WHO WE ARE

(Founder, Logistics Ops)

 

Jonathan Florendo is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served for eight years before continuing his commitment to serving others in his civilian career.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with more than twelve years of experience on the mats, Jon earned his black belt under Professor Eric Acha, a Jean Jacques Machado black belt.

Following his military service, Jon became a professorial firefighter, a role he has honorably held for more than fourteen years.

Jon currently coaches at Peninsula Self Defense in California, where he shares the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with service members, Veterans, first responders, families, and members of the local community.

For Jon, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. It is a tool for developing resilience, discipline, confidence, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Through both his professional career and his work on the mats, Jon continues to give back to the military, first responder, and martial arts communities—helping others build strength, purpose, and confidence both on and off the mats.

Frank Concolino Jr. is a U.S. Navy Veteran who served for ten years. He began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2009 in Virginia Beach and continued training after separating from the Navy in 2012, eventually earning his purple, brown, and black belts.

In addition to his dedication to martial arts, Frank continued serving the military community through his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Manhattan, where he spent six years reviewing and processing disability claims for Veterans and their caregivers.

In 2018, Frank began teaching a youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program based in Staten Island, helping young students develop confidence, discipline, and important life skills.

Frank was awarded his black belt in 2019 and earned his first degree in December 2022.

Throughout his journey, Frank has had the opportunity to train and compete in Brazil and across South America, gaining experience from some of the most respected practitioners in the sport.

Beyond the techniques, competition, and accomplishments, Frank credits Jiu-Jitsu with teaching him valuable lessons about people, relationships, perseverance, and life. The journey has given him a deeper appreciation for the many different paths people take and the connections built through training.

Frank remains passionate about giving back to the community and sharing the lessons, experiences, and perspective that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has given him—both on and off the mats.

Peace and Welcome to the community.