ABOUT

Owner / Head Instructor

John-Eddie

US Army Veteran • BJJ Black Belt (1st Degree) • NASM CPT

JE is a devoted husband, father, coach, servant to the community, and follower of Christ. He played sports throughout his youth at the national level for basketball, soccer, and volleyball. JE obtained a degree in Criminal Justice, served in leadership roles with the military for 10 years, and then in corporate America for 4 years. John has 15+ years of martial arts experience with a specialty in submission grappling. He's been a lifelong ambassador for sports and especially for the art of jiu jitsu. 

Head Instructor

Dan

BJJ Blackbelt • Founder of Southern Mountain Gear

Dan is a devoted husband, father of two young men, and enjoys trail running, hiking, and climbing. He is a BJJ black belt under Carslon Gracie, Guam. Dan has 3 years of experience with wrestling and 12+ yrs of submission grappling. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and minor in Psychology. Dan is also a First Aid / CPR Instructor and successful entrepreneur. 

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Youth Program Director

Erica

Marketing Advisor • Judo Coach

An El Paso native, Erica left the corporate grind 8 years ago to move to a farm and raise chickens. A mom of two boys, she hopes to instill the value of hard work and emulate the importance of perseverance. She enrolled her boys in a local BJJ program and joined a Judo Program. As a lifelong academic ambassador, it was a shock to find her love of martial arts later in life and has continued to train Judo obtaining a Gokyū rank. Even after breaking her ankle, she knew there was nothing that would keep her from getting back on those mats. Currently training BJJ simultaneously, she hopes to share her love of Judo and make it available to others who are willing to step out of their norm. As a Lady Ambassador, she also strives to make all women feel comfortable and welcome on the mats.

Boxing Coach

Daryl

Retired US Army • Clinical Therapist • USA Boxing Coach

Daryl is a retired military service member, father, and successful entrepreneur as owner of Strength in Action PLLC serving as a Licensed Clinical Independent Therapist for veterans and the local community. He is a well-educated and extensively experienced boxing coach with over 10 years of volunteer work which have included US Paralympic Coach, Certified USA Boxing Coach, Pass a Dream Foundation, and Armed Services YMCA. He has served in a variety of roles throughout his professional career - such as Clinic Director, Project Manager, Senior Advisor, and Senior Supervisor. 

***HIRING*** Assistant Fitness Instructor 

Vacant

• 5+ Yrs Work Experience

• Tech Savy, Champion Character

• Certified Fitness Professional 2+ yrs 

We are seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Fitness Instructor to join our team in a paid internship role. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about fitness, coaching, and helping others achieve their health goals.

As an intern, you will assist and lead group workouts, providing guidance on proper exercise techniques, ensuring a safe training environment, and supporting clients in their fitness journeys. Must be able to instruct, demonstrate, and correct performance with excellent communication skills. This internship offers a valuable opportunity for growth and potential career advancement in the fitness industry. 

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Instructions:

• Email ambassadorsoftheart@gmail.com

• Attach Resume and Fitness Certificate

• Subject: TeamAOA Assistant Fitness Instructor

• Email Body should be your cover letter content

Co-Owner 

Angely

US Army Combat Medic • Registered Nurse (RN)

Angely is a dedicated wife and mother of two, military service-member, and follower of Christ. Angely has been serving in the US Army for 10 years and has 4 years of critical care experience as a RN. She has been an advocate for the military veteran community that need medical services/resources - which ignited her aspirations to pursue the path to become a CRNA. She is our greatest supporter for the Academy. ​

Operations Manager

Jenna

Fitness Facility Manager • Nutritional Science

Jenna is our Administrator for AOA - greeting every visitor with a smile. Jenna brings an extensive education and experience to the team and community with a MS in Nutritional Science (Dietetics), prior experience as a certified fitness instructor and fitness facility manager. She is Team AOA's greatest cheerleader and support system ensuring client communication and relationships are maintained between our customers and coaches.

Fundamentals Coach

Danny

High School Teacher • BJJ Purple Belt

Danny is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, father of two amazing daughters and a High School Science Teacher. He has a B.S. in Wildlife Science from NMSU and an M.A. in Teaching Science from UTEP. He worked for the USDA-Wildlife Services for four years in AZ, NM, TX and WV before moving back home to El Paso to start a family, and pursue a career in secondary science education in 2011. He has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2019 and also enjoys yoga and the outdoors.

Head Judo Coach

Josh

Retired US Army

Josh is a retired Army veteran. He is married to Erica and they have two boys. Josh & Erica lead our Judo Program together providing services for both Gi and No Gi Judo. He found a love of Judo at 40 years old.  Training as a family has been an essential component to growing together and bonding with his wife and kids. He also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Josh holding the rank of blue belt and continues to compete. He enjoys gardening and working around the family farm.