The Instructors

J.D. LOPEZ: HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Although born in Brooklyn, NY, J.D. is a Floridian through and through. In 1989, he moved with his family to Winter Garden, FL. There he spent his youth and at age thirteen, he enrolled in his first karate class.

After graduating high school in 2002 he enlisted in the military. In 2007, following his time in the service, J.D. began learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Seven years later he started teaching full-time and has done so ever since. Today, J.D. continues to train, teach, and share his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and physical fitness.

A FEW OF JD’S CREDENTIALS

• 2014— Started teaching BJJ full-time
• 2015— IBJJF World Silver Medalist—purple belt*
• 2016— IBJJF World Bronze Medalist—brown belt*
• 2017— Promotion to black belt
• 2020— Surpassed 5,600 BJJ teaching hours
• 2021— Founded United Legion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• 2022— Surpassed 6,500 teaching hours

*Masters

TEACHING STYLE

Since neither agility nor athleticism are the main “success” factors of progressing in BJJ, J.D. focuses on what is: skill. By teaching and stressing the fundamentals of BJJ, J.D.’s students master the basic details before moving on to more advanced techniques. Additionally, he teaches all gi and no-gi classes.

Finally, Lopez’s primary focus for martial arts training is not competition. Although he supports and encourages anyone who wishes to compete, his primary focus is teaching Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense.

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