Instructors
Tony Rinaldi, Head Instructor
Tony has been involved in the Martial Arts for almost 20 years. Tony originally studied Shotokan Karate, earning a Black Belt in that discipline. Tony competed successfully in National level Karate tournaments. Tony then studied Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, also earning a Black Belt in that discipline. When Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) exploded onto the scene with Royce Gracie fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championships, Tony began to explore BJJ. As there were no BJJ schools or experts in this area at the time, Tony originally trained BJJ via videos, books, and duplicating what he saw in the televised fights. Desiring to improve his technique with a structured, methodical training system, Tony's search for an instructor led him to Pedro Sauer. Pedro is a 6th degree BJJ Black Belt under Rickson Gracie, and has been recognized as one of the "Best of the Best" BJJ instructors in the world. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense Academy is an official affiliate school of Professor Sauer, and we have fully adopted Professor Sauer's training curriculum. Professor Sauer visits our Academy several times a year, and Tony has traveled to train with Professor Sauer at his school in Utah.
Some can do, some can teach. Tony can do both. Tony is an accomplished grappler and is known for his excellent style as an instructor. Tony is noted for his ability to break the techniques down into understandable pieces.
Tony was awarded his Purple Belt in BJJ by Professor Sauer during his visit to our school in November 2006. Tony is working towards his Brown Belt under
Pedro Sauer.
Brian Mlinarsik, Instructor
Brian is a very skilled BJJ fighter, with a strong wrestling background. Brian has trained in BJJ since 1998 (10 yrs). Brian has won a number of tournaments, and has placed high in the Arnold Classic, an international tournament held in Columbus, Ohio. Competing in the no-gi amateur division, Brian placed 3rd in his weight class in 2002 and 2nd in 2003 at the Arnold.
Brian teaches both BJJ and MMA classes at the Academy.
Brian was also awarded his Purple Belt in BJJ by Professor Sauer in November, 2006 and is progressing towards his Brown Belt.
Bill Jones - Assistant Instructor
Bill has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years. Bill has studied many martial arts styles, and has earned black belts in Daito Ryu Aki Jujitsu, Shotokan Karate, and Poekoelan Kung Fu. Bill is a well rounded martial artist who teaches a variety of classes at the Academy, as well as teaching the credited self defense class for Youngstown State University.
Bill was awarded his Purple Belt in BJJ by Professor Sauer in January, 2008.
Blase Brush - Assistant Instructor
Blase is an extremely dedicated student of BJJ and has been training with Tony for 4 years. Blase combines strength with precise technique. Blase is an active tournament competitor and has placed very high in a number of tournaments.
Blase was awarded his Purple Belt in BJJ by Professor Sauer in January, 2008.
Paul Hido - Assistant Instructor
Paul has been training with Tony and Brian for 4 years. Paul is also an active tournament competitor and has placed well in the tournaments he has entered. Paul is also an assistant coach with the Canfield Youth Wrestling Program. Paul teaches adult and Youth BJJ classes at the Academy.
Paul was awarded his Purple Belt in BJJ by Professor Sauer in January, 2008.
Chris Canale - Wrestling coach
Chris is one of the top wrestlers to come out of the Youngstown area. The highlights of his wrestling background include: Ohio State Placer in High School, Scholarship athlete @ Ashland University, 2x NCAA National Qualifier, NCAA All-American, Assistant Coach Canfield High School, Head Coach Team Lennox Freestyle and Greco Roman Club, Assistant Coach Ohio Junior National Greco Roman Team, International Greco Roman Wrestler @84kg
Chris is also an MMA fighter, and he fights in the cage on a regular basis. After a successful stint fighting as an Amatuer, Chris is now fighting in the Pro division.
Chris teaches primarily takedowns and throws at the Academy.
Chris earned his Blue Belt in BJJ in January, 2008.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008, paul