Nick Sacoulas

• Began Training in Martial Arts in 1983 – Over 20 years experience
• Founded Progressive Martial Arts in 1995
• Full Instructor in Jeet Kune Do / Jun Fan Gung Fu under SiFu Dan Inosanto
• Full Instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts Fu under SiFu Dan Inosanto
• Instructor (Kru) in Muay Thai under Ajarn Surachai Sirisute
• Associate Instructor in Combat Submission Wrestling under Sensei Erik Paulson
• Associate Instructor Level 6 Katipunan 2 in Sayoc Kali under Tuhon Chris Sayoc
• Sayoc Whip Instructor under Tuhon Chris Sayoc
• Apprentice 2 in Atienza Kali under Tuhon Carl Atienza
• Senior Apprentice Instructor in Dog Brothers Martial Arts under Guro Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny
• “Raw Dog” – Member of the Dog Brothers Pack

Other Accomplishments:

• 2004 Atienza Blade Simulator Champion – Advanced Division
• Single Stick Advanced Division Champion – 1996 & 1998 World Full Contact Stick Fighting Open
• Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning – International Sports Sciences Association
• Certified Fitness Trainer – International Sports Sciences Association
• UFC Trainer / Coach – UFC 42

Eric Ruiz

• Over 10 Years Martial Arts Experience
• Started Training at Progressive Martial Arts in 1998
• Instructor (Kru) in Muay Thai Boxing under Ajarn Sirisute Surachai
• Associate Instructor in Combat Submission Wrestling under Sensei Erik Paulson
• Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Professor Rob Gutierrez
• Experienced Fighter in numerous Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai Kickboxing, San Shou, San Da, Boxing, Submission Wrestling, & Brazilian Jiu-jitsu events
• Active Fighter (126-129 lbs.)

Other Accomplishments:

• 1st Place Gracie TA Tournament (Blue Belt)
• 1st Place Grapplers Challenge II
• 1st Place Gracie Nationals (Blue Belt)
• 2nd Place Gracie Nationals (Open Division)
• 1st Place NAGA Advanced GI (Purple Belt)
• 1st Place Relson Gracie Arnold Classic (Purple Belt)
• 1st Place Gold Medal 2002 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Purple Masters)
• UFC Trainer/Coach – UFC 42

Rob Gutierrez

• Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Nelson Monteiro, Sean Alvarez & Renzo Gracie
• Assistant Instructor for Team Ground Control BJJ, NHB
• Assistant Instructor, Relson Gracie T.A (Bronx, NY)
• Seminars, women self-defense/rape prevention
• UFC Trainer/Coach – UFC 42

Titles:

• 1st Place Gracie TA Tournament(Blue Belt)
• 1st Place Grapplers Challenge II
• 1st Place Gracie Nationals (Blue Belt)
• 2nd Place Gracie Nationals (Open Division)
• 1st Place NAGA Advanced GI (Purple Belt)
• 1st Place Relson Gracie Arnold Classic (Purple Belt)
• 1st Place Gold metal 2002 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Purple Masters)
• UFC Trainer/Coach – UFC 42

Maurice Ilao

• Apprentice Instructor in Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Sifu Nick Sacoulas

Kathryn Legaspi

• Program Director
• PMA Little Dragon Program Instructor

Other Accomplishments

• Registered Nurse with over 10 years of experience
• Masters in Public Health (Columbia University)

SWAT Team

PMA’s SWAT Team consists of adult students who have demonstrated the highest level of performance and character in and out of the school.  Members of the SWAT Team assist in classes and at PMA events while also participating in our Instructors Training Program.  Monthly meetings provide team members with the proper training to assist and teach in classes while also affording them the opportunity to gain some extra training time for their own growth and development as well.  Hand selected by our main instructors, team members have the distinct honor of being on the PMA SWAT team and can, if they choose, continue on a path that would lead to a career in martial arts.

Youth Leadership Team

PMA’s Youth Leadership Team consists of students from our Teen Program who have demonstrated the highest level of performance and character in and outside of the school.  They portray the image and leadership that we hope all our youth strive to live by.

Students on the Leadership Team are required to assist in youth classes, at PMA events, and in community service projects throughout the year.  Team members meet weekly to learn how to instruct while also learning about leadership skills such as perseverance, discipline, respect, problem solving and other tools for success in life, both personally and professionally. A vital part of our staff and the PMA family, the Leadership Team serves an important role in the school and therefore only students who have been recognized as fit by all the instructors are invited.