Classes

Professor Angel Campos is a 1st-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt whose life has been defined by discipline, service, and a commitment to excellence. Born in 1976 in Los Angeles, California, Professor Angel began his grappling journey at the age of 13 through wrestling, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to combat sports and personal development.

In 1992, he was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the historic Gracie Academy in Torrance, California—an experience that would shape the direction of his life. From the earliest days of training, Professor Angel embraced the values of humility, perseverance, and continuous improvement that define the art of BJJ.

Beyond the mats, Professor Angel’s life reflects a deep commitment to service. He is a combat veteran and former special operations team member with the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Following his military service, he dedicated over 20 years to law enforcement, serving his community with integrity, courage, and professionalism.

Professor Angel also brings more than 25 years of instructional experience at the highest levels, having served as an instructor for the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security. This extensive background has shaped him into a masterful instructor—one who values precision, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with teaching others.

As a competitor, Professor Angel continues to test himself on the world stage. He is a two-time IBJJF Pan-American medalist and remains an active and passionate competitor, leading by example and demonstrating that growth never stops.

Professor Angel’s true passion lies in sharing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through the highest quality instruction possible. He believes BJJ is more than a martial art—it is a tool for building confidence, resilience, and a stronger life. Whether training competitors, professionals, children, or those simply seeking personal growth, his mission is to help every student become the best version of themselves, on and off the mats.

Coach Shelley Campos is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach whose journey is rooted in empowerment, resilience, and the belief that women are capable of far more than they often realize. Born in 1976 in Los Angeles, California, Coach Shelley has lived most of her life in Tucson, where she has become a strong advocate for women finding confidence and strength through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Shelley began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015 at De Brazil Jiu-Jitsu, the first BJJ school in Tucson, under Professor Martin Escobar. Like many women, she stepped onto the mats later in life, proving that it is never too late to start, grow, and challenge yourself. Now a 4-stripe blue belt, she continues to train with purpose, consistency, and determination.

A passionate competitor, Coach Shelley embraces competition as a tool for personal growth. She believes that pushing past fear and self-doubt—on the mats and in competition—creates confidence that carries into every area of life. She leads by example, showing women that strength is built through effort, courage, and persistence.

As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Coach Shelley understands the unique challenges women face while balancing family, work, and personal goals. This perspective shapes her coaching style and fuels her passion for empowering women and girls through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She creates a supportive, welcoming environment where women feel safe, capable, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Coach Shelley believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than self-defense or sport—it is a powerful tool for self-confidence, mental resilience, and personal transformation. Her mission is to help women discover their strength, trust themselves, and carry the confidence gained on the mats into their everyday lives.

Coach Kris Moshier is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt & A United States Marine Corps veteran, Coach Kris brings the values of discipline, perseverance, and service into everything he does—both on and off the mats.

Growing up with a strong wrestling background, Coach Kris developed a solid foundation in grappling early in life. During his military service, he had the opportunity to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu overseas for a short time, further igniting a passion that would continue to grow long after his service ended.

Coach Kris became a founding member of Gracie Barra Vail, playing a key role in helping build the team, under Professor Angel Campos. He also won gold in his first competition, early in his journey. He holds the distinction of being the first official Gracie Barra Vail blue belt, a milestone that reflects his consistency, loyalty, and dedication to training.

Coach Kris is known for always being on the mats—training, learning, and improving. His love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond himself, as he has proudly introduced his two daughters to the art, sharing the lessons of confidence, discipline, and resilience that BJJ provides.

For Coach Kris, teaching jiu-jitsu is more than instruction—it is his way of giving back to the community. He is passionate about helping students grow, supporting their journeys, and fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and motivated. Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Coach Kris strives to make a positive impact, one class at a time.

Coach Bill is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt whose approach to training and teaching is rooted in fundamentals, family values, and real-world experience. A 45-year-old father of two daughters, Coach Bill understands the importance of creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment where students—especially kids and teens—can grow with confidence.

Coach Bill is a five-year United States Army veteran who served with the 1st Infantry Division, followed by 15 years as a federal law enforcement agent with the Department of Homeland Security. Through decades of service, he developed discipline, calmness under pressure, and the ability to operate effectively in chaotic situations—lessons he now shares through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Beginning his BJJ journey later in life, As a founding member of Gracie Barra Vail, under Professor Angel Campos. Coach Bill is a living example that it is never too late to develop real skill, confidence, and physical capability. As a blue belt, his instruction emphasizes strong fundamentals in the gi: solid positioning, effective escapes, intelligent leverage, and practical control that works for everyday people. His style reflects classic “big guy jiu-jitsu,” focusing on body weight, pressure, and efficient positioning to achieve safe, controlled dominance without relying on speed or athleticism.

Coach Bill’s greatest passion is coaching children and teenagers. As a parent, he has seen firsthand how unprepared many young people can be for life’s challenges. His coaching goes beyond techniques, focusing on mental toughness, respect, situational awareness, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing how to handle yourself on the ground. He believes these lessons carry far beyond the mats and help shape stronger, more resilient individuals.

Outside the academy, Coach Bill stays grounded by spending time in nature—hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family. These moments reinforce the values he brings into his coaching: patience, resilience, and the importance of showing up prepared.

Whether you are a parent looking for a positive and disciplined program for your child, a beginner seeking reliable fundamentals, a veteran or first responder wanting practical training, or someone starting later in life, Coach Bill welcomes you to the mats and is committed to helping you build a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Diana is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt & a founding member of Gracie Barra Vail, under Professor Angel Campos. Coach Diana embodies strength, positivity, and empowerment—both on and off the mats. She trains jiu-jitsu because it offers the perfect balance of physical challenge, mental strategy, and what she humorously calls “sanctioned chaos.” For Diana, BJJ is more than a workout; it’s a space to think, adapt, and grow while learning how to navigate life’s most awkward positions with confidence and a smile.

What truly drives Coach Diana is the sense of community and connection that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu creates. She values the discipline and personal growth that come from consistent training and loves that jiu-jitsu provides a meaningful way to spend quality time with her family. Training together has become a shared passion—one that strengthens not only bodies, but relationships and bonds as well.

As a coach, Diana is deeply committed to empowering women and families through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She understands that stepping onto the mats can feel intimidating, especially for women, and she works hard to create a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels capable and encouraged. Her coaching emphasizes confidence, resilience, and self-belief, helping students realize they are stronger than they think.

Coach Diana believes jiu-jitsu is a powerful tool for personal transformation. It challenges the mind, builds physical strength, and teaches problem-solving under pressure—skills that extend far beyond the academy. Through her instruction, she hopes to inspire women and families to show up for themselves, embrace challenges, and grow together.

For Coach Diana, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport—it’s a way to build confidence, connection, and a strong foundation for life.

Coach Drew is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt & a founding member of Gracie Barra Vail, under Professor Angel Campos. Coach Drew brings humor, heart, and a strong family-first mindset to the mats. He began training in jiu-jitsu looking for a discipline that would challenge both his body and mind—and quickly found that it also builds confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections.

Before jiu-jitsu, Coach Drew built a foundation of discipline and service as a United States Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division. He has also served as a law enforcement officer for 17 years, experiences that shaped his calm under pressure, accountability, and ability to lead by example. These qualities naturally carry over into his approach to training and coaching.

Drew often jokes that he trains jiu-jitsu because “hugging strangers aggressively is apparently called a sport,” but behind the humor is a deep appreciation for the lessons the art provides. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has strengthened not only his physical and mental toughness, but also his bonds with his wife, children, and teammates. Training together has become a way for his family to grow, learn, and share time in a positive, structured environment.

Beyond the mats, Coach Drew is driven by personal growth, discipline, and pushing past his own limits. He strives to become more focused, confident, and capable every day, and he encourages his students to do the same—while remembering to enjoy the process and have fun along the way.

Coach Drew believes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be challenging, supportive, and welcoming for everyone, especially families and beginners. Whether he’s coaching technique, sharing a laugh, or helping someone through their first class, his goal is to help students grow stronger—together.

Coach Tito is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu two-stripe blue belt whose journey reflects discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for community. Born in 1984 in Queens, New York, Coach Tito developed a strong work ethic and determination early in life—qualities that would later define both his military service and his approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Tito is a United States Army veteran who served for eight years, an experience that instilled in him the values of commitment, mental toughness, and teamwork. Following his military service, he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018, beginning his training at Gracie Barra Anchorage in Alaska. What started as a physical challenge quickly became a powerful tool for maintaining balance in mind, body, and spirit.

In 2021, Coach Tito relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he became an integral member of the Gracie Barra Vail team under the leadership of Professor Angel Campos. Known for his consistency and positive presence on the mats, Coach Tito embraces the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu while continuously working to refine his technique and understanding of the art.

For Coach Tito, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art—it is a lifestyle that promotes personal growth and meaningful connection. He values the camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared struggle that training creates, and he strives to foster those same qualities in his students. His approach to coaching emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and steady progress, helping students build confidence and resilience at their own pace.

Coach Tito trains with purpose, believing that jiu-jitsu strengthens not only the body, but also the mind and spirit. Through his instruction, he hopes to inspire others to embrace the journey, support one another, and grow both on and off the mats.

Coach John is a larger-than-life presence on the mats—not only in stature, but in heart. A giant human being with a heart of gold, Coach John is known for his calm demeanor, welcoming smile, and willingness to help anyone who steps through the doors of the academy.

Coach John finds joy in training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but he finds true balance and purpose in teaching it. Sharing knowledge and guiding others through their jiu-jitsu journey allows him to give back in a meaningful way, and his passion for helping others is evident in every class he leads. While his size may seem intimidating at first, students—especially children—quickly discover his patient, encouraging nature.

As a trusted and reliable kids coach, Coach John excels at creating a safe, positive, and structured environment where young students can learn, grow, and build confidence. He understands that teaching kids goes beyond technique, focusing on respect, discipline, and having fun while learning valuable life skills.

Coach John is a devoted family man who trains alongside his wife and daughter, proudly sharing the mats with those closest to him. This shared journey reflects his belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport, but a way to strengthen family bonds and build lasting connections.

Deeply rooted in his community, Coach John is the embodiment of teamwork, kindness, and service. Whether he’s coaching, training, or simply offering a helping hand, he represents the values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with humility and integrity. For Coach John, the mats are a place where people come together—and he is proud to be a true pillar of that community.