BJJ PROFESSORS
What We've Achieved
Michael Martin started Strong Heart Academy.
We have helped enhance our students’ lives by creating friendships and learning martial arts.
Working through complex problems on the mats helps our students with real-life problem-solving skills.
Jiu-Jitsu and MMA help with physical fitness and help develop mental strength.
THE HISTORY OF STRONG HEART ACADEMY
STRONG HEART ACADEMY ESTABLISHED IN 2009
Mike Martin was originally brought up under the BJJ legend Joe Moreira. We are close to him to this day, and his pressure game is still taught.
Over time we became close with Caio Terra and were inspired by his technique. As soon as Caio Terra Association was started, we joined.
CAIO TERRA - 15 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 Phoenix, Arizona CTA
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors have different skill sets at our martial arts academy in 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
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Mike Martin
Owner - 4th Degree Black Belt
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Tod Gerrish
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Shea Smith
Adult and Kids BJJ - Black Belt
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Adrian Ramirez
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Mike Demers
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Casey Quist
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Joe Westbrook
Adult and Kids BJJ - Black Belt
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John Habinek
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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David Weaver
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Patrick Taft
Adult BJJ - Black Belt
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Tracy Valentine
Kids BJJ - Brown Belt
MIKE MARTIN
The owner of Strong Heart Academy first began training under Joe Moreira. There he learned a great technical game with pressure. Years later, Mike met and trained with Caio Terra. While continuing a great friendship with Joe Moreira, we’ve joined Caio Terra Association. All of these experiences have influenced his training and his excellence at relaying information. Not every good BJJ practitioner is a good teacher.
TODD
Todd has been with Strong Heart since the beginning of school. He teaches the daytime Adult BJJ classes. He teaches on Mondays and Wednesdays. He brings many years of experience to the mat.
SHEA SMITH - BJJ BLACK BELT
Shea teaches Jiu-Jitsu. Originally he came to us from another school system. He has a creative game and is well-studied.
RILEY TRUITT - BROWN BELT
Riley is one of our primary Jiu-Jitsu instructors. He teaches Jiu-Jitsu basics and the Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu programs. He is very patient and part of our family-friendly Martial Arts School.
TONY CASTRO - PURPLE BELT
Tony is one of our Kids’ Jiu-Jitsu instructors. He is patient and well-studied as an instructor. We have multiple Kids’ Jiu-Jitsu instructors to be able to focus on our students.