Professor Max Goldberg
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4th Degree Black Belt
ICP4, ICP6, ICP6_Revisited, First Aid
Professor Max began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1997 and found his home with Gracie Barra in 1999 under the legendary Professor Eduardo de Lima. Training directly under Professor de Lima, Max developed a deep technical foundation and competitive edge, going on to compete at both local and national levels—including the prestigious Pan American Championships—as a blue, purple, brown, and black belt.
Now a seasoned black belt and 3x Pan American Medalist, Professor Max continues to teach under the Gracie Barra banner, sharing his expertise and passion for the art at Flagstaff Jiu Jitsu. His classes are known for their high-level instruction, technical depth, and attention to detail—hallmarks of a lifelong martial artist and dedicated coach.
More than just a competitor or instructor, Professor Max is a living example of someone who has fully dedicated his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra, and the students he mentors. His commitment, both on and off the mats, has helped shape a strong and supportive jiu-jitsu community in Flagstaff.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or refining your black belt game, training with Professor Max is an opportunity to learn from one of the best.
Professor Max Goldberg II
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 1st Degree Black Belt
ICP4, ICP6, ICP6_Revisited
Professor Max Goldberg II—known affectionately as "Lil Max"—has been part of the Gracie Barra family since the age of 10, when he began training under the legendary Professor Eduardo de Lima in 1999. As the son of Professor Max Goldberg, Lil Max grew up immersed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, proudly continuing the Goldberg family legacy alongside his father and brother, Lucas. Together, they run a family-owned Gracie Barra school deeply rooted in tradition, passion, and a commitment to excellence.
A true product of Gracie Barra, Professor Max II was honored to receive his Black Belt from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the Gracie Barra World Summit in 2019—a moment that marked not just a personal achievement, but a continuation of a lifelong dedication to the art.
With over two decades of training and competition experience, Professor Max brings exceptional energy, skill, and heart to the mats. He has a natural talent for working with kids, and his ability to make classes fun, engaging, and technically sound sets him apart. He teaches the both the Adult & Kids Program at Gracie Barra Flagstaff, where he is not only an outstanding coach but also a true mentor and role model to every student who walks through the door.
Professor Max II leads with the core values of Gracie Barra—discipline, respect, integrity, and teamwork—and inspires his students to carry those values both on and off the mats.
Coach Lucas Goldberg
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
ICP6, ICP6_Revisited
Coach Lucas Goldberg is a true embodiment of the Gracie Barra legacy. The youngest member of the Goldberg father-son/brother team, Lucas began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 at just 5 years old, following in the footsteps of his father, Professor Max Goldberg. Growing up on the mats, Lucas was immersed in the values, discipline, and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu from day one—watching his father live and teach the Gracie Barra philosophy every single day.
With a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, combined with a personal dedication to fitness, weight training, and nutrition, Lucas brings a modern, well-rounded approach to training and coaching. He has had the opportunity to train at Gracie Barra academies across the U.S., gaining experience and insight from some of the best instructors in the world.
A passionate competitor, Coach Lucas earned a medal at the 2022 IBJJF World Championship, along with multiple podium finishes in state and regional tournaments. His experience on the competition circuit enhances his ability to guide and inspire students both in sport and in everyday training.
Coach Lucas plays a key role in leading the Gracie Barra Flagstaff Kids Program, where he is known for his positive energy, patience, and ability to connect with young students. As both a coach and a mentor, he leads by example—instilling confidence, respect, and perseverance in every child he teaches.
Lucas Goldberg is not only a talented martial artist but a rising leader in the Gracie Barra community, dedicated to carrying on his family’s legacy and helping shape the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
Coach Karen Patterson
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
ICP
Instructor for the GB1, GB2, GB3. GBF & all GBK classes. Coach Karen is the head instructor for Gracie Barra Flagstaff’s Women’s Self-Defense program, which is a program designed to meet the specific learning needs of women who want to start Jiu-Jitsu. Coach Karen’s classes combine a comprehensive self-defense curriculum with the sports aspects of jiu-jitsu. Coach Karen started training with Professor Goldberg and Sons in 2016 at the age of 19. She wrestled in junior high and high school. In high school, she competed in folk style, freestyle, and Greco- Roman wrestling. Coach Karen assisted in teaching the kid’s wrestling program. Coach Karen currently co-teaches the Kids Program and has done so since she was a blue belt in 2019.
