Instructor since: 2024
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Shawn began his martial arts journey as a child, training in Kung Fu and Shotokan Karate. This early experience sparked a lifelong pursuit of realistic and practical martial arts. At age 21, while living in Chicago, he began training Boxing and Muay Thai at a friend’s gym.

During this time, he met a fellow martial artist who introduced them to Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), igniting an interest in grappling. In 2008, a job opportunity brought them to Los Angeles, where he continued training Muay Thai and eventually began formal BJJ training when his gym introduced a dedicated program for Brazilian Jiujitsu. Over time, his passion for BJJ grew, leading them to focus exclusively on the art.

After years of training at various academies under esteemed instructors, Shawn relocated to Texas in 2017 as a BJJ Brown Belt. He joined Ricardo Abreu’s academy in Plano, where he flourished under his guidance and earned their black belt in early 2024.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become a cornerstone of Shawn’s life, offering not only mastery of martial arts but also profound personal growth, problem-solving skills, and self-discovery. He now seeks to share this transformative passion with his students to help them grow and keep them safe.