Meet the Coaches

Walter Dean

• 9th Degree Red Belt Judo
• Former Olympic Coach for the USA Bling Team Atlanta
• Electrical Engineer, Lawyer, and Retired NYPD Officer

I have devoted my life to making a difference, especially to those less fortunate or disabled. I have represented the United States in many Olympic and Paralympic activities around the World with the honor of being a member but small part of many great teams. I have taught martial arts for well over 6 decades because I feel through sports, we can bring others together. At 78 years young I hope for many more years of devotion to athletes especially the youth for it is with them the World will remain a better place.

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Adam Schmaltz

Born and raised in San Marcos, I graduated from San Marcos High School, attended both palomar and CSUSM as well as SDSU, I have an immense amount of dedication and a sense of community when it comes to my hometown.  Earning multiple degrees in exercise science and motor learning gives me a unique ability to evaluate, teach, and refine movements and fitness to adults and children. Having reached the level of second degree black belt in both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo gives me the opportunity to use my skills in movement based education to help develop Jiu- Jitsu and Judo to the students at SDBJJ.

Joe Palumbo

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
• Lawyer
• Financial Planner

Joe is a talented Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who has worked his way up and earned his Black Belt in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition to being a proud member of San Diego Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu academy, he is also the lawyer and the financial planner for the academy.

Wesley Burriesci

I’ve been teaching kids to grapple since 2008, helping co-found USA Wrestling’s Lions Wrestling Club. I became an Academic All-American Wrestler in 2014 at Palomar College, where I earned an Associates Degree in Health and Fitness. My extensive knowledge of wrestling and love of working with children help me teach all types of grappling with great passion.

Dylan Doyle

Being involved in sports in grade school and in college, I’ve always had an appreciation for physical education and athletics.  Having worked at three high end boxing/fitness facilities in North County, I find it very rewarding helping people in my community reach their fitness goals. I’m here to support you and motivate you. If you have any questions I’d be happy to help.

Paulo Fernando

Paulo is the Founder and Head Instructor for SDBJJ Academy. His degress and certifications include:

• 6th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF, FPJJ (Sao Paulo Brazil)
• 6th Degree (Rokudan – Red/White Belt) in Judo (International Judo Federation IJF, USA Judo, USJF Judo, USJA Judo)
• International Business Degree – Sao Paulo State University (Full Scholarship)
• Series 7 licensed, Series 66 and Real Estate Broker licensed
• 15 years in baking experience

Paulo’s mission is to motivate, help and educate kids and adults to have a successful live inside and outside of the Dojo.

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Jesse Davis

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• First Degree Black Belt
• Credentialed Professor FPJJ
• SDBJJ Early Risers Instructor
• Entrepreneur/CEO – ViziSites

Jesse is a credentialed FPJJ Professor and first degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Providing core values and technical expertise to SDBJJ students, Jesse provides valuable instruction through the SDBJJ Early Riser classes on Tuesday and Fridays at 4:45am. Professor Davis has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 15 years and through this time has learned what it means to be a true martial artist. Jesse is a father of four and has been married for the past 20 years. Besides instructing the Early Risers, Jesse is the founder and CEO of internet marketing and website design agency, ViziSites.

Dillon Trotter

I have been training Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Wrestling since was 11 years old and in all three competitively during that time. Having been a part of the very well known Poway Wrestling system and having competed in many large grappling tournaments as a youth, teen and as an adult I have developed a great appreciation toward what grappling can offer everyone. As a coach here at SDBJJ my goal is to help students of all ages develop skills on and off the mat.

Raul Meza (Rolly)

I was part of the first graduating class of Mission Hills High-school in 2006 then went on to study at Cal State San Marcos. Became an amateur boxer and participated in 15 fights within 3 years. Boxed and sparred against opponents like the US Army boxing team, Mexican Olympic team and many professional world champion fighters in MMA and Boxing. Placed 2nd in 3 national tournaments and 1st place at the desert showdown. As the general manager I fully ran and operated all activities in a 4500 sq/ft facility. As the fitness manager and head boxing coach at SDBJJ, my goal is to guide and mentor the future of our community, not just for a year or two but a lifetime. The last 7 years I have mentored students from the age of 12-18 yrs old and still maintain a close relationship with them. Former students of mine are in/attending marine reserves, air force academy, Fire Academy, Police Academy, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and several other schools. My number one priority is to see my students succeed.

Cody Sanders

Currently attending Cal State San Marcos’ pre law program. I have always had a passion for both teaching and fitness. My passion for fitness transformed into a passion for boxing. Here at SDBJJ I am lucky enough to combine my love for boxing, fitness, and teaching, as a coach… I have had many years of experience as an academic tutor to youth and teens and currently take part in the youth academic tutoring program. Because of this program we are able to help the youth of our community lead a more successful and fulfilling academic life. At SDBJJ it is my goal to provide the tools for those in our community to better their lives in every way possible.