BJJ Professors & Coaches at Strong Heart Academy — North Phoenix, AZ

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Every black belt carries a story — and Mike Martin's journey is one built on discipline, loyalty, and over two decades of dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu right here in North Phoenix.

2000 — The Foundation Begins Mike Martin started gi and no gi as a white belt at Jerry Laurita's BJJ school, training under the legendary Master Joe Moreira. Moreira's methodical pressure game and deep technical roots in traditional BJJ would become the bedrock of everything Mike built.

2009 — Black Belt Earned the Hard Way After years of mat time, teaching BJJ classes, steadily developing his own game, and completing a required MMA match, Master Joe Moreira awarded Mike Martin his black belt. It wasn't handed over — it was forged. This milestone represented not just a rank, but a full transition into leadership on the mat.

2009 — Strong Heart Academy Opens Its Doors That same year, Mike founded Strong Heart Academy in North Phoenix. What started as one man's vision has grown into one of the most respected BJJ programs in the Phoenix metro area, now home to over 9 active black belt instructors.

2011 — The Bond with Caio Terra Association After crossing paths with Caio Terra at an earlier event, Mike attended a week-long BJJ seminar at Red House BJJ in Paige, Arizona. That week changed everything. The technical depth, the philosophy, the personal connection — it all aligned. Strong Heart Academy officially joined the Caio Terra Association CTA. With 12 IBJJF World Championships to his name, Caio Terra's technical mastery speaks for itself, and Mike wanted that standard behind every student on the mat in North Phoenix.

Today — 4th Degree Black Belt Under Caio Terra Mike Martin currently holds a 4th Degree Black Belt, with every stripe personally awarded by Caio Terra. That direct lineage isn't a formality — it reflects an ongoing relationship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the art. When you train at Strong Heart Academy, you're training within a lineage that runs from Joe Moreira's pressure game to Caio Terra's world-championship-level technique.

North Phoenix BJJ Lineage: Joe Moreira, Caio Terra Association

Mike in a white Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of a wall with a red and black 'Strong Heart' sign. He has tattoos on his chest and is holding a black belt. The setting appears to be a martial arts studio or gym.
Mike Martin in a white Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi standing in a dojo with a fellow martial artist in the background.
Caio and Mike in Brazilian jiu-jitsu gis smiling and posing for a photo giving black belt stripe."
Red House Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in gi uniforms posing in a martial arts dojo
Mike boxing wearing protective headgear and gloves fight in a boxing ring at night. One boxer is throwing a punch while the other blocks.
Joe Moreira and Mike in martial arts uniforms, one in a white gi, giving a thumbs-up, and the other in a blue gi with a badge, posing together.
Joe Moreira and Mike standing together in a boxing ring, one shirtless and the other wearing glasses and a black jacket, with one giving a thumbs up.
Joe Moreira and Mike in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gis smiling and posing together in a dojo, with one man wearing a blue gi and the other wearing a black gi, both showing thumbs up.
Martial Arts in Phoenix
Martial Arts in Phoenix

Caio Terra - 12 Time World Champion!

Professor Caio Terra is a pioneer in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and founder of the Caio Terra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association. Professor Caio believes that through Jiu Jitsu we can change lives. Professor Caio is not just a great competitor, or great teacher, he is a great person and the Strong Heart Academy is proud to represent his name and unique brand of Jiu Jitsu in the North Phoenix, Arizona.

Strong Heart Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in gis posing in a martial arts gym, with a sign that says 'Strong Heart' above them.

MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors have different skill sets at our martial arts academy in North Phoenix, AZ. We have a family-friendly environment and ensure all students understand they are a part of our martial arts family.

We focus on our student’s individual games rather than trying to push a standard corporate chosen gameplan.

This is more common than you think, but we will always focus on working with our students individually.

Height, body weight, flexibility, and athletic abilities vary, making our school special.

We can help anyone get better at Jiu-Jitsu!

Meet Our BJJ Professors

  • 4th Degree Black Belt getting stripe on his black belt from Caio Terra

    Mike Martin

    Owner - 4th Degree Black Belt

    Founder of Strong Heart Academy, established in North Phoenix in 2009. Originally trained under BJJ legend Joe Moreira, Mike joined the Caio Terra Association and built one of Arizona's most respected BJJ programs — specializing in personalized game development for students of every body type and background

  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt standing by martial arts academy sign

    Tod Gerrish

    Adult BJJ - 2nd Degree Black Belt

    Professor Tod Gerrish is a 2nd Degree Black Belt with over 25 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, training since 1998 and coaching both kids and adults. A Pan American Championship gold medalist, Tod's background in Special Forces and law enforcement gives him a uniquely disciplined and practical approach — making him as knowledgeable and approachable a coach as you'll find on the mat.

  • Man with a red beard and wearing a black jiu-jitsu gi standing in front of a wall with a large clock. The clock features a logo with a martial arts belt and the text 'NO HEART NO VICTORY'.

    Casey Quist

    Adult BJJ - 2nd Degree Black Belt

    Professor Casey Quist is a 2nd Degree Black Belt whose relentless study of the game — including countless hours of instructional content from resources like BJJ Fanatics — has made him one of the most well-rounded coaches on the mat. He teaches both kids and adult classes, with particular depth in No-Gi and high-level concepts like leg attacks, bringing a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every aspect of his BJJ game.

  • Man in a black Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform smiling and holding a red and white belt, standing in front of a wall-mounted sign with a logo that has a stylized octopus and text that reads 'Strong Heart BJJ' and 'No Heart No Victory'.

    Shea Smith

    Adult and Kids BJJ - 1st Degree Black Belt

    Professor Shea Smith is a 1st Degree Black Belt whose passion for Jiu-Jitsu extends well beyond the academy — having traveled to Brazil, Japan, and Thailand to train and absorb knowledge from martial arts cultures around the world. That global perspective, combined with deep study of the art, makes Shea a well-rounded and insightful coach. Known for his patience and natural ability to connect with students, he is equally at home teaching kids and adults, earning a reputation as a truly exceptional professor.

  • A man in a blue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of a sign that reads "Strong Heart BJJ" with a logo featuring an octopus tentacle and the words "No Heart No Victory."

    Adrian Ramirez

    Adult BJJ - 1st Degree Black Belt

    Professor Adrian Ramirez achieved the fastest progression from white belt to black belt in the school's history — a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and sharp mind for the art. He leads advanced adult classes with a focus on complex techniques like berimbolos, breaking down intricate movements with clarity and precision. Adrian also coaches No-Gi BJJ, guiding students through the grip adjustments and strategic shifts the format demands.

  • A man in a blue martial arts gi standing with arms crossed in front of a wall clock with a blue glow, featuring a stylized brain and a slogan that reads 'Born to Inspire, Not to Win - No Heart No Victory'.

    John Habinek

    Adult BJJ - Black Belt

    Professor John Habinek brings a well-rounded combat sports background to the mat, with roots in Muay Thai that laid a strong foundation before he embarked on his BJJ journey. A skilled No-Gi specialist, John leads the academy's early morning classes and is known for both the quality of his own game and his ability to break it down clearly for students. Away from the mat, his giving spirit carries over into charity bike rides that raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

  • A man wearing a black martial arts uniform with a brown belt and a shoulder bag stands in front of a wall with a circular sign that features a stylized octopus and the words "No Heart No Victory" and part of the phrase "Fight Heart Fight".

    David Weaver

    Adult BJJ - Black Belt

    Professor David Weaver is a successful businessman who came to BJJ with a clear sense of purpose — when asked why he started, he put it simply: "A black belt is something I can't buy, it has to be earned." That mindset has defined his journey, and he now gives back by teaching both intro and advanced adult classes while championing an active, healthy lifestyle as proof that BJJ has no expiration date.

  • Man in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of a neon sign that reads "Stronger Heart Brazil".

    Patrick Taft

    Adult BJJ - Black Belt

    Professor Patrick Taft leads the academy's noon classes and is widely regarded as the most welcoming presence in the school — the kind of instructor who makes every student feel like they truly belong from day one. His generosity extends beyond the mat, and he has been known to gift student’s mouthguards upon their belt promotions, a small but meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about the family culture he helps build.

  • A woman in a blue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of a wall with a circular sign that reads 'STORYBOOK HEART BRAIL' and features a graphic of a clenched fist. She is smiling and has her brown belt tied around her waist.

    Tracy Valentine

    Kids BJJ - Brown Belt

    Tracy Valentine is a dedicated brown belt and longtime early morning training regular, bringing a relatable perspective to working professionals who carve out time on the mat before the day begins. A former college softball pitcher, her athletic background and competitive spirit shine through in everything she does — including helping with the kids BJJ program, where her warmth and patience make her a natural with young students. A true family affair, Tracy's sons train alongside her at the academy.

What Our Students Say About Training at Strong Heart Academy

Our coaches' dedication to the art speaks for itself — and so do our students. With 165+ five-star Google reviews from North Phoenix and Scottsdale families, the feedback is consistent: expert instruction, a welcoming atmosphere, and coaches who genuinely invest in every student's individual game. See what real members say about training under our coaching staff.