Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Baltimore, MD

Professor Rick received his Black Belt from the World Champion Mendes Brothers and for the last five years has trained and taught at the World Famous Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy (AOJ) in California. During his time at AOJ, he achieved many of his competitive goals along with developing  as a coach and instructor.

As a competitor he has won dozens of local and international competitions. One of his proudest achievements was winning the 2014 IBJJF World Championship at purple belt.

As a coach he has been fortunate to work with hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds. Serving as the Kids Program Director, he helped develop and implement the acclaimed AOJ Kids Curriculum. This programs’s success enabled AOJ to win the IBJJF Kids Pan American team title the last 5 years (IBJJF Kids Pans is the biggest and most prestigious kids tournament in the world). 

Professor Rick’s teaching method is conceptual based, with strong emphases placed on proper positioning and body mechanics so students can execute techniques with maximum efficiency, as well as troubleshoot problems they may encounter as they progress. He also likes discussing mindset and the role of psychology and strategy during training, goal setting and competition. 

“Jiu Jitsu has always been a way for me to develop as a person and push through my physical and mental limits. Having not started training and competing until my twenties I have a strong grasp and understanding of what it takes to achieve at a high level, as well as coaching others on getting over their fears and living a life that is both satisfying and rewarding.”