Our Instructors
Rich Byrne
Rich is an accomplished black belt competitor who has demonstrated success across both gi and no-gi rule sets, capturing gold medals at major events in 2025 including the Master World Championships, European Championships, and Pan American Championships.
Beyond competition, Rich brings that same precision and professionalism to the mat, running high-level classes that emphasize technical clarity, purposeful drilling, and a culture of focused improvement.
Nick Ortiz
A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner for over 10 years, Nick Ortiz has been refining his craft in some of the best training rooms the sport has to offer. He’s worked and trained under the likes of John Danaher, Craig Jones, and the Miyao brothers at Studio 1908.
Nick brings an attention to detail, while alleviating the anxiety of learning something as new and difficult as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Coach Tim
Tim is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt, Judo Black Belt, former MMA fighter, and former North and South Carolina state champion in Judo.
Since 2009, Tim has competed primarily in BJJ and submission grappling. He’s currently ranked in the top 10 of IBJJF Black Belt Master 3 featherweight Gi competitors. He’s been coaching kids, teens, and adults for the past 15 years.
Jon Bianco
Jon Bianco is a native New Yorker who started his martial arts journey in 2009. After winning both an amateur WKA title in MMA & Kickboxing, Jon turned his attention to BJJ. Over the course of his BJJ career, Jon attained his purple belt and won gold at Jiu Jitsu World League and IBJJF.
In his spare time, Jon enjoys hanging with his dog and drinking as much coffee as possible.
Matt Gioia
With extensive experience teaching children, teens, and adults, Matt has instructed at several respected academies including Unity Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Jersey City, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, and Juntos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Now a dedicated purple belt, Matt brings technical clarity, patience, and a deep passion for the art to his role as an Assistant Coach at Mushin MMA. His mission is to help students build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for martial arts.
Coach Kevin
Kevin started his martial arts journey at Brooklyn Tech High School where he was city champ. He then wrestled at SUNY Oswego where he was a team captain his senior year. After finishing law school, he started training Jiu Jitsu, receiving his purple belt from Jon Calestine.
Kevin creates a welcoming class environment where his students can joke and laugh because he understands what it’s like to have a busy life off the mats. He believes everyone can show up to class, enjoy each others company, and get better together.
Coach Steve
Steve leads our morning sessions, bringing a dynamic and wrestling-centered approach to the mats. Steve is a purple belt, having trained at Queens Jiu Jitsu, Mushin, and Unity Jiu Jitsu.
Steve’s classes are structured around positional sparring games, designed to accelerate learning through live, objective-based scenarios.
