Home/Team
Meet our instructors.
Ten dedicated instructors and coaches with deep technical knowledge, real teaching experience, and a passion for helping every student improve.
Home/Team
Ten dedicated instructors and coaches with deep technical knowledge, real teaching experience, and a passion for helping every student improve.
Welcome to Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Middletown. Our team of instructors brings a wealth of knowledge, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to helping you reach your goals. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned grappler, you'll find your coach here.
Black Belt since 2013 · Training since 2002
Professor Paul ‘Jagua’ Minore is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Master Renzo Gracie and Professor Rolles Gracie, and one of the pioneering members of the Renzo Gracie NYC Academy. Beginning his journey as a teenager, Paul has devoted the past 22 years to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating unwavering dedication and skill. His extensive training and competition experience span the globe, including stints in Brazil, Canada, and Spain. In recent years, Professor Paul has channeled his passion into teaching and coaching, playing a pivotal role in developing the next generation of jiu-jitsu students. His steadfast commitment to his students and the Renzo Gracie legacy is evident in every class he teaches.
Professor Paul's illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades and a profound influence on the jiu-jitsu community. His transition to teaching has allowed him to impart his vast knowledge and experience to his students, ensuring that the Renzo Gracie tradition of excellence continues to thrive.
Black Belt since 2017 · Training since 2001
Professor Bob has been training in the martial arts since 1994 and teaching since 1996, with a lifelong passion for teaching both kids and adults. Bob has been owner/operator of Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu — Middletown, NJ since 1998. He started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2001 and has been a Black Belt since 2017.
Black Belt since 2008 · Training since 2000
I am practicing my 23rd year of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and I am a fourth-degree black belt under Daniel Gracie. I received my first black belt from Renzo Gracie and Ricardo Almeida, both internationally world-renowned competitive fighters.
Jiu-Jitsu has been a positive motivating factor in my life for over two decades. As a teacher, I have seen firsthand the dramatic impact the craft can have on people's lives. Bringing people together who might normally never meet and building a stronger community through fitness is my life's work.
I served in the Marines from November 1992 to November 1996 and was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal. I served as 0351 Anti-Tank Assaultman and Demolition Expert (Dragon Gunner). My experience in the military helped fuel an early love of mixed martial arts that continues today.
I also served as a Drill Instructor for the Juvenile Justice Commission, aiding in the transition of street-minded delinquents to disciplined and productive members of society. That experience showed firsthand the value and impact of exercise, discipline, and positive reinforcement in improving self-esteem and personal outlook.
Black Belt since 2022 · Training since 2008
I started my journey in Jiu-Jitsu in March 2009 at Brunswick Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Hazim. I then remained with Brunswick BJJ and trained under Professor Gary Tonnon until I briefly switched affiliations and trained with Team Jucao (Grand Master Jucao). In 2020 I decided to come back to where I belonged — Renzo Gracie BJJ — where I've remained to this day. I received my black belt in June of 2022. The teammates I train with every day have brought my Jiu-Jitsu to another level; it's one of the toughest rooms I've ever had the pleasure to train in.
"Some days you are the hammer, and some days you are the nail."
Black Belt since 2023 · Training since 2013
I started training in Tae Kwon Do / Karate in January 1985 after getting a 7-week trial membership for Christmas.
Became an assistant instructor in 1992 and a certified instructor in 1995. Competed successfully and frequently through the '90s. Achieved the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in 2008.
After years of being interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and recognizing its incredible effectiveness, the transition to BJJ was made in 2013. Started as a BJJ coach in 2021, working alongside and under the guidance of the senior professors at the academy.
I was incredibly honored to be awarded my BJJ Black Belt by Rolles Gracie in 2023.
Training since 2009
Training since 2011 · Brown Belt
Training under Rolles, Paul, and Bob has been phenomenal. I have made great friends and created awesome memories at the academy. I consider this crew my family and look forward to training and growing with all of them.
Training since 2013
Training since 2018
Purple Belt · Training since 2020
Dakota Esparra is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who began his journey in 2020. Training at the esteemed Renzo Gracie Academy in Middletown, NJ, Dakota has rapidly progressed through the ranks, earning his purple belt through consistent hard work and a passion for the sport. Known for his competitive spirit, Dakota regularly participates in BJJ tournaments, showcasing his skills and representing his academy with pride. His commitment to BJJ is evident in his disciplined training regimen and his continuous pursuit of excellence on and off the mats.
The top-rated instructors are very dedicated to improving the level of every single student.
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