Instructors
George Sernack
Head Instructor
George started his martial arts training at the age of 12 years old after becoming fascinated by Bruce Lee and martial arts movies. George has been training martial arts now for over 43 years and hold a fifth-degree black belt in tae kwon do. A fourth-° black belt inHapkido and has an extensive background in kickboxing and has been training with world renowned no rules Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend renzo gracie with over 30 years.
George Holds a black belt Fourth degree under renzo as well as having numerous titles in both standup and grappling arts.
Some of George’s achievements include
1999 submission fighter Matt madness silver medal
2000 Naga 5th annual North American grappling championship, silver medal in no Gi and gold medal in Gi division. (belt holder)
2000 international pro of grappling gold medal Gi division.
2000 Naga first annual Sunshine state submission championship gold medal division gold medal no division.
2004 Naga world championship silver metal Gi division.
2004 Pan-American jiu-jitsu championship silver medal middleweight division bronze medal open weight division.
2005 Naga battle of the beach bronze metal
2006 Coppa Atlantica BJJ championships gold medal.
2006 Coppa Atlantica BJJ championship Masters gold medal.
2008 Grapplers Quest US national championships division winner and belt holder.
2008 No Gi Pan American championship gold medal lightweight gold medal in absolute division.
2009 Abu Dhabi North East regional over 30 champion.
2009 No Gi pan American championship gold medal middleweight, bronze, medal absolute division.
2010 renzo gracie invitational Silver metal No Gi and silver metal with Gi.
2022 Naga Over 50 champion No Gi and with silver metal Gi division.
George’s goal for the future is to spread the renzo gracie jiu-jitsu legacy and help create a more peaceful world through respect and training with each other through the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Nate Zenon
Assistant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Coach
Nathaniel “Nate” Zenon serves as the Assistant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Coach, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience in Jiu Jitsu and more than 36 years of involvement in combat sports as a competitor, trainer, and instructor. His deep-rooted passion and extensive knowledge have shaped his well-rounded expertise across multiple disciplines.Nate specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi), traditional self-defense (old-school Jiu Jitsu), striking, boxing, and Muay Thai, with particular emphasis on Muay Thai and Gi-based Jiu Jitsu.
He began his Jiu Jitsu journey under Head Instructor Joe Guido (black belt under Helio Gracie and Steve Maxwell), progressing from white to purple belt. He later earned his brown belt under Rigan Machado and achieved his black belt through Balance Jiu Jitsu under the instruction of Professors Phil and Rick Migliarese, along with Professor Frank Ambrifi.In addition to his grappling credentials, Nate is a certified Muay Thai instructor (Kru), having trained under Andy Russell and Carlos Torres.
With over 13 years of teaching experience, Nate has worked extensively with both children and adults. Known for his patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills, he creates a positive and effective learning environment for students of all ages and skill levels.
Eduardo Gomez
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner instructor
A native of Arlington, Virginia, Ed has had a passion for martial arts throughout his life. He trained karate for several years and as a fan of the UFC, became very interested in the efficiency and effectiveness of jiu jitsu. In 2014, after moving to London, England, Ed started studying Jiu Jitsu under 10X world champion Roger Gracie.
Ed has earned all of his belt promotions from Roger and received his black belt from him in 2026. In 2016, he also had the honor of receiving Roger’s Most Dedicated Student award.
Over the years, Ed has competed in many International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions, the British Open, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in London. In 2017, he also founded the King’s College London Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and served as its head instructor for several years before moving back home to the US.
Ed believes that Jiu Jitsu serves not only to learn self-defense, improve confidence and physical fitness, but also to develop a loving community where life-long friendships through mutual respect and encouragement are made.
Ricardo Rocha Lima
Instructor
He has competed and placed in numerous international IBJJF competitions, showcasing his abilities against the best BJJ athletes in the world. His accomplishments include:
2023: First Place at the American National International IBJJF Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division, Master 1).
2021: First Place at the Nashville International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division, Master 1).Second Place at the Nashville International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Open Class Division, Master 1).First Place at the Charlotte International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division, Master 1).Third Place at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division, Master 1).First Place at the Charlotte Summer International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division and Open Class Division, Master 1).Second Place at the Phoenix International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division and Open Division, Master 1).First Place at the American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Middle Division, Master 1).
2019: Third Place at the South American IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Third Place at the Belo Horizonte IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Third Place at the Sao Paulo International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).
2018: Third Place at the Sao Paulo IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Second Place at the Floripa Fall International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).
2017: Third Place at the Floripa Spring International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).First Place at the Belo Horizonte IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Second and Third Place at various Sao Paulo IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).First Place at the Curitiba IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).
2016-2015: Multiple podium placements at Campeonato Sul-Americano IBJJF and Floripa International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).
2014: First Place at the Floripa International IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Third Place at the Campeonato Sul-Americano IBJJF (GI, Black Belt, Light Division, Adult).Due to the highly competitive nature of BJJ, achieving a podium placement requires exceptional skill and dedication. Ricardo Rocha Lima has reached the highest levels of proficiency and expertise in BJJ. His competitive achievements and international recognition set him apart from other athletes, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
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