MICHAEL’S STORY

Michael's martial arts journey began in childhood, inspired by icons like Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Jackie Chan. Unable to afford formal training, he practiced by mimicking movie moves with his twin brother. During high school in San Francisco, he enrolled in Tae Kwon Do, and later explored other disciplines, including Boxing, Kickboxing, Capoeira, Karate, Wing Chun, and Jujutsu.

In 2004, Michael became an assistant wrestling coach at a local high school, quickly excelling in the sport. By 2008, he was promoted to head coach, leading the team to multiple city championships and state qualifiers.

In 2009, Michael discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Roy Dean’s instructional videos and began training at a Charles Gracie Academy in California. Despite setbacks due to injuries and surgeries, he continued coaching wrestling during his recovery.

By 2012, Michael expanded his training with Aikijujutsu under Sensei John Rich, later earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Professor Darrell Taylor in Arizona. In 2013, he began studying Seibukan Jujutsu and participated in the Uchideshi program under Renshi Som Pourfarzaneh, earning his Shodan black belt in 2014.

In 2022, after years of following Roy Dean’s work, Michael began training and became affiliated with Roy Dean Academy, further strengthening his Jiu-Jitsu foundation.

Today, Michael and his wife, Sabrina Evangelista, own My Style Martial Arts in San Tan Valley, Arizona, where they share their passion for martial arts with the community.