Our Founders

Professor Amanda started training jiu jitsu in 2008 at Gracie Barra Headquarters in Irvine when she was an undergrad in mathematics at UCI; and, like many people, she started jiu jitsu simply looking to lose some weight and get fit.  Nothing could have prepared her for the dramatic and positive influence training jiu jitsu has had on her life.   Amanda is also an avid competitor and enjoys the physical and mental challenges of entering tournaments.  Amanda seeks to coach and guide students to fulfill their potential both on and off the mats.  Amanda’s teaching repertoire extends beyond jiu jitsu as she has also worked with individuals with special needs for several years as a behavior analyst and has earned her Masters in Teaching from USC.  Amanda has also coached the girl’s wrestling team at La Cañada High School. When she is not on the mat, Amanda enjoys spending time with her two young children and exploring the great outdoors.

Professor Gabriel was born and raised in La Cañada Flintridge and is an alumni of LCHS where he was the Captain of the wrestling team.  During his senior year at LCHS he received the Divine Award for being the heart and soul of the wrestling team.  Professor Gabriel discovered jiu jitsu through friends and began his training at Gracie Barra La Cañada in 2015 under Professor Orlando Sanchez where he excelled in melding his knowledge of wrestling and jiu jitsu together.  Shortly thereafter he returned to his alma mater LCHS where he was hired to coach the wrestling team.  Through his work in coaching wrestling he received the Dick Denny award for his unmatched sacrifices and dedication to developing the young minds and bodies of wrestlers at La Cañada High School.  Professor Gabriel has developed his  teaching over the years, working with toddlers up through advanced adult classes.