Meet the Private Lessons Instructors
Kevin howell
Head instructor
THIRD DEGREE BLACK BELT
Specialties: Putting it all together. Take your game to the next level with a comprehensive lesson based on solid foundations and cohesive game plans.
haley Howell
SECOND DEGREE BLACK BELT
Favorite training areas: Single-X guard, Clamp guard,
ZIGGY ALVARENGA
SECOND DEGREE BLACK BELT
PAUL POOMPAN
Years training: 23
Rank: Blackbelt
1. What made me start training Jiu-jitsu?
I started training Jiu-jitsu in 2002 as a college student at SDSU. As a long time Muay Thai fighter that wanted to get into MMA. I wanted to learn how to fight against Jiu-jitsu guys and ended up loving it.
2. Describe teaching philosophy in one sentence.
A good teacher doesn't just teach you "how" but makes you understand. understand "why".
3.What is the most important lesson you hope your students take off the mats?
Learning is a process that takes time and effort. In Jiu-jitsu you earn every minute of any rank you have. You develop an ability to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations which translates to anything off the mats.
4. How has BJJ changed you as a person?
I have more injuries than a normal person should have Lol. On a serious note I think Jiujitsu gives me a sense of peace. When you're training, the environment is chaotic but finding focus in all the chaos definitely makes you forget the stresses and worries of the day. For that hour or so in the day you get a break from the real world and get to focus on yourself. Those moments of chaos ironically give me peace.
5. Who are my biggest influences or mentors in Jiu-jitsu?
From a training perspective I would say Baret Yoshida had a profound influence on my game. From an entertainment perspective Marcelo Garcia and Jacare Souza are my all time favorite Jiu-jitsu athletes not just because of their ability but also for their character..
6. Favorite position or concept to teach?
I love leg drags. Leg drags can be used by all body types, they can also be hit from almost any position and it doesnt require alot of strength to perform. On top of that its one of the only passes that work on flexible people.
7. Any areas of BJJ I am particularly passionate about?
I have a Muay Thai and MMA background so self defense is definitely an area I care about. I have a good understanding of how to integrate striking into grappling and vice versa. From a purely competitive Jiu-jitsu perspective I play alot of collar sleeve with gi. I am particularly good at the interplay between single leg X and X-guard in both gi and no gi.
8. How would you describe your teaching style?
I'm an Adapted Physical Education Teacher in the day time. One thing neurodivergent students and beginning martial arts students have in common is that they have very little exposure or understanding about the skills they are about to learn. My ability to take a skill and break it down to its simplest form is where I thrive. I explain alot of the "why" and value concepts over moves.
9. What can students expect when they walk into class for the first time?
A light warm up with jiu-jitsu specific exercises, at least one takedown technique, opportunity for position specific training, a couple ground techniques with a direct correlation to each other and depending on their skill level some live rolling.
10. Advice to someone on first BJJ class?
Don't focus on winning, prioritize defense and give BJJ an honest try. I always tell beginners not to quit until they get their first legit tap in sparring. Once you get your first tap you can make an honest decision if it is for you.
11. go to post training meal?
sushi
12. Hobbies or interest outside jiu-jitsu?
Muay Thai, Wrestling, Basketball and cooking Thai food.
13. Best piece of advice on or off the mat?
The right move at the wrong time is still the wrong move?
14. What am I currently working on or exploring in my game?
No Gi I am exploring some inside camping passes. Gi I am working on de la riva, chair guard and x guard transitions.
15. What goals do I have for students this year?
I would like my students to have a solid understanding of modern jiu-jitsu guards such as De La Riva, Reverse De La riva, K-guard, and chair guard.
16. Where do I see BJJ heading in the next 5 - 10 years?
I see the gi and no gi game going in even more separate pathways. I see more professionalism and career opportunities for BJJ athletes. Possibly some consideration as a potential Olympic sport.
Years training: 7
Rank: brown
What made you start training jiu-jitsu?
I always thought it looked fun and wanted to jump into the competition scene.
Can you describe your teaching philosophy in one sentence?
Do everything with control & purpose.
What is the most important lesson you hope your students take off the mats?
Always have fun, be creative, do things with style.
How has bjj changed you as a person?
I’m more appreciative of spending time with people that have a shared interest or hobby as me.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors in jiu-jitsu?
Eduardo Telles & Marcelo Garcia
What is your favorite position or concet to teach and why?
Always look to take the back. Attacks from behind a person show control and dominance.
Are there any areas of BJJ (eg leg locks, self-defense, specific guards) you are particularly passionate about?
Counter attacks from bad positions. (Using reverse buggy chokes, reverse north south chokes, wristlocks while being mounted, etc to pose a threat and escape).
How would you describe your teaching style?
Simple - make things as simple as possible.
What can a new student expect walking into one of your classes for the first time?
Have questions for the Q +A/ trouble shooting portion of class.
What is your advice for someone taking their very first bjj class?
Everybody is a white belt at something.
What is your go-to post-training meal?
Double cheeseburger and fries, no buns on the burger.
• What hobby or interest do you have outside of jiu-jitsu? - Saving cooking recipe videos (for things I probably won’t cook).
• What’s the best piece of advice
you’ve ever received, on or off the mats? - Don’t forget to smile and have fun.
• What are you currently working on or exploring in your own game? - Top pressure & pinning.
• What goals do you have for your students this year? - Make sure everyone has at least 1 attack in every single position. Give everyone the capability and resources to figure out techniques or concepts on their own.
• Where do you see the art of BJJ heading in the next 5-10 years? - BJJ practitioners (hobbyists and competitors) will be more rounded in all aspects. Everyone will have takedowns, bottom game & top game.