Cobrinha BJJ Mountains Edge
Instructors
At Cobrinha BJJ Mountains Edge we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at Cobrinha BJJ Mountains Edge, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
Cobrinha BJJ Mountains Edge
Instructors
Here Cobrinha BJJ Mountains Edge, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Professor
Ryan Almogela
I first started being intrigued about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu just like most people who watch UFC 1 and seen a small BJJ practitioner by the name Royce Gracie dominate and finished all his opponents via submission of all size even opponents bigger than him. My Nephew who started training came over to the house and showed me a submission move he learned the triangle and I became even more intrigued and decided to look for a place to learn the art. I was very hesitant to start my career back in 2007. I wasn’t like most fit or flexible Jiu Jitsu practitioners, I was short not flexible and tipping the scales close to 280 lbs and very unhealthy. After taking my first class I had thoughts of quitting but I stayed committed to changing my lifestyle on and off the mats. After about 2 weeks I started to notice some weight loss results and learned a few fundamentals in Jiu Jitsu at this point I was hooked. I was learning Jiu Jitsu, having fun, and losing weight all at the same time. Fast forward 1 year later and 100 lbs lighter I was even hungrier to learn Jiu Jitsu it became a passion of mine.
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Professor
Michelle Balagosa
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Coach
Jesse Navarro
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Coach
John Rojas
I first started combat sports with kick boxing. I was then introduced to Jiu Jitsu by a good friend and mentor, Ericson Abalos. He invited me to my first introductory class and the rest was history. I began attending classes regularly and forged friendships with my gym partners. I watched a few compete, and that sparked a huge interest in me. I then got very serious about training and decided to compete as all my partners did, and right there…I was HOOKED.
I began competing as a white belt with one stripe and continued training and competing to reach my blue belt. After receiving my blue belt, life happened, and I had to put my BJJ training on pause for nearly 9 years. I moved from the island of Kauai to Las Vegas. I finally found my way back to BJJ when Cobrinha Mountains Edge opened in April of 2023. Since then, it’s been nothing but satisfaction. I’ve had the pleasure to be one of the coaches for our mini cobra and kids programs.
At the same time, I put in training time in the adults class as well. I was eventually promoted to purple belt and have continued to coach. I also have the privilege to be a coach of the Cobrinha Mountains Edge Competition Team. I enjoy mentoring and coaching our kids as much as I love training myself. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment in helping and watching the kids excel in the craft of BJJ.
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Coach
Joseph Falaminiano
For me, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport—it’s a transformative journey of growth, discipline, and empowerment. I first stepped onto the mats in 2019, inspired by my children and wife, who were already training. What began as a personal challenge soon became a deep passion, driving me to refine both my skills and mindset. My goal was to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu not only to challenge myself but to lead, inspire, and uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positive change through BJJ.
Under the guidance of professors Hector Vasquez and Ryan Almogela at Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I have honed my skills with relentless dedication and passion. Now, a purple belt, I dedicate myself to supporting Professor Ryan’s students, helping them refine their technique, build confidence, and develop resilience both on and off the mats. My approach is rooted in cultivating a strong sense of community, perseverance, and personal growth.
My passion for teaching extends beyond just technique. I am deeply committed to mentoring youth, helping them develop not only as skilled practitioners but also as resilient individuals with self-confidence, focus, and mental toughness—qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.
Whether in gi or no-gi, I emphasize the importance of strategy, precision, and mental fortitude—key elements that drive success in both competition and life. I am constantly evolving and striving to improve, not just for my own progression but to help foster an environment where every individual can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
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Coach
Katrina Todd
They say jiujitsu is a journey, and here’s how mine started. I took my daughter out for a walk one day to get a little sweat going and noticed a new gym had opened up just a few minutes away from my house. I had been thinking about signing my daughter up for BJJ once she was old enough. I called my older brother who had been training at another gym and told him about it. He said he knew who Cobrinha was and that I should sign up. He said once I started, I’d be addicted. I thought he was crazy. The thought of rolling around with strangers and other people’s sweat on me did not appeal to me, but I took a risk and signed myself and my 3 year old daughter up anyway.
A month into training, my brother was right. It was so new to me, but I was hooked. I had tried so many other ways to work out and stay in shape, but this was different. The environment was welcoming, my training partners were helpful and reassuring, and the gym started to feel like home. I started to learn to feel comfortable in the most uncomfortable positions, and that is exactly why I’d recommend BJJ to anyone, especially women and children. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to coach the mini cobras, the little cobras and the homeschool program. It’s been so rewarding to watch both kids and adults learn, grow, build confidence and gain strength in so many ways. I can only hope to continue this journey and leave an impact on the people in our community the way that BJJ has impacted me.
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More About Us
About Our Team:
In addition to their technical expertise, our instructors are also excellent teachers who know how to create a supportive and challenging learning environment. They understand that every student is unique and tailor their approach to meet the needs of each individual.
Our instructors also prioritize safety, ensuring that all students learn and practice techniques in a safe and controlled manner. They are committed to helping our students build strong foundations in Jiu Jitsu, and are always available to answer questions and provide feedback.
About Our Philosophy:
We believe that having a team of skilled and experienced instructors is essential to the success of our Jiu Jitsu school. Our instructors work together to create a positive and inclusive community where students of all levels can thrive.
So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you can trust our instructors to provide you with the guidance and support you need to reach your goals. We are proud of our instructors and the impact they have on our students’ lives, and we look forward to seeing you on the mats soon.