Sensei Josh Johnson

Small Circle Jujitsu Instructor, Senior Youth Instructor, Assistant Instructor BJJ, Muay Thai

Josh has been studying Small Circle Jujitsu at Defensive Edge for 10 years. He also earned his Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, under World Champion Andre "Dedeco" Almeida. Josh is also a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, and Muay Thai Assistant Instructor. He also holds his Bachelors Degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berkley College of Music.

Highlights:

2nd Degree Black belt Small Circle Jujitsu Under Rick Alford & Larry Ruisi
Purple belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
Certified Level III Muay Thai

Sensei Derek Mellino

Small Circle Jujitsu Instructor, Senior Youth Instructor

Derek earned his 2nd Degree Black belt in Small Circle Jujitsu under Larry Ruisi & Rick Alford. He also has training in Wing Chun. He's a popular instructor in our Youth Programs. Our kids love Sensei Derek for his good humor and energetic nature.

Sensei Jon Warnock

Senior Youth BJJ, MMA, SCJ Instructor, Assistant Instructor BJJ, Muay Thai

Jon has coached students at Defensive Edge for a number of years, and currently holds a Brown belt in Small Circle Jujitsu.  He also trains in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Andre "Dedeco" Almeida Dedeco and competes in MMA competition.

Highlights:

Blackbelt Defensive Edge Fighting Systems
Brown belt Small Circle Jujitsu
Purple belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
Certified Level II Muay Thai
2007 Massachusetts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu State Champ Feather Weight

Sensei Manny Cuevas

BJJ MMA Assistant Instructor

Manny has coached students at Defensive Edge for a number of years.  Manny is a Blackbelt in Defensive Edge Fighting Systems and a senior Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  His BJJ classes are a favorite for many.

Highlights:

Blackbelt Defensive Edge Fighting Systems Under Rick Alford, Andre Almeida, and Ciano Delucia
Purple belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Andre Dedeco Almeida
Purple belt Small Circle Jujitsu under Rick Alford & Larry Ruisi
Blackbelt Kempo Karate
Certified Level II Muay Thai 

Sensei Bill Duggan

Youth BJJ, MMA, Youth SCJ Instructor

Assistant Sensei Bill is a former U.S. Marine.  He has been training in our multi-discipline program since 2008.

Highlights:

Blue Belt Defensive Edge Fighting Systems
Blue belt Small Circle Jujitsu

Orange Belt Level III - iCAT
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner
Muay Thai Practitioner
iCAT Pro-Coach Level II Certified
iCAT Master Mentoring Member

Sensei Paul Chanley

Youth Instructor

Paul has been training with Defensive Edge for the past two years and is a Green belt in Small Circle Jujitsu. Paul brings a combination of experience in academia with a commitment to martial arts to our Youth Program. He's been a professor at Northern Essex Community College for 8 years teaching mathematics, engineering and electronics, and has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering. Paul is currently working with the Lil' Dragons, Super Samurai and Golden Eagles classes. His two children, Adam and Rachel, are also students at our school.