Overcoming significant challenges in his early life in Lima, Peru, he managed to turn his life around with the support of a mentor. His journey from facing hardships on the streets to becoming a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner alongside his cousin, UFC fighter Kenny Florian, highlights the transformative power of mentorship and determination.

His decision to return to Peru and establish Guardian Peru, a social project dedicated to helping underprivileged youth in Mancora, shows his commitment to giving back to the community. This initiative undoubtedly has a profound impact on the lives of many young people, providing them with opportunities and guidance that Salvatore himself once needed.

Expanding Guardian to a second location in Peru further demonstrates Salvatore's dedication to his mission. Serving as a mentor and a pillar in his community, he stands as a testament to the positive change one individual can bring about through resilience, compassion, and hard work.

Coach Nick is the founder of Guardian Project Los Angeles and Omni Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He earned his black belt from Professor Shawn Williams and previously taught both adults and youth at Renzo Gracie Los Angeles. In August 2021, he opened Omni Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

In his youth, Coach Nick experienced bullying. His grandmother, unable to afford martial arts tuition for him, found help when the head instructor at a local BJJ gym offered Nick a scholarship to train without charge. Starting at age 7, Coach Nick embarked on his martial arts journey, finding a safe haven in the dojo where he learned self-defense and gained self-confidence. He was guided by mentors who understood the challenges he faced as a youth with limited financial means.

These early experiences profoundly influenced Coach Nick, helping shape him into the respected leader he is today. With the opening of Omni Jiu-Jitsu Academy in South Los Angeles, he prioritized accessibility of Jiu-Jitsu training for all young people, regardless of their financial background. In June 2022, he founded Guardian Los Angeles with the aim of assisting youth facing similar challenges, offering them support and opportunities through Jiu-Jitsu, mirroring his own life-changing experience.

In 2001, Jeff Morris, originally from Greenwich and a member of the United States Marine Corps, discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Now, 21 years later, with extensive experience in both training and teaching, Jeff realizes how much he initially underestimated this martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a multitude of benefits, from self-defense and competitive skills to personal empowerment, bullying prevention, and even spiritual growth. Having grown up in a financially challenged environment within a wealthy community, Jeff didn't have opportunities to engage in sports. Today, leveraging his position, he is driven to provide Jiu-Jitsu opportunities for young people in similar situations. His role in law enforcement allows him to connect with and mentor at-risk youth, inviting them to join his academy. Additionally, Jeff is a certified instructor for law enforcement in the State of Connecticut and a qualified Emergency Medical Technician.

Carlos started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu about 14 years ago at the Yamasaki Academy in Rockville. He was looking for an activity to burn off some extra energy and help him deal with his emotions, but lifting weights simply wasn’t cutting it.

“I had some issues not only with energy but also with a little bit of anger and not knowing how to filtrate my energy,” he said.

Raba found the cure with Jiu-Jitsu, but he also found something more: a community. Now a black belt himself, Raba wants to pass down his knowledge and love for Jiu Jitsu to community members in Baltimore

Locura is a dedicated martial artist, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo. Since 2021, Locura has served as the head instructor at Guardian Baltimore, guiding students with expertise and passion. With a commitment to sharing knowledge, Locura has been teaching kids the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2010, building on previous experience in wrestling.

Alongside a loving wife and two cherished dogs, Zoe and Tia, Locura finds joy in the simple moments shared at home. Locura enjoys connecting with others through engaging conversations over a cup of coffee, fostering meaningful connections and relationships.

Aaron holds an impressive track record as an IBJJF World, Pan American, No Gi World, American National Champion (twice), and US Open Champion (three times). He is the founding head instructor of ZMATA and Guardian East Bay. With a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Soul Fighters, Aaron is also a certified coach with the California Interscholastic Federation. His commitment to martial arts and competitive athletics is deeply rooted, influenced by his father, a retired high school teacher, athletic director, and coach. Aaron's journey through martial arts began with an interest in Kajukenbo and Kickboxing, eventually leading to a profound dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He firmly believes in the transformative power of martial arts in improving lives, a principle he actively promotes and integrates into his teaching and coaching philosophy.

Steven “Stevie” Martin Jr. is a lifelong martial artist that began his martial arts journey over thirty years ago. Stevie is a Black Belt (Sandan) in Judo receiving his black belt from Olympic/Paralympic Judo Coach Willy Cahill. Stevie has travelled all over the world competing in Judo and Wrestling. Stevie was a 2002 NCAA All-American Wrestler at Loras College (2nd NCAA DIII), and a former member of the US Olympic Training Center Judo Team in Colorado Springs. Stevie also was employed as a Police Officer where he was a K9 Handler and a Defensive Tactics Instructor.

Mark Gutierrez has been studying and competing in Brazilian jiu jitsu since 2008, under the tutelage of Tom Knox Black belt under Cleber Luciano. Mark Holds a Black Belt In BJJ

"Jiu jitsu has been a life changer for me. Before, I had very low self esteem and not much pride in myself, jiu jitsu changed that for me. Through training BJJ I was able to over come fears and become comfortable in my own skin, loosing weight and gaining confidence. “

Mark brings his passion to help youth follow in his footsteps

Tim is the head instructor and owner of 10th Planet Nashville the Guardian Scholarship there. Tim attributes jiu jistu to changing his social circle to be around people pushing themselves to do hard things. Through the Guardian scholarship Tim welcomes underprivileged teens to his team at 10th Planet Nashville where they will have an array of support behind them.

Jose was born on a Native American reservation and understands the value that training can have on a young persons life. He is the owner and head instructor of Mt. Hood Impact and has a passion to help others follow his path.

David is a 4th-degree black belt under Ralph Gracie. David and Zagdaa hold strong ties with the Mongolian community, as Zagdaa grew up there, and the pair have spent a considerable amount of time in the country. David was Head Referee for the Mongolian Jiu Jitsu Federation (2010) and is currently the Vice President of the Federation (since 2015). They opened Ralph Gracie Mongolia to provide free training for kids, as they saw that city was severely lacking in youth development programs. David also founded Ralph Gracie Berkeley in 2005.

Grant Nakamura is a police officer and the owner and head coach of Nakamura Wrestling LLC. After the Maui fire, Grant has brought 15 kids who have been affected to be provided a full scholarship through our partnership.

Juan Galarza, 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2009.

In 2012 started his training under Karel (Silver Fox) Pravec. He has been an instructor for over 8 years, teaching both adults and children of all levels. His attention to detail while instructing plays a crucial role in the success of even the most beginner students.

In addition to instructing at the academy, Juan is a high-level coach for those who are part of the Silver Fox BJJ competition team; coaching at local and national level tournaments both BJJ and MMA.

His knowledge is not just limited to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as Juan has college wrestling experience and is currently a Professional MMA fighter.

Marc Montoya, a Denver native, has a deeply personal connection to our mission. Having grown up in challenging circumstances with young parents in his grandmother's home, Marc understands the transformative power of opportunity. Reflecting on his own experiences, Marc shared, "I am that kid, and one of the issues with the inner city is, we lose hope."

Marc is a jiu jitsu black belt, world famous MMA coach, and leads our youth scholarship program in Englewood Colorado, passing forward the same opportunities that changed his life at a young age.