Instructors

Joe Solorio: Academy Head Instructor

Joe Solorio is a 1st Degree Black belt under Gustavo Dantas and has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2003.  Joe still competes and competes under Gustavo Dantas Jiu Jitsu Association and Nova Uniao USA. In his most recent international competitions at Black belt, Joe won Silver at the 2018 IBJJF Master World Championships, Silver at the 2018 IBJJF Masters Pan American Championships and Silver at the 2016 IBJJF Masters World Championships. The foundational base of Joe's grappling, is wrestling. Joe was the Head Wrestling Coach at Pima Community College (1998-2007) and was the 2002 National Junior College Wrestling Coach of the Year. As a veteran division wrestler, he won Gold in his division at the 2002 USA Wrestling Championships (2002). He was a two-time NCAA National Qualifier and a two-time Pac-10 Medalist at Arizona State University (1980 & 1981), an NJCAA All American at Phoenix College (1979) and State Champion at Sunnyside High School (1976). In 2011, Joe was inducted into the Arizona Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service Achievement in Wrestling. Joe has been grappling since 1972 and has been coaching since 1993. He's coached at the kids, high school, junior college and adult levels. Several of his former students have gone on to become elite Grapplers and/or professional MMA fighters including; Anthony Birchak, Efrain Escudero, Drew Fickett, Jesse Forbes, Danny Martinez, Joe Montoya, Jacob Ortiz, James Terry, Jamie Varner and Mark Vujovic. Joe is passionate about helping people grow and develop through jiu jitsu. Joe is available for private lessons and group seminars
 

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