Professor Michio Grubbs
Head Professor
Professor Michio is an IBJJF certified 4th degree Black Belt Instructor (View Certificate) in the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and owner of Excel Martial Arts Academy in Oceanside, CA.
He started learning BJJ under Professor Roy Harris in …
Professor Michio is an IBJJF certified 4th degree Black Belt Instructor (View Certificate) in the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and owner of Excel Martial Arts Academy in Oceanside, CA.
He started learning BJJ under Professor Roy Harris in 1999 and received his BJJ Black Belt under Professor Chris Haueter in 2009. He is a Personal Fitness Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and has over 20 years of teaching experience between fitness & martial arts instruction. Michio is also a former IFBB Professional Bodybuilder (1994-1998) and has competed at the local, national, and elite levels.
As a Jiu Jitsu competitor, Michio won his division at the 2012 IBJJF Masters World Jiu-Jitsu championships. He has trained in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling as well as Judo, Karate, and MMA. Professor Michio teaches the majority of the Jiu Jitsu classes in both the Kids and the Adults Programs. He runs the Competition Team Training, offers BJJ workshop intensives, and is available for one-on-one private lessons. He is very passionate about what he does, and when you meet him, you will not miss his enthusiasm.
Michio is definitely one to say: “Jiu Jitsu has changed my life,” and has made it his mission to help others achieve personal success.
Professor Kidd Grubbs
Academy Director
I started my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) journey in 2009. Having no experience in Martial Arts or any kind of sports training for that matter, I found the Art of BJJ intriguing. It took me a little bit to get going but once I did, I fell in…
I started my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) journey in 2009. Having no experience in Martial Arts or any kind of sports training for that matter, I found the Art of BJJ intriguing. It took me a little bit to get going but once I did, I fell in love with it. The fact that the workouts you get in BJJ are so different from conventional strength & conditioning methods I looked forward to trying something new and was up for the challenge.
Every time I step on the mat it’s like a new experience. The friendship, camaraderie and the bonding experience that is created through the tough, humbling and fun training is nothing short of awesome. I was fortunate that I was able to make the time to train so much the first three years that it has created a great foundation for me.
To this day, I continue my training with a careful balance of life, family, work and sports.
The biggest thing that I get out of Jiu Jitsu is team. At Excel Jiu Jitsu Oceanside, we have a nice blend of people from all walks of life that come together to train, share and socialize in friendship. As Academy Director, I get to greet people every day and welcome them into a positive environment of team spirit. I get a chance to work with people and possibly help them with situations that may arise. As I share my vision with Professor Michio and the other instructors of Excel Jiu Jitsu, we talk of Team Unity and Friendship, it’s an experience of memories that will last a lifetime…it’s the Excel Experience.
Professor Derek Flesher
Gi/No-Gi
Adults
Professor Derek Flesher began with wrestling in middle school and continued through high school and junior college. He transitioned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2009 and has…
Professor Derek Flesher began with wrestling in middle school and continued through high school and junior college. He transitioned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2009 and has developed a passion for playing guard, particularly mastering the triangle from back mount.
As an instructor at Excel Jiu Jitsu, Derek appreciates the academy’s supportive and quality-driven environment. His teaching philosophy combines his wrestling background with Jiu Jitsu, focusing on technique, leverage, and mental resilience.
Professor Djavan Coleman
Gi/No-Gi & MMA
Adults
Djavan Coleman began his wrestling journey at San Clemente High School in 2004, where he discovered his passion for combat sports. In 2009, Djavan expanded his expertise to include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing…
Djavan Coleman began his wrestling journey at San Clemente High School in 2004, where he discovered his passion for combat sports. In 2009, Djavan expanded his expertise to include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. He honed his skills in Virginia, training at Linxx Academy, an affiliate of Pedro Sauer, and Outfox MMA, under the affiliation of Lloyd Irving.
His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey took off under the guidance of Professor Michio in March of 2015, leading Djavan to achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by 2020. Djavan has competed extensively in both gi and no-gi tournaments and has participated in 13 MMA fights. Throughout his competitive career, Djavan has secured four belts, including the amateur state championship. As a professional, he maintains an undefeated record of 2-0.
Professor Eric Charriere
Gi/No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
Kids/Adults
Eric Charriere’s martial arts journey began in 1977 at the age of five. Eric was introduced to, laying the foundation for his deep-seated passion for martial arts. In 2013, he expanded his expertise…
Eric Charriere’s martial arts journey began in 1977 at the age of five. Eric was introduced to Judo, laying the foundation for his deep-seated passion for martial arts. In 2013, he expanded his expertise to include Jiu-Jitsu. Eric achieved his black belt under Michio Grubbs in 2023.
Eric is particularly known for his mastery in Judo takedowns and choke techniques. He is exceptional at conveying his knowledge and long-time experience to students of all ages. Eric values the dojo’s vibrant atmosphere, the sense of community, and the extreme level detail offered in every class.
His approach is rooted in the belief that a conducive learning environment and meticulous attention to technique are paramount to fostering growth and excellence in martial arts. Eric’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and enriching community underscores his role not just as an instructor, but as a mentor.
Professor Laurynn Garcia
Gi/No-Gi & MMA
Kids
Laurynn Garcia embarked on her martial arts journey in 2008, starting with Taekwondo at Mid California Taekwondo. By 2011, she earned her black belt, and a year later, achieved her 1st degree. Her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey…
Laurynn Garcia embarked on her martial arts journey in 2008, starting with Taekwondo at Mid California Taekwondo. By 2011, she earned her black belt, and a year later, achieved her 1st degree. Her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey started in 2012 at Excel Jiu Jitsu under Professor Michio Grubbs, culminating in her attaining her black belt and professor title in December 2023.
As a dedicated coach for our kids’ boxing/kickboxing program and a full-time MMA and Jiu Jitsu competitor, Laurynn has competed in over 40 jiu-jitsu tournaments and began fighting in MMA in 2021. She hones her skills constantly, often cross-training at Coastal Combat and 10th Planet San Diego.
Laurynn’s goal is to inspire martial arts enthusiasts and serve as a strong role model, especially for girls and women in the sport. She loves teaching armbars, Americanas, heel hooks, and chokes from side control. She has a love for judo hip tosses (Ogoshi) and the simplicity of a head kick when in the cage.