Instructors | Gorilla Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy | Mahwah

Our Team.

Gorilla BJJ Academy has an outstanding team of dedicated instructors, all of whom are determined to help students succeed. Our instructors offer support and guidance, uniquely tailored to each student. Our goal is to provide an environment where everyone is valued for their outside-the-box thinking, creative ideas, and dedication to improving themselves and others.

Professor Mike Wilson

2nd Degree Black Belt

Mike Wilson, owner and head instructor of Gorilla Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Mahwah, NJ, is a 2nd degree black belt under Professor Jared Weiner (Tac Team) of BJJ United in Philadelphia. Mike lives and breathes Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been training for over 18 years. With a strong emphasis on self-defense, he believes everyone – men, women and children – should train and always have an advantage if a dangerous situation arises. Mike is known for his ability to break down technical details of a move for a novice white belt to a seasoned competitor. He currently teaches all of the classes at Gorilla BJJ.

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Professor Vincent Presha

Early Morning Professor

Professor Vinny is the 26th black belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia. Vinny and Mike are childhood friends and now training partners. He runs the early morning classes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Professor Stan Kevereski

Stan is a black belt competitor under Professor Wilson and teaches Advanced Gi and the Competition Class. Beginning his competitive career early on in his training, Stan has multiple submission-only wins and competes at the highest level at all of the local tournaments: Good Fight, Grappling Industries, FUJI BJJ, Ultimate Submission Grappling, Radius Invitational, Sakura BJJ In-House and the Hudson Valley Grappling Invitational.

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Professor Scott Foran

Scott is a black belt under Professor Wilson. He runs the Wednesday night Gi Basics class and also assists with the kid's program. Scott has been training for over 13 years and has a great understanding of the game. He frequently visits Brazil and trains there for extended periods of time.

Carlos Gomez

Muay Thai Instructor

Carlos is a brown belt under Professor Wilson and runs the Muay Thai program at Gorilla BJJ. He has a vast knowledge in traditional Muay Thai and teaches beginners to advanced levels. His son is also a yellow belt in jiu-jitsu.

Katelyn Petersen

Women's Jiu-Jitsu Coach, Academy Director

Katelyn is a brown belt under Professor Wilson and also the academy director for Gorilla BJJ. She runs the Women's Only Jiu-Jitsu Class, assists with the kids classes, intro lessons and women's self defense seminars. Katelyn went from being a bootcamp student 10 years ago at our old academy to running the women's jiu-jitsu program at Gorilla.

Eric Larsen

Instructor

Eric is now a brown belt under Professor Wilson. He is extremely passionate about BJJ, training 5-6 days a week. Assisting with the kids classes and the early morning classes. Eric is a father, husband, and a pillar in the community as he is a Detective in the Mahwah Police Dept. His daughter Gabriella is also Gorilla BJJ student.

Jon Hernandez

Kid's Instructor

Coach Jon - now a purple belt - in the primary kid's instructor at Gorilla BJJ. Jon is a purple belt under Professor Wilson and is extremely dedicated to helping our youth grow and reach their potentials!