Ruben Coronado (Owner / Head Instructor)
About:
Originally from San Diego, California, Ruben has been training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu since 2008. During this time, he has been able to teach kids and adults for notable jiu-jitsu academies. As well as compete all around the world in both Gi and No-Gi. Ruben loves to give back the lessons Jiu-Jitsu has given him and hopes to better people's lives through martial arts here in Boston. Ruben continues his learning monthly by staying active competing as well as visiting other world class gyms. This has pushed his experience and knowledge to a higher level and gives our members the most up to date training.
Coaching Experience:
- Former Instructor:
- Bernardo Faria Academy in Bedford, MA
- World Reebok Headquarters in Boston, MA
- Gracia Barra Westchase in Houston, TX
- Atos Jiu Jitsu HQ in San Diego, CA
Certifications/Accolades:
- 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt
- CPR/AED Certified
- IBJJF World Championship Medalist
- IBJJF No-Gi American National Finalist
- Multiple time IBJJF Open Champion
- Fluent in English and Spanish
Melly Coronado (Owner / Admin)
About:
Melly is our resident handy-woman, interior designer, and bookkeeper for us here at SBBJJ. She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt and has competed on a national platform in Olympic weightlifting. Melly holds a Ph.D. in planetary science and remote sensing from Brown University. She currently works as a technology transfer manager at MIT. In her free time, Melly enjoys working on house projects, walking her dogs, listening to Taylor Swift, and reading romantasy novels.
Matt Ferran (Adult's Instructor)
About:
Matt, an attorney by trade, was born in New York City and raised in Miami. He started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015, moved to Boston in 2019, and earned his Brown belt in 2022 at South Boston BJJ. He enjoys teaching submission grappling. He loves to hunt leglocks and submissions from every position. He currently teaches our mixed level classes on the weekend. When he’s not on the mats, Matt enjoys sim racing, legos and gaming.
Certifications/Accolades:
- BJJ Brown Belt under Ruben Coronado
- Fluent in English and Spanish
Abdul Khan (Adult's Instructor / Admin)
About:
Abdul is a New York native who moved to Boston in the summer of 2020. A Purple belt now, he started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 as a way to improve his health and learn a new skill. Since then, he has gained a lifestyle and strong sense of community he is proud to be a part of. Abdul is known for his supportive and beginner-friendly teaching style that meets people at their specific level. One of his favorite positions is Half-Guard. Abdul is one of our Level 1 instructors as well as helps run the morning program, and intro to submission grappling program.
Professionally, Abdul is an Optical Engineer with a background in Physics and works on high-power laser systems for various applications including Defense and Manufacturing. In his spare time, he enjoys all things science, gaming, traveling, and watching anime
Certifications/Accolades:
- BJJ Purple Belt under Ruben Coronado
- B.S. Physics, University at Albany - State University of New York
Anthony Ngadimin (Morning Instructor)
About:
Anthony moved to the US from the land down under in 2020 and began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016. Anthony is one of our assistant coach's in the early morning program. Teaching grappling allows him to dive deep into the nuances of techniques, constantly refining his own game while helping others grow on their own Jiu-Jitsu journey. When he’s not coaching, Anthony works as a building engineer, often hanging off high-rise buildings. Outside of both the gym and the job, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Milo, who’s always up for an adventure.
Certifications/Accolades:
- BJJ Purple Belt under Ruben Coronado
Peter Liu (Adult's Instructor)
About:
Peter was first introduced to Jiu Jitsu in 2014 after being pinned and then arm barred during an MMA sparring session. After experiencing the effectiveness of BJJ first hand he’s been hooked ever since.
Peter was fortunate to have started jiu jitsu under the tutelage of John Danaher. Peter really enjoys the analytical aspect of jiu jitsu. His game is top heavy, and movement based, his inspirations include the Mendes brothers, and his favorite grappler, Marcelo Garcia. Peter has tested his jiu jitsu by competing and medaling at various IBJJF tournaments
In the day, Peter works on CRISPR based cell therapies for rare diseases. At night, Peter moonlights as a standup comedian. He’s been lucky to have played the Wilbur theater and opened for Ronny Chieng.
Certifications/Accolades:
BJJ Brown Belt under Ruben Coronado
- Fluent in English and Mandarin
- B.E. Chemical Engineering Cooper Union/ M.S. Biomedical Engineering Columbia University
- CPR/AED Certified
Ashi Garami
About:
Ashi is a floofy ball who shares his joy, eagerness and love with everyone who walks through our doors. He’s always playfully cheering on members as they train, but of course remembers to stay off the mats. As a disciplined student, he knows that fun times follow hard work. As such, he takes his role of gym protector and member manager very seriously, but always does it with a smile on his big dopey face.
Certifications/Accolades:
- Blue Belt in Dog Jiu Jitsu
Juji Gatame
About:
Juji is your biggest cheerleader and bestest friend. He brings the rebel energy of a puppy that helps members bring out their inner fire, but also reminds them to not take life too seriously. In return for his role as Chief Motivational Officer, he expects to be paid in lots of cuddles and chest rubs. Like all of us, he just wants the right amount of happiness and attention.
Certifications/Accolades:
- Expert in guard pulling
Nicki Bear
About:
Nicki is our loving, steadfast rock in the gym. Her experience as a mother to dozens of puppies, including Juji, has enabled her to keep a caring eye over all of our members, on and off the mats. Some would even go as far to say she is the goodest girl. She is always here to greet you with her big eyes and bushy tail. She loves to gives hugs.
Certifications/Accolades:
- Certified Service Animal and Therapy Dog