coaches

As a dedicated Jiu Jitsu coach with over 15 years of training experience, Coach Ripper’s philosophy is simple: Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. He believes that the principles and challenges of Jiu Jitsu extend beyond the mat, providing valuable life lessons in resilience, respect, and personal growth. Whether you're a child stepping onto the mat for the first time, or an adult refining your skills, he is eager to guide and support your journey in this transformative martial art.

27 years law enforcement. SWAT. Felony Apprehension. Over 25 years Muay Thai training. Golden Glove Boxer. Placed as high as 5th in International World Competition in Freestyle Wrestling . 3rd Degree Black Belt under Cesar Gracie. Held the International Fighting Championships (IFC) Belt In Mixed Martial Arts.

Coach Nick Vasallo is the head instructor of our Muay Thai Kickboxing program here at Danville Jiu Jitsu. He is a CMAT (Certified Martial Arts Teacher) and creator of the Muay Thai program at Global Martial Arts University. He is also a tenured professor of music, married with two kids, composes/sings/plays guitar in two bands (Antagony and Oblivion), and owns WeNeedMerch.com - a custom apparel company.

Dennis is a black belt under Danville Jiu-Jitsu and has been training martial arts for the past 17 years. He has competed at the national level of Jiu Jitsu and brings that experience as a coach. He is also a law enforcement officer and defensive tactics instructor for one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area. Dennis brings technical prowess and hands on experience as a coach to Danville Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Faisal been a competitor and practitioner of Jiu Jitsu since 2010 and a coach since 2017. Through Jiu Jitsu, he has developed traits and habits that led to success in other areas of his life, outside the realm of Jiu Jitsu. Some of the most important things he picked up from his years of training, competing, and teaching are: discipline, perseverance, willingness to work hard, and always having a white belt mentality by being curious, coachable, and open to learning. He has also met amazing people and has gained exposure to great opportunities through the tight community Jiu Jitsu brings. Today, he aspires to pass down to his students the important lessons that were taught to him, all while making sure they enjoy every bit of it!

Rick Liu is a brown belt under Danville Jiu Jitsu. He is one of the main coaches for teens and adult gi/nogi. Rick has competed at the national and local level under IBJJF, BJJ Tour and Jiu Jitsu World league. He placed second at the US Open and NorCal Championship. He has a tremendous passion for teaching and a meticulous mindset for technique.

Coach Carl is a black belt here at Danville Jiu Jitsu and has been dong jiu jitsu for over 15 years. He is one of our kids coaches and in addition to jiu jitsu he also coaches his own kids in soccer and baseball.

Coach Mike Seto is a highly experienced martial artist with a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Wing Chun, where he has won national and international titles. With over 12 years of Jiu-Jitsu training and 26 years in Wing Chun, he has adapted his techniques to suit his strengths as an older practitioner. Coach Mike's extensive martial arts background, combined with his passion for teaching and nurturing students of all ages, makes him a highly qualified and invaluable coach, guiding practitioners toward personal growth and martial arts excellence.

Reese Hobby is a purple belt and has been doing jiu jitsu since she was 5 years old. She is passionate about teaching private lessons with women & children, in addition to self defense classes. She is studying Nutrition at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Born into a wrestling family in Colorado, I have been on the mats since I was 5 yrs old (that’s a long time from now). I wrestled two years in college and one year abroad during my college years. I was fortunate to have extremely gifted coaches in my years after high school (Olympic Team runner-up and also a U.S. Olympic Greco Coach). I have been passing my knowledge along to the wrestling team at San Ramon Valley since 2007 & have been the acting head coach there for the past two years.

Hannah Ripper is a purple belt under her black belt father Daniel Ripper. Her love for jiu jitsu began at the age of 5. She loves sharing her experience through coaching the kids and women. Alongside her Jiu Jitsu career, she has trained at the national level in wrestling. She ultimately hopes to create a safe and fun environment to help build confidence and skill on and off the mat.

Coach Sami has been a competitor and practitioner of Jiu Jitsu since 2010 and a coach since 2017. Through Jiu Jitsu, he has developed traits and habits that have led to success in other parts of life, outside the mat room. Some of the most important things he picked up from his years of training, competing, and teaching are: discipline, perseverance, willingness to work hard, and always wanting learn. He has also met amazing people and has been exposed to great opportunities through the tight community Jiu Jitsu brings. Jiu Jitsu has helped Sami achieve things not only in this sport but also in wrestling. It has given him a great foundation for any sport he has decided to do. Today, he aspires to pass down to my students the important lessons that were taught to him, all while making sure they enjoy every bit of it!