Our Staff

MRJJA HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Mario owns and operates the MRJJA, where he teaches classes on a daily basis. You can read more about Mario here.

 

MRJJA ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

One of the first students to sign up when the gym first opened in 2004, Aaron is now an Assistant Instructor with the MRJJA.  Aaron is also a successful real state agent with Coldwell Banker.

* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt

* 2006 Mat Mania Champion

* 2005 USJA Judo State Championships – 2nd Place

 

MRJJA ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Dan Leckel is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and the MRJJA’s wrestling coach. He wrestled from youth all the way to Junior College. He is currently pursuing a degree in accounting.

* 2010 NAGA Illinois Grappling Champion Gi Purple & No-Gi Expert

* 2009 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships – 2nd Place, Blue Belt Heavyweight

* 2009 King Grappler Heavyweight Champion

* 2008 NAGA Illinois Grappling Champion

* 2007 NAGA Midwest Grappling Champion

* 2006 Junior National Sambo Champion

 

MRJJA ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Tom is a full-time paramedic and firefighter with an extensive background in several different martial arts. In spite of his busy work schedule, Tom is always at hand helping other students.

 * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt

* 2006 Tiger Academy Tournament Champion

 

MRJJA ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

Besides being the coach of his own MMA team in Winona, MN, Mike Howell is also a boxing coach and assistant instructor for MRJJA’s MMA Program. Some of Mike’s accomplishments include:

* Professional boxer and MMA fighter

* 6x Toughman Champion in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions

* Former Head Coach of the Lion’s Den Boxing Gym (Winona, MN)

* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt