Coaches

Guardians in
your corner

Every guardian on our mats started as a white belt. Marc, Kyle, and Kopaka each logged the years, earned the belts, and built the discipline — now they're building it in you.

Marc, Professor at Komainu Jiu-Jitsu

Marc

Professor

Marc began his martial arts training in 2002, first studying Krav Maga before pursuing Okinawan Kempo Karate and earning his black belt in 2009. He later focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training for many years and progressing through the ranks while developing a strong foundation in grappling and coaching.

After relocating to Florida, Marc continued his training and began teaching while advancing to brown belt and eventually earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2025. In 2026, after receiving his professor stripes, he helped launch Komainu Jiu-Jitsu.

Marc has also been a personal trainer for the past 20 years. He holds a degree in Exercise Science and personal training certifications through the NSCA and NASM, and has advanced as a performance and movement specialist with additional certifications in performance, applied functional science, and exercise neurology.

Kyle, Coach at Komainu Jiu-Jitsu

Kyle

Coach

Kyle began his martial arts journey in 2015 after his high school wrestling season, and what started as a way to keep competing quickly grew into a lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the past decade, he earned his BJJ black belt at just 26 years old, logged more than five years of competition experience, and trained in Muay Thai for over three years — giving him a well-rounded foundation in both grappling and striking.

He also holds a group fitness certification and brings seven-plus years of functional fitness and strength training to his coaching. For the past four years, Kyle has worked as a BJJ instructor, helping students of all levels build confidence, sharpen technique, and reach their goals.

His Class D and G Armed Security License further shapes his coaching philosophy, with a strong emphasis on discipline, situational awareness, and personal growth. Whether you're stepping on the mats for the first time or training for competition, Kyle is committed to helping every student develop both on and off the mats.

Kopaka, Owner of Komainu Training and Defense

Kopaka

Owner

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Kopaka began training in Muay Thai as a child. After moving to the United States in the late ’70s, his passion for martial arts deepened. He earned his Black Belt and Instructor’s Belt in American Karate and spent years teaching and mentoring students.

In the early ’90s, he took up Kyudo — traditional Japanese archery — and later earned a Black Belt there too, broadening his understanding of discipline, focus, and tradition.

Years of experience in martial arts and structured training have shaped his approach to teaching and mentorship. In 2026, the Lord opened the door for him to establish this dojo. Guided by faith and supported by his family and friends, along with a strong background in management and operations, he is building something that is more than just a dojo — a community where faith, perseverance, respect, humility, and personal growth come first.

Train with your corner.

Your first class is free — no experience, no gear, no pressure. Just show up ready to learn.