I started training in June 2003. It has been an amazing journey for me, and I can truly say Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life. I have always had a focus on developing my students to the greatest of their potential. My real passion is to work one on one with students to give them real time in-depth feedback on improving their games based on the knowledge that I have gained from all of my teachers.

I studied seven years under 4th Degree Black Belt Kyle Saunders, and from Kyle’s instructor, 7th Degree Coral Belt Roy Harris from whom I received my Black Belt in January 2016.

Steve decided to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2009, training under Kyle Saunders. UFC inspired him to seek out BJJ, which in turn inspired him to start a healthier lifestyle. Steve is now on a mission to be the best BJJ practitioner he can be.

Having been involved in BJJ for over a decade now, he’s met some of his closest friends while training at Nova. In 2019, he earned his black belt. Steve is a wonderful coach, helping all of his students with specific details for their game at all levels.

A hardened veteran in the art, Darren has been practicing Jiu Jitsu for 14 years now. He started his training under Kyle Saunders and continues to perfect his game right here at Nova. Darren works in law enforcement and understands firsthand just how necessary this knowledge can be when confronted with unwanted aggression.

Darren believes that Jiu Jitsu is an art for everyone. To him, it doesn’t matter what age or background you come from…only how willing you are to dedicate yourself. Darren earned his black belt in 2021, and as a coach, works tirelessly to help his students put together their “toolbox.”

Twelve years ago, Rick had a friend from the Military invite him to try CrossFit. An avid UFC fan, Rick began searching for a gym that could offer both. Rick has stayed dedicated to his Jiu Jitsu training because he loves the mental and physical challenge it offers.

Rick earned his Black Belt in 2021. Rick’s versatility makes him an excellent teacher for any level of student, He excels at pressure control and application from any angle.

Schuyler has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over a decade. He loves most of all teaching students the fundamentals and he is excellent at it.

He is an extremely detailed and very patient instructor. Schuyler is also one of the best grapplers on the mats and really enjoys competition and competition training.

Toren is one of the most creative and innovative coaches you will ever meet. He received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Roy Harris in November 2019. He also is an avid boxer, trains Muay Thai, and teaches self defense.

He has been focused for many years on perfecting the Kesa Gatame position, looking at better ways to control and attack. He has also developed a “dark side” bottom Kesa game that is highly effective and continues to evolve

Russ loves watching MMA, so it came as no surprise that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was the perfect fit for him. Russ moved to Rochester in 2019 and found his home at Nova, where he and his family could combine their BJJ and CrossFit training under one roof.

Russ earned his Black Belt in 2023. As a coach, Russ’ passion is helping students find their strengths and finding their “game.” For him, it’s about seeing the “light bulb” moments.

Tim started his Judo training while attending college in 1999. While he enjoys takedowns, Tim’s favorite part of Judo is the ground game. He started BJJ in 2010, bouncing between gyms in Syracuse and Ithaca. Having experience at other gyms, Tim moved to Rochester in 2015 and knew exactly what he was looking for in a BJJ school: Having teammates that trust and respect each other and coaches who emphasize the balance between hard training, respecting safety, and having fun. Finding that home at Nova, Tim earned his brown belt in 2021.

Joe’s martial arts journey started over 20 years ago with Judo. Now a Black Belt in his native sport, Joe is the go-to guy for stand-up takedowns. In 2017, Joe ventured into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here at Nova, earning his Brown Belt in 2023. No stranger to teaching, Joe has been a Judo instructor to Rochester’s youth for years and is now bringing his excellent talents to our Nova Kid’s program.

Ryan began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010, driven by his lifelong interest in martial arts and the UFC. Growing up, he was captivated by action icons like Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose films sparked his early interest in combat sports.

Ryan brings a welcoming and approachable atmosphere to every class. His teaching style emphasizes fundamentals, concepts, and the importance of adapting techniques to each student’s strengths. He is passionate about helping others unlock the art of Jiu-Jitsu and discover its benefits on and off the mats.

Pat began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu around 2011 and has been hooked ever since. Known for a creative and technical approach to the sport, Pat enjoys exploring angles and playing an open guard game—particularly favoring spider guard. While submissions are always satisfying, Pat finds just as much (if not more) joy in setting up clean, technical sweeps.

A triangle choke specialist, Pat is well-known at Nova for locking them in from all kinds of unexpected setups. After starting to teach during the purple belt days, Pat now teaches regularly as a brown belt, always aiming to strike a balance between solid instruction and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

For Pat, Nova is more than just a gym—it’s an extended family. Whether you’re rolling for the first time or sharpening your game, Pat’s classes are a great place to learn, laugh, and level up.