Kaijin MMA
Coaches
Meet Clement Shields, a seasoned martial artist with a passion for Jiu Jitsu that goes beyond the typical sports narrative. For Clem, Jiu Jitsu is not just a sport; it's a multifaceted journey encompassing competition, fitness, and an excellent environment for social interaction. Engaging in Jiu Jitsu isn't just about physical skills; it's a transformative experience that instills confidence, helping individuals feel comfortable and assured in their own skin. However, at its core, Jiu Jitsu is a fighting art, and Clems teaching style reflects a strong understanding and commitment to this.
Clem's journey in martial arts began at the age of 7 when he stepped onto the wrestling mat. This early initiation evolved into years of youth club participation and competitive bouts throughout high school. In 2002, Clem ventured into the world of Jiu Jitsu, finding a strong connection that went beyond the similarities to wrestling. It was the he complexity of the art, the variety of submissions, and the vast realm of possibilities
that resonated with him.
Gustavo Froes holds a 6th-degree black belt under world-renowned Coral Belt Joe Moreira. Gustavo began his jiu-jitsu journey nearly 35 years ago, has an extensive competitive background, and is a 3-time winner of the famous Black Belt Challenge.
Gustavo’s passion for people and the “gentle art” show up in his teaching, which is a blend of highly technical and yet extremely practical technique. His knowledge of Jiu Jitsu and its history and evolution is prodigious, and his teaching style has been described as fun, relaxed, and dynamic.
Gustavo, originally from Rio de Janeiro, spent many years in Los Angeles helping to develop and corner some of the early UFC greats, then eventually made his way up to Santa Cruz as on of the first black belts in the area. Gustavo lives for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and truly loves teaching children because of the difference he’s seen it make in their lives.
Christopher.......
''Don't count the days. Make the days count". ~Muhammed Ali
Coach George Pascual brings over 16 years of boxing experience to Kaijin MMA. Starting as a student with a friend, George has grown into a leading boxing instructor, teaching hundreds of students from beginners to advanced competitors. His expertise lies in perfecting technique and form in boxing, focusing on offense, defense, and footwork.
Under Coach George's guidance, you’ll receive authentic boxing training, not just a fitness workout. His program is designed to teach people the fundamentals of boxing and acquire the skills necessary to compete at an amateur to professional level.
Through clear communication and passion for the sport, George aims to improve his students skills, help them overcome obstacles, empower them to achieve their goals, and finally to reach their full potential. With George, you’ll get a comprehensive and empowering boxing experience every time you step onto the mat.
''Don't count the days. Make the days count". ~Muhammed Ali
Coach George Pascual brings over 16 years of boxing experience to Kaijin MMA. Starting as a student with a friend, George has grown into a leading boxing instructor, teaching hundreds of students from beginners to advanced competitors. His expertise lies in perfecting technique and form in boxing, focusing on offense, defense, and footwork.
Under Coach George's guidance, you’ll receive authentic boxing training, not just a fitness workout. His program is designed to teach people the fundamentals of boxing and acquire the skills necessary to compete at an amateur to professional level.
Through clear communication and passion for the sport, George aims to improve his students skills, help them overcome obstacles, empower them to achieve their goals, and finally to reach their full potential. With George, you’ll get a comprehensive and empowering boxing experience every time you step onto the mat.
Chris began training jiu jitsu in 2003, and judo in 2004, while serving in the United States Marine Corps. Since then, he has traveled around the world and lived in many places throughout the country, including New York City, where he trained at the Marcelo Garcia Academy for 4 years. Chris settled in Scotts Valley, CA in 2019 and has been part of the Kaijin family since. He is a black belt under Clement Shields.
Pauly began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2007 under the guidance of Cesar Gracie's academy in Antioch, California. Following his relocation to Scott's Valley, he continued his training with Gustavo Froes, as well as Clement Shields at Kaijin MMA.
In 2022, Pauly achieved the rank of black belt, a testament to his dedication and perseverance over the years. Pauly prioritizes practical self-defense techniques and holds a deep appreciation for the technical aspects of sport jiu-jitsu and no-gi grappling.
Pauly believes martial arts, particularly jiu-jitsu, have significantly impacted his life. As an instructor, he aims to share his knowledge in a welcoming environment, catering to students of all skill levels. His classes, conducted in the traditional gi, offer a balanced blend of technical training and practical application, fostering growth and development among his students. All ranks are welcome.
Matt Vollers began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in 2012 under the guidance of Alex Ross at SCM Jiu Jitsu. With the ability to train full-time, Matt competed several times a year and earned his blue belt under Alex and Liga Jiu Jitsu. After Alex moved away in 2015, Matt continued his training under Clement Shields and Garth Taylor, maintaining a full training schedule and starting to teach as well. He achieved his purple belt through their combined instruction and has been a dedicated member and coach at Kaijin MMA since then.
Matt was awarded his brown belt under Clement while simultaneously managing his growing business. Though his new responsibilities limited his competition opportunities, he remained committed to teaching and training as much as possible. The pandemic significantly impacted his business, providing Matt with the time to refocus on BJJ. This renewed dedication led to his earning a black belt in December 2021, a milestone he considers one of the proudest days of his life. Currently, Matt continues to train and teach regularly, remaining passionate about his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and looking forward to the future.
A native of Santa Cruz, Jeff is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and instructor who began training at Kaijin MMA in 2018. With a passion for martial arts and physical fitness, Jeff found a deep connection with the intricate techniques and mental challenges that BJJ presents. He believes that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just physical but a strategic problem solving game that tests both the body and the mind.
Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge as a blackbelt kickboxer trained under world champion Master Dave Marinoble and local world champion Francis Farley. He is a Point Muay Thai promoter, the International Kickboxing Federation Northern California Representative and a certified USA Boxing Coach. Jordan has taught kids classes locally at Freefall MMA, Kaijin MMA and Allied MMA. Jordan has a passion for Muay Thai, kickboxing, pankration and martial arts in general and loves to pass on his knowledge by teaching martial arts.
Ryan began his journey with Kaijin MMA in the fall of 2018, shortly after graduating from high school. With an open future ahead, he dedicated himself fully to training in martial arts. His commitment and passion for the sport quickly earned him a position as an assistant coach in the kids' program. Over the years, Ryan has honed his coaching and jiujitsu skills, demonstrating a consistent commitment to both his personal development and the growth of his students.
Currently, Ryan serves as the assistant coach to Gustavo Froes at Kaijin MMA. He has also had the privilege of working alongside and learning from several distinguished black belts, enhancing his expertise and contributing to the development of the next generation of martial artists.
