EAST COUNTY JIU-JITSU ACADEMY
Meet the Coaches
Our coaches are experts in both Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, each bringing their unique story to the table. Read on to discover which you will be training with.
Professor Steven
Black Belt
Coach Dustin
Purple Belt
Coach Mere
Purple Belt
With over 14 years of martial arts experience, Professor Steven is a dedicated black belt who has honed his skills both in the gym and the cage. Having competed in 3 MMA bouts with an impressive 3-1 record, he brings real-world experience to his teaching. His focus is on self-defense, emphasizing practical techniques that empower students to defend themselves and confidently hold their own in any situation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Professor Steven's classes are designed to build both skill and confidence.
Coach Dustin brings boundless energy and determination to everything he does, always ready to embrace the flow of life. A purple belt with 4 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, Dustin has discovered a true passion on the mats. Dustin's Jiu-Jitsu journey began a little later than most. After enrolling his kids in classes and cheering them on from the sidelines, he decided to jump in himself. Starting in his 30s was an eye-opening experience. He’s tried other sports before, but nothing compares to the challenges and rewards of Jiu-Jitsu. The sport has connected him with people from all walks of life—stay-at-home parents, engineers, police officers—and each interaction has added to his appreciation for the diverse BJJ community. For Dustin, Jiu-Jitsu has been more than just a workout. It’s built his confidence, made him stronger, and taught him how to defend himself and others—skills that go beyond the mats. If you’re looking to get in shape, build confidence, and meet incredible people, Dustin encourages you to take that first step and try a class. And above all, enjoy the process and have fun!
Coach Mere has been training Jiu-Jitsu for three years and is a Purple Belt. With a passion for teaching and a focus on individual progress, Coach Mere has created a supportive and engaging learning environment for kids at all levels. His experience includes competing in four tournaments, and he brings that competitive spirit into his teaching. In his classes, Coach Mere emphasizes fundamental techniques, such as guard passing, and uses challenge-based activities to make learning fun and interactive. His goal is to help each child build confidence, discipline, and a strong Jiu-Jitsu foundation while encouraging personal growth and mastery of core skills. Whether in drills or games, Coach Mere believes in fostering an environment where every student can thrive and develop their own path in Jiu-Jitsu.
