Head Professor, co-owner
Max Gimenis
UFC Fighter | IBJJF World Champion | Black Belt under Júlio César Pereira (GF Team)
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Max has lived and breathed Jiu-Jitsu since childhood. His journey from living in the gym to competing at the highest levels brings elite-level instruction and proven competition strategies to every class.
Jiu Jitsu Professor, co-owner
Eric Philcox
Black Belt under Max Gimenis
Eric discovered Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 and it completely changed his life. As co-founder of Culture, he combines entrepreneurial drive with genuine care to create a welcoming, professional, and high-level training environment for everyone.
Woman and kids Professor
Marcia ramos
2nd Degree Black Belt | IBJJF Referee
With over 14 years of experience, Márcia brings technical excellence and a warm, inclusive approach. She specializes in creating safe, empowering spaces for women and children while maintaining the highest standards of instruction.
Kids and Adults Instructor
Gregory Shepherd
10-Year U.S. Army Veteran | Multi-Time National Champion (Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kickboxing)
A combat sports legend with international experience, Greg brings elite-level coaching, discipline, and leadership to our kids and adult programs.
Jiu Jitsu Professor
Kristian Hernandez
Kristian Omar Hernandez was born on May 30, 1982, and is from Puerto Rico. He joined the U.S. Army in the year 2000 and served his country for ten years. During that time, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005, gaining invaluable experience under challenging conditions. In 2012, he moved to Germany to further support the U.S. Department of Defense.
While in Germany, Kristian began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2013 under Jan Basso black belt under Leandro Pereira do Nascimento Lo( Leandro Lo). His endurance and unwavering commitment to the art led him to achieve his black belt in 2020. His dedication to martial arts reflects his resilience and passion for personal growth.
Kids and Adults Instructor
Brandon Everhart
Brandon started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 after graduating with his Masters in Computer Science from Florida State University and moving across the country to begin his career. Quickly, Jiu-jitsu became a passion for Brandon as the martial art helped him lose over 70lbs! He finds the technical details of Jiu-jitsu fascinating and greatly enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge with others. He has been instructing kids and adult classes for several years. He is currently a purple belt and has received all of his belt promotions under Professor Max Gimenis.
Adults Instructor
Dan Stretz
Dan Stretz, born on November 19, 1996, on Long Island, New York, began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2017 while home from college for the summer. After just one trial class, he was immediately hooked. At the time, Dan was a dedicated Division III collegiate cross country and track and field athlete, but his passion for Jiu-Jitsu led him to leave the team to focus on his academics and the art of grappling.
While pursuing both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Salisbury University, Dan trained under Miles Moffit (a black belt under Regis Lebre) and Branden Hudson, progressing from white to purple belt under their guidance. In 2024 Dan received his brown belt from Max Gimenis.