Gene Dunn is one of the first Americans to reach the level of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie. He also holds a Black Belt in Judo under Sensei Shiina, 8th Dan, and a Shotokan Karate Black Belt under renowned instructor Sensei Kai Leung. Mr. Dunn is a six-time national champion and won the North American heavy-weight championship in 1993. Other impressive credits include four New York State Championships, three East Coast Regional Championships, and a Pan American Bronze Medal. Noted for his ability to train and coach students of all ages, Mr. Dunn has been instrumental in helping many of them become successful martial artists (his Shotokan Karate Dojo has produced over 100 Black Belts) and leaders in their community.
Brian Glick is a black belt under Renzo Gracie and John Danaher. He also holds a black belt in judo under Sensei Teimoc Johnston-Ono. During his twelve years at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City, he has trained with and studied under some of the highest authorities in the sport, including Ricardo Almeida, Matt & Nick Serra, Shawn Williams, George St-Pierre and Frankie Edgar, as well as members of the Gracie family. A graduate of Columbia University, he has also trains Muay Thai with Joe Sampieri and Jamie Crowder.
James Noto holds a Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is currently working towards his Black belt. He loves teaching classes at BBJJ, and remains motivated and inspired by every student’s progress.
Jay Lynch holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and works hard everyday to take another step towards earning his Black Belt. He is constantly impressed by the level of aptitude in the students at BBJJ and is very excited to be part of an organization that is so intent on producing leaders both in the martial arts and in the community. Jiu-Jitsu has helped him become a better father, husband, son, and friend and for that, he is extremely thankful.
Lauren Bransky holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and finds Jiu-Jitsu training to be among the most positive, powerful experiences in her life. Her drive and focus make her an invaluable part of the BBJJ team.
Josh Skyer is an avid surfer who has surfed around the world, and has trained Muay Thai under Kru Phil Nurse and Kru Maline ali Bey. He is a brown belt currently working towards his Black Belt in BJJ under Professor Dunn & Professor Glick. Mr. Skyer has also been heavily involved in the fitness community for the past 12 years, and has studied with some of the nation’s top fitness professionals and martial arts masters. Josh is a certified strength & conditioning coach through Exercise Science Alliance.
Manny Mendonis is a valued team-member, whose love for the Martial arts brought him to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu where he now has the rank of Purple Belt under Professor Dunn and Professor Glick.
Claudia Debs is a Brooklyn native who came to yoga after years of feeling the effect of sports and dance injury, as well as a considerably late diagnosis of severe scoliosis. Her discovery of yoga was a transformational experience, and it instilled with her a commitment to provide others with its benefits. In 2002, she was certified by renowned master Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles, and in the subsequent years, she has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful teachers in New York City, as well as being one of the most sought after. Her experience of what’s possible of the human body and its interconnection with the mind led her to a pilates certification, and an ongoing exploration of any and all yoga. She lives within the tenet “yoga is everything, everything is yoga.”
