Kaijin MMA
Coaches
CLEMENT SHIELDS
Clement Shields is 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 develops physical and mental 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.
Clem earned his black belt in 2009 under Claudio Franca. Among his Jiu Jitsu instructors, he also points to Marcelo Garcia and Paul Schreiner as particularly influential figures who have significantly shaped his martial arts journey. Clem has been a training partner to several renowned fighters, including his brother Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez, and the Diaz brothers, Nick and Nate. His experience working with elite fighters adds a unique perspective to Clem’s teaching style, enriching the learning environment at Clem Shields Mixed Martial Arts Studio.
GUSTAVO FROES
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 BRADFORD
Christopher Bradford is a lifelong martial artist, with extensive experience competing and advanced rank in striking, grappling, and weapon-based martial arts, including a black belt / faixa preta in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is passionate about helping students and training partners develop as martial artists, and as people.
GEORGE PASCUAL
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.
JACOB HORTON
Jacob Horton, a dedicated jiu-jitsu coach at Kaijin MMA, began his martial arts journey at a young age, training in karate at his grandfather’s studio, Sanford Martial Arts. He transitioned to jiu-jitsu at Kaijin MMA in 2017, where he has since earned the rank of brown belt.
Jacob’s athletic background includes wrestling on the varsity team at Scotts Valley High School, where he clinched a gold medal at the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Championships. As a competitor, he has excelled in the amateur scene, earning multiple fight victories and competing in various Bay Area tournaments, where he has secured both gold and silver medals.
In addition to his competitive achievements, Jacob instructs both youth and adult programs at Kaijin MMA, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for jiu-jitsu with his students. His journey from karate to jiu-jitsu and his continued training under esteemed coaches highlight his commitment to martial arts excellence.
CHRIS GRABOWICZ
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
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
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.
JEFF REESE
A native of Santa Cruz, Jeff Reese has been a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner since joining Kaijin MMA in 2018. His journey in martial arts is driven by a genuine passion for both physical fitness and the nuanced techniques that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers. Jeff views BJJ as more than a sport—it’s a form of mental and physical problem-solving that sharpens the mind as much as the body. His approach to teaching reflects this philosophy, encouraging students to explore the strategic depth of BJJ while fostering resilience and adaptability on the mat.
JORDAN DODGE
Jordan teaches kids-striking and mixed martial arts from a kickboxing and Muay Thai background with a focus on punches, kicks, take downs and submissions. Kids face many situations where are challenged by others. Handling these confrontations with grace and a sense of calm knowing that they know how to handle themselves is a true gift to kids. The self defense Jordan teaches is designed to show kids how to protect themselves and others regardless of the size difference. Each class, children gain experience and accomplishments that will follow them all their lives. Jordans classes are fun and exciting, and are centered around the goal of teaching exercises and skills that will help kids grow strong up and develop self confidence. With each new achievement, you can see them walk taller and feel better about themselves.
Jordan is an accomplished kick boxer and has experience teaching a kids kickboxing at Freefall MMA, Allied MMA, in addition to Kaijin. Jordan began his martial arts journey in 2005 at Marinoble’s Martial Arts, where he trained under IKF World Champion Dave Marinoble and trained alongside fighters such as Urijah Faber, Scott Smith, and James Irvin. In 2007, he moved to Santa Cruz County, California, where he still resides with his two children and wife. In 2010, he began training under IKF World Champion Francis Farley and earned his black belt. He eventually began teaching at Farley’s Kickboxing Academy (FKA) and even competed for the FKA Fight Team.
RYAN MYRAH
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.
