meet up with an old friend, the academy is a constant place where you can walk in and meet-up with friends any day of the week.
The art of Jiu Jitsu and the community at the academy has a huge impact in our own lives and the lives of our family members. But you also have a huge impact in other people’s lives at the academy. Every time you walk through the doors, you have an opportunity to be a positive influence for someone else. Just a simple “hi, how are you?” can be the one interaction that transforms your teammate’s life. It may not necessarily be the technique I taught in class that day but rather a small gesture of acknowledgement that has the power to unlock a smile. And it is amazing that in the process of reaching out to others we ourselves are also blessed and transformed.
This is why I encourage all of my students to hang out after class. I see a huge difference in the students who stay a little longer. It is in those 15 to 20 minutes before, but even more after class, once you have the chance to decompress and leave it all on the mat, where relationships are built and breakthroughs happen.
The theme of our academy is that it is not about Jiu Jitsu. It is about the connections and relationships made through Jiu Jitsu. I have seen little else rival the mats of Jiu Jitsu in creating an environment that transforms lives. This is the Jiu Jitsuexperience. And I guarantee that this will be a game changer for your life.
Coach Rob is a blue belt under Professor Tony Passos. He had been training martial arts since he was a young kid and first began training jiu jitsu in the summer of 2019. With a passion for teaching and a life goal of opening his own martial arts academy, Coach Rob decided to add the study of jiu jitsu to his skill set.
He currently assists in both the Kids Zoo-Jitsu program and Adults Fundamentals program. Coach Rob is a gifted teacher and is passionate about seeing others grow and develop their martial arts skills.
“My favorite part of being a coach is the ability to help others get better at jiu-jitsu and watching students grow. I’m motivated by seeing students become proficient in the areas they once found challenging and witnessing them have those lightbulb moments. My passion for coaching comes from my underlying love for martial arts and sharing that with others around me.” - Coach Rob
Coach Bear is a purple belt under Professor Tony Passos. He started training jiu jitsu in 2010 at the age of 5 years old in the Kids Zoo-Jitsu Program. It was in the kids program where he gained the nickname “Bear” as his chosen animal name. When his dad tried enrolling him in wrestling, they realized he was too young for that program. That’s when he came upon jiu jitsu at Team Passos. He has always been interested in martial arts and immediately feel in love with the challenge of jiu jitsu.
A natural competitor, Coach Bear participated in his first competition just 3 months after starting his training journey. Taking 1st place at this tournament ignited a passion in him to become a great competitor and learn all that he can about the art of jiu jitsu. Not only is Coach Bear an avid competitor, he also enjoys helping others learn the art of jiu jitsu. Seeing students grow and improve their skills motivates and inspires Coach Bear to teach.
“I love to compete but I also have a passion for coaching jiu jitsu. It brings me great joy to help people accomplish their goals both on and off the mats. Seeing the students come to class and better themselves is a true inspiration. What really draws me to coaching is the people. I really enjoy meeting new people at the academy. The relationships I have made with people in the community have been life changing. “- Coach Bear
Below is a list of recent competitions he has won:
2021 - IBJJF Pan-American Championship – 1st place
2021 - IBJJF World Championship – 1st place
2021 – IBJJF New Orleans Open – 1st place division and open-class
2021 – IBJJF Orlando Open – 1st place
2020 – Fight 2 Win Promotions record of 3 wins – 0 losses
2019 – IBJJF Kids’ International Championship – 1st place
2018 – IBJJF KIds’ International Championship – 1st place
Coach Olivia is a purple belt under Professor Tony. She began training jiu jitsu in August 2016 at the age of 12 years old. She sought out jiu jitsu as a way to build her self-confidence, be mentally and physically challenged, and have a positive outlet. She knows what a positive impact Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had on her life and truly wants to share that with others.
Coach Olivia’s favorite part about being a coach is seeing the progress and growth of the students. The people in Team Passos and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu itself have helped her tremendously through her struggles on and off the mat. She loves to help people, see them meet their goals, and watch as they overcome obstacles. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a daily part of Coach Olivia’s life and she couldn’t imagine spending her days any other way.
Coach Olivia is a frequent competitor and has recently won or medaled in the following competitions:
2021 IBJJF Worlds - 1st place
2021 IBJJF Pan Ams - 1st place
2021 IBJJF Orlando Summer Open - 1st place
2021 IBJJF Charleston Open - 2nd place
2021 IBJJF New Orleans open - 2nd place division and open-class
2021 IBJJF Orlando Open - 1st place
2020 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open - 1st place
2019 IBJJF Worlds - 2nd place
2019 IBJJF New York Fall Open - 2nd place division and 1st place open-class
2019 IBJJF Atlanta Summer Open - 1st place division and open-class
Coach Jesse is a blue belt under Professor Tony Passos. He first came to Team Passos in 2015 to enroll his son in the Kids Zoo-Jitsu Program. In February 2019, after years of watching his son from the sidelines, he decided to step on the mats and begin his own training journey. He was encouraged by Coach Noel who helped him realize that “the right time to start is right now.” Once he began his training, Coach Jesse realized the power of just showing up and getting on the mats, even when it can sometimes be a struggle getting to class.
It was in 2020, after earning his blue belt, that Coach Jesse undertook his next challenge and first began assisting as a coach in the Adult Fundamentals classes. He found that the same lesson taught to newer students about controlling your breathing was applicable in his role as a coach. “When you control your breathing, you control your emotions.” This is a reminder that helps Coach Jesse slow down and focus to share his passion and knowledge of techniques with students. He is motivated to help others learn and excited to see students improving from a complete beginner, to receiving their first stripe, to earning their blue belt, and beyond.
“I try to focus on today because I know the learnings of today will be the foundation of my Jiu-Jitsu. I strive to be consistent in my training and coaching in my attendance and my effort. I enjoy having training partners that look forward to working with me and it's motivating to see each other's improvement. The BJJ community is welcoming and I have met many new friends. If we haven't met yet, I look forward to training with you too! “- Coach Jesse
Coach Jason is a purple belt under Professor Tony Passos. He first began training jiu jitsu in 2010 while living in California. He was inspired to begin training by his security guard friend who demonstrated his jiu jitsu skills of control, self-defense, and discipline. His favorite part of training jiu jitsu is the healthy lifestyle changes it has allowed him to embrace. Coach Jason loves the positive environment, both physically and spiritually, that the Team Passos community provides.
He currently assists in our Kids Zoo-Jitsu classes and works hard to inspire the students in their training. Coach Jason finds the most gratifying part of being a coach is watching the positive effects jiu jitsu has on the kids and his fellow training partners. He sees the great benefits of consistently pursuing something challenging, to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“Coaching is a great way to help the kids but really, they are helping me. I get a chance to articulate jiu jitsu moves and concepts which in turn help me increase my own understanding. I’ve realized you don’t truly understand jiu jitsu until you’re able to teach it to someone else. I hope to continue coaching and training at Team Passos for many more years to come.” - Coach Jason
Coach Noel is a purple belt under Professor Tony Passos. From a young age, Coach Noel was fascinated by martial arts. He learned about jiu jitsu and the concept of a “ground game” when he watched the original UFC 1 back in 1993. It wasn’t until July 2015 when Coach Noel took his first steps toward his martial arts journey by joining Team Passos.
Just a few months after beginning his training, he began helping coach in the Kids Zoo-Jitsu classes and continued for several years. He believes his experience assisting in the kids' classes helped him transition into teaching classes as a lead instructor. Currently, Coach Noel leads the morning All-Levels Program and finds it to be a truly fulfilling and satisfying experience.
“Coaching is truly an art; I admire Professor Tony and Professor Josh's ability to effectively convey concepts and techniques in a way that students can easily understand. I try my best to emulate them in my coaching. While challenging, I enjoy helping and motivating students to understand concepts and techniques. Jiu-jitsu has truly helped me to see that I'm more physically and mentally capable than I thought I was. This is what motivates me in my time coaching and what my goal is for the students: to help students realize that while Jiu-Jitsu is hard they can get through it and be a better person for it, on and off the mats.” - Coach Noel
Coach Jason is a purple belt under Professor Tony Passos. Being a fan of MMA, he loved the submissions and grappling the most. Realizing how effective the ground game is led him to try out Jiu Jitsu and he has been hooked every since.
A encouraging team player is how we would describe Coach Jason. He also demonstrates the tremendous power of what showing up and working hard accomplishes. He is studying full-time in college, often wakes up by 4:00 am to work at his job at Starbucks, and makes it to the academy to train and coach in the evenings. And, he balances all of this with a upbeat and friendly attitude that is contagious.
Coach Jason shares that: “Jiu Jitsu has been a catalyst for my personal development and I am a much better human being today because of Jiu Jitsu and the great team I am surrounded by. My favorite part of coaching is the opportunity to positively influence the students — the same way I have been positively influenced through training and access to a great team. I wholeheartedly believe that Jiu Jitsu can change someone’s life. Everyone at Team Passos will welcome you into the family with open arms as soon as you walk through the doors and will work with you to achieve all your goals both on the mat and off.”
Dave Lee is a black belt under Professor Tony Passos. He began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007. While searching for more exciting form of exercise, he discovered BJJ and never looked back. He joined Team Passos in 2015 and began coaching due to his passion for BJJ and his desire to share that with other students.
Dave is an example of what the power of consistently showing up to class can accomplish. He is an extremely dedicated student of the art of Jiu Jitsu and also extremely dedicated in helping with our Intermediate program. He is always with a smile on his face and willing to give of his own time for the benefit of others.
Coach Matt is a pillar in our Fundamentals program. Coach Matt began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017. He grew up doing martial arts, and was looking to try something new after a few years hiatus. After searching the web for local BJJ academies, he found Team Passos and tried a class. His interest turned into a passion and he has been training consistently ever since.
Coach Matt welcomes and partners with newer students on the mat to help them learn proper Jiu Jitsu while also making it a fun experience. He is a hard worker and is always willing to chip in to help at the academy wherever he sees the need. Coach Matt is extremely focused on the growth of his Jiu Jitsu and embraces the process of getting out of his comfort zone in order to learn the art of Jiu Jiu and grow both on and off the mat.
Professor Megan is a black belt under Professor Tony Passos. She started her Jiu Jitsu journey in November 2012 while living abroad in China. After moving home to the U.S. she began training at an affiliate gym, The Winchester Jiu Jitsu Academy, which led her to join Team Passos HQ in 2018. Professor Megan enjoys the challenge of competition but is most driven by her passion to share Jiu Jitsu through coaching. She is also dedicated to building women’s presence on the mat and leads women’s training events at Team Passos.
Coach Jimmy is a black belt under Professor Tony Passos. He was one of the first Team Passos students well over a decade ago. He is a true example of what consistency in training can accomplish while also being a husband and dad and building a career. Coach Jimmy has always been a great source of encouragement to everyone at the academy. His quick wit and the jokes he brings to the mat make the process of learning the art of Jiu Jitsu even more fun.
Professor Andrew Potocko is a black belt under Professor Tony Passos. He began training Jiu Jitsu in 2011 while working and attending college part-time. Professor Andrew played multiple sports growing up, including soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and golf. The transition to Jiu Jitsu came after high school as “a way to exercise and stay healthy in a structured and disciplined environment.”
In 2013 he competed in the IBJJF World Championship, placing third in his division. Also during this time, he began teaching Jiu Jitsu as an Assistant Coach in the Kids "Zoo-Jitsu" and Adults Fundamentals programs. It was Professor Andrew’s experience as a coach inspired him to study education and earn a degree in kinesiology at the University of Maryland.
Professor Andrew is extremely consistent in his own training and approaches all he does with a high level of excellence. He wears multiple hats at the Team Passos. As Academy Manager he makes sure everything runs smoothly and is always a friendly face to greet everyone when they walk in. As an Instructor, he has an ability to explain the details of each position very well and is able to tailor his teaching style to the student. He enjoys helping the students understand the basic concepts and skills to provide them with a foundational knowledge of the sport.
As a brown belt under Professor Tony Passos, Coach Paul assists in teaching the Kids’ "Zoo-Jitsu" program. Having spent years learning Jiu Jitsu, he enjoys teaching the kids as a way to give back and to ensure that the knowledge of Jiu Jitsu gets passed on. Coach Paul is also a second degree black belt in karate. His inspiration to train Jiu Jitsu came from the way it applies basic principles to great effect.
Coach Paul truly gets the vision that our Jiu Jitsu program is a means of investing in our students and providing the tools to succeed in life. For him, the most fulfilling aspect of teaching the kids class is to see how quickly the kids learn and apply the art. His teaching methodology emphasizes both mental and physical skills. He encourages the kids to think through their decisions of what technique to choose and why and then the correct method to implement. Coach Paul believes that by learning BJJ, the kids are able to gain a mental framework to succeed in school and life while maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
"Those kids on the mats are the future of Jiu Jitsu, and they are the future of the world. My hope is that I can take the investments that others have made into me, and multiply it by sharing what I've learned with each of those children. Not just reciting techniques for them to memorize by rote, but shaping their environment and giving them the input, challenges, and encouragement needed to cause them to grow into good people, to make mental connections, to develop good habits, to lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle - and maybe, just maybe, put them in a position to one day do things that will amaze everyone. We hear 'it's not about Jiu Jitsu' a lot, but it's true: Jiu Jitsu is a vehicle for investing in others." - Coach Paul
Professor Joshua Pike is a black belt under Professor Tony Passos. He began training Jiu Jitsu at the age of thirteen in Team Passos' Kids "Zoo-Jitsu" program. At that time, Professor Josh’s little sister had wanted to try Jiu Jitsu so he and his brothers accompanied her so that she would not be alone. He is now a huge part of our team today.
Professor Josh began teaching in the fall of 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania while attending school at Penn State University. He realized quickly that he had a passion to help others grow and succeed in life through Jiu Jitsu. Professor Josh loves to train because “it can allow us to achieve anything in life.” Professor Josh graduated with a degree in kinesiology from the University of Pennsylvania and wishes to continue training to become a World Champion while attending graduate school.
He has not only become a fantastic Instructor and Coach but he has proven himself as a top competitor on the BJJ stage. He is extremely dedicated to ensuring that each student progresses in their understanding of Jiu Jitsu and improves in their own BJJ journey. Professor Josh loves being able to see the joy that students experience while they are learning the art. His commitment to his dreams, the academy and student, and the art of Jiu Jitsu inspires us all.
Below are the most recent competitions Josh has competed and placed in:
2019 CBJJ Brasileiro Championship – 3rd Place 2019 Chicago Spring Open – 3rd Place Fight 2 Win Pro 82 Winner Fight 2 Win Pro 70 Winner 2018 Atlanta Winter Open – 2nd Place Fight 2 Win Pro 53 Winner – Submission of the night Fight 2 Win Pro 42 Winner 2017 Atlanta Winter Open – 1st Place 2016 Miami Winter Open – 2nd Place 2016 Long Beach Winter Open – 1st Place 2016 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open – 1st Place 2015 IBJJF Seattle Open – 1st Place 2013 IBJJF New York Open – 3rd Place 2011 IBJJF New York Open – 2nd Place 2009 IBJJF World Championships – 3rd Place
Professor Tony Passos is one of the few Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts under Ricardo de la Riva. He is currently an IBJJF certified third degree black belt and a proud member and coach of Team Atos Jiu Jitsu.
Professor Tony started training Jiu-Jitsu at 18 years old in Recife, Brazil and began teaching in 2002. He has trained with and learned from world champions such as Andre Galvao, Guto Campos, Claudio Calasans and many others.
Tony has won and medaled in many prestigious competitions such as:
IBJJF Chicago Open 2013 IBJJF Chicago Open 2012 IBJJF Pan American Championships 2011 Abu Dhabi Pro 2010 IBJJF Pan American Championships 2010 IBJJF Houston Open 2010 IBJJF US National Championships 2009 BJJF Miami Open 2009
Having retired from competing to pursue his passion of teaching and coaching, Professor Tony coaches some of the top world Jiu Jitsu athletes on the biggest world stages of Jiu Jitsu. He brings the skill and experience of an accomplished BJJ practitioner and world-renowned coach to his local students and affiliates. His passion for teaching the art of Jiu Jitsu is undeniable. When he is coaching or even teaching class you can hear Professor Tony a mile away. He brings a sense of humor to the mats and as well as an unsurpassed work ethic.
Professor Tony has dedicated himself to the development of his students both on and off the mat. He works closely with all of his students on goal settings and developing personal training plans and competition strategies. His gift of teaching and exceptional knowledge of Jiu Jitsu allows him to break down a complex position in a step-by-step, easily understood manner. His teaching style consists of explaining a position from various angles while tailoring the instruction to best suit the student’s learning style and body style.
Professor Tony also works with each of our coaches and affiliates to pass along this holistic approach to Jiu Jitsu and comprehension of the art so that our students will be able to understand and apply the art of Jiu Jitsu at the highest level.
Above all, Professor Tony believes that Jiu Jitsu allows anyone to improve and transform their own lives through focus and consistently putting in the work on the mat while enjoying the journey together.
Jiu Jitsu has proven to be a catalyst of transformation in so many people’s lives. Over and over we hear one inspirational success story after another. From the underdog rising to victory, being able to overcome physical, emotional, and mental barriers, to Jiu Jitsu being the vehicle out of poverty. The transformation in people’s lives through the art of Jiu Jitsu is undeniable. I have experienced such transformation in my own life and have the privilege to continually witness it first-hand in my students and coaching team. But what is it about Jiu Jitsu that is so transformational?
