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ABOUT
WELCOME
​
AOA BJJ Academy strivers to provide a place where you can learn and practice the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and enjoy the experience while making the commitment to learn and improve your physique, flexibility, strength, self-esteem, respect, and discipline.
MISSION
​At Ambassadors of the Art, we foster a community of athletes that champions
GROWTH,
CHARACTER,
and the PURSUIT OF GREATNESS.
VISION
Become a renowned foundation that promotes & sponsors local athletes, supporting their professional journey to become top-tier talent!​
VALUES
DISCIPLINE
RESPECT
COMMUNITY
CHARACTER
COMMITMENT
MEET OUR STAFF FAMILY
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.
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.
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Assistant Judo Coach
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.
Co-Owner / Fitness Instructor
Ryan
US Army Engineer / Army Master Fitness Trainer / ISSA Certified Running Coach
​Ryan has proudly served 16 years in the US Army and is currently active duty at Fort Bliss. He is a dedicated husband and father. His daughter currently trains jiu jitsu, which has inspired his love for the art even further. Ryan has a passion for fitness and helping others. He holds a Master Fitness Trainer certification with the Army, as well as a certified running coach certification and is currently pursuing nutrition and personal training certifications to further support Ambassadors.
Fundamentals Coach
Danny
High School Teacher • BJJ Brown 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, BJJ Purple Belt
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.
