Certified Black Belt Instructors BJJ Northridge | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074

 

In Northridge, California, the term “Certified Black Belt Instructor” is most rigorously applied within the Gracie Barra network due to their proprietary Instructor Certification Program (ICP). However, the area is also home to other elite black belt instructors with world-class credentials from lineages like Checkmat and Hayastan.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the certified black belt instructors and academies in Northridge.

 

1. Gracie Barra Northridge (The “Certified” Standard)

This academy is the most prominent in Northridge for emphasizing “Certified Instructors” because Gracie Barra mandates that its teachers complete a formal certification process (ICP) that includes background checks, CPR training, and pedagogical instruction.

 

 Professor Romulo Barral (Head Instructor)

     Rank: 5th Degree Black Belt.

     Certification/Credentials: A member of the IBJJF Hall of Fame and a 10-time World Champion (5x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion, ADCC Champion). He is one of the most decorated competitors in the history of the sport.

     Role: As the founder and leader, his “No Excuses” mentality shapes the curriculum. He directly mentors the other instructors, ensuring the “Red Shield” standard is maintained.

 

 Professor Jaeson Bianchi

     Rank: 2nd Degree Black Belt under Romulo Barral.

     Specialization: He is renowned as the academy’s Kids Instructor and is a proud military veteran.

     Teaching Style: Known for bringing military-grade discipline, leadership, and resilience to the “Future Champions” program. His certification ensures that children are taught in a safe, structured, and age-appropriate manner.

 

 Professor Zane Spruce

     Rank: Black Belt under Romulo Barral.

     Style: Known for his approachable demeanor and “technical clarity.” He bridges the gap between complex high-level moves and fundamental understanding for students.

     Role: He acts as a mentor to many students, focusing on the “human” aspect of teaching alongside the technical.

 

 Professor Caio Vinicius

     Credentials: 2x IBJJF World Champion (Brown Belt).

     Role: Part of the elite coaching staff, bringing recent high-level competition experience to the student base.

 

2. Checkmat Northridge

Located nearby, this academy offers elite instruction under a different lineage (Checkmat), focusing heavily on sport competition application.

 

 Professor Arnaldo Maidana

     Rank: Black Belt under Gilberto Gabas.

     Lineage: Checkmat (Rickson Gracie $\rightarrow$ Marcelo Behring $\rightarrow$ Waldomiro Perez $\rightarrow$ Roberto Godoi $\rightarrow$ Marco Barbosa $\rightarrow$ Gilberto Gabas).

     Credentials: Active competitor with titles including 1st Place IBJJF American Nationals and 1st Place IBJJF World Championship No-Gi.

     Style: Known for an “eye-pleasing grappling style” and high-level competition success against top names in the sport.

 

3. Hayastan MMA Academy Northridge

While focused on a broader mix of Judo and MMA, this academy features certified black belt instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of its curriculum.

 

 Coach Daniel Sarafian

     Rank: BJJ Black Belt.

     Background: A professional MMA fighter (UFC, Bellator, The Ultimate Fighter finalist) and industry pioneer.

     Role: He blends traditional BJJ expertise with Judo and Kickboxing, offering a style of Jiu-Jitsu optimized for MMA and real-world combat rather than just sport grappling.

 

 What Does “Certified” Mean in Northridge?

When choosing an instructor in Northridge, “Certified” can mean two different things:

 

1. Gracie Barra Certification (ICP): Instructors like Jaeson Bianchi and Zane Spruce have undergone Gracie Barra’s Instructor Certification Program. This ensures they follow a specific safety protocol, use standardized lesson plans (GB1 | GB2 | GB3), and adhere to the “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” teaching methodology.
2. IBJJF Certification: Competitors like Arnaldo Maidana and Romulo Barral are recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). This certification validates their lineage (who gave them their belt) and allows them to sign off on belt promotions for students who wish to compete in official tournaments.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Certified Black Belt Instructors BJJ Northridge | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074