Instructors & Staff

Coach Ed is a black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Master Pedro Sauer. Ed studied directly under Master Sauer at his headquarters in Northern Virginia. He has also studied under several members of the Gracie family, including Grandmasters Relson and Rickson Gracie.

Ed's goal is to teach his students authentic Gracie Jiu Jitsu with a strong focus on self-defense. He believes that anyone can do Jiu Jitsu, regardless of age, sex, size, or athletic ability. He strives to maintain a safe and supportive training environment where people can learn at their own pace.

As a university professor for more than 25 years, Ed loves teaching and helping to bring out the best in his students, both in the classroom and on the mats.

Professor Val is a 3rd-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Master Pedro Sauer and a 3rd-degree black belt in Judo.

Val has studied under several members of the Gracie family, including many years with Grandmaster Relson Gracie. His classes focus heavily on practical street self-defense.

Val teaches both group classes and private lessons. Come experience what we affectionately refer to as "Val-Jitsu."

Ms. Betty is the office manager at Cactus Jiu Jitsu. She aims to bring a personal touch to the academy so it feels more like a family than a business.

Ms. Gea is an important part of the Cactus Jiu Jitsu family, both as a longtime jiu jitsu mom and as a member of our office staff. She can usually be found welcoming students and their families to the Academy on Monday and Wednesday evenings.