
ABOUT
AOA BJJ Academy is a sports performance training center
that is dedicated to shaping the next generation of combat athletes.
We are a community committed to igniting one another's potential & elevating each other's performance.​
We are Ambassadors of the Art!
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Ambassadors of the Art
Art of Athletics

MISSION

​At Ambassadors of the Art, we aim to 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 • NASM Fitness Instructor • BJJ Black Belt
John is a devoted husband, father, coach, servant to the community, and follower of Christ. He played sports throughout his youth at the nation level for basketball, soccer, and volleyball. John obtained a BS 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 has been a lifelong ambassador for athletic sports and mixed martial arts.

Administrative Assistant
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.

Head 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.

Program Director, School Partnership Program
Ariel
HHSC • Special Education • Homeschool Teacher
Ariel is a devoted wife, mother of three boys, and our Program Director for the Youth Programs in partnership with schools in the local community of El Paso, TX. She has professional work experience serving in the Health & Human Services Commission and pursued a career in American Sign Language interpreting to help support efforts within the Deaf Community. Throughout her journey, she has developed strong people skills and became passionate with helping others in the classroom environment. Her and her sons recently started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together as a family, strengthening the forge in their family bond. She is dedicated to help other homeschooling teachers, parents, and caretakers ignite their family bond as well. ​

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. ​

Assistant 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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BJJ 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.

***HIRING*** Assistant Fitness Instructor
Vacant
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5+ Yrs Work Experience
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Tech Savy, Champion Character
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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:
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Attach Resume and Fitness Certificate
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Subject: TeamAOA Assistant Fitness Instructor
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Email Body should be your cover letter content