Instructors

Professor Michael has been training Jiu-Jitsu since early 2010. His training started Bakersfield California under Professor Tommy Little who is a Black Belt directly under Rener Gracie. Professor Michael built a strong foundation at his original school and helped teach the kids program for many years. In 2016 after earning his brown belt, Professor Michael moved to Arizona where he started training at Gracie Barra in Scottsdale under Professor Flavio Almieda. He earned his Instructors Certification and assisting coaching at many of the Gracie Barra Schools in the Phoenix area.

In early 2019 he was promoted to Black Belt and opened Gracie Barra Avondale in 2020. Building one of Arizona’s top schools with a strong kids competition team, family culture and fun atmosphere for all.

Professor Joshua started training Gracie Barra Arizona in 2017 under Professor Murillo Carvalho at Gracie Barra Arcadia, Arizona. He received his Certified Instructor's Certificate in 2020. He also started assisting with teaching at Gracie Barra Avondale. When he was a brown belt, he was the number one brown belt in Gracie Barra North America in 2022. He received his black belt under Flavio Almieda in 2023.

He enjoys teaching all ages, from kids to adults. He is very happy to be a part of Avondale's team.

Professor Brian’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began over 18 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he trained under the esteemed Professors Mica Cipili and Walter "Cascao" Vital. Under Cascao’s mentorship, he earned his brown belt before relocating to Goodyear, Arizona.
After training at several academies in Goodyear, Professor Brian found his home at Gracie Barra Avondale, led by Professor Michael Bruner. In 2021, he was honored with his black belt by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Professor Flavio Almeida during the Gracie Barra World Summit in Sedona, Arizona.
In June 2023, Professor Brian stepped into the role of Head professor at Gracie Barra Buckeye. Today, he continues to share his expertise and passion for Jiu-Jitsu at both Gracie Barra Avondale and Buckeye.