Our Team
Get to know our staff and crew that make all of our classes possible!
The Premier Destination: Jiujitsu NYC Academy
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Jackson Heights and serving the wider Queens community, the @JiujitsuNYC Martial Arts Academy stands as a beacon of martial arts excellence. The academy offers a comprehensive range of classes, from Jiujitsu (both Gi and No-Gi) to Kickboxing and MMA, catering to both budding enthusiasts and seasoned practitioners. Underpinned by the expert guidance of Professor Alvaro Tautiva, a certified martial arts maestro with accolades spanning various U.S. tournaments, the academy ensures that every student receives top-tier training tailored to their individual needs.
Beyond just techniques and drills, Jiujitsu NYC Academy is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community, discipline, and personal growth. Professor Alvaro’s vision of bringing Jiu-Jitsu to his hometown has transformed the academy into a hub where members connect, share, and evolve together. With state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated team, and a legacy of champions, Jiujitsu NYC Academy is the definitive choice for martial arts training in Queens.
Best Kids Martial Arts In Queens
For parents in Queens seeking a transformative experience for their children, the Jiujitsu NYC Academy emerges as the leading destination for kids’ martial arts training. Offering a diverse curriculum that encompasses Jiujitsu (both Gi and No-Gi), Kickboxing, and MMA, the academy prides itself on molding young minds and bodies into disciplined, confident, and skilled martial artists. Each class, tailored for ages 5-15, combines fun-filled activities with structured learning, ensuring that children not only master the techniques but also imbibe core values essential for personal growth. Under the watchful eye of seasoned instructors and in state-of-the-art facilities, children at Jiujitsu NYC Academy embark on a journey that boosts their physical fitness, mental resilience, and self-confidence. For those aiming to provide their kids with an unparalleled martial arts experience, the choice is clear: Jiujitsu NYC Academy.
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Our Team
Professor Alvaro Tautiva
Owner and Head Instructor
Meet Professor Alvaro, a certified expert in Martial Arts with a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Brown Belt in Judo. Trained by Vitor Shaolin in NYC, he achieved his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in December 2017. Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Alvaro is skilled in Muay Thai and was a certified Fitness trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.). He also holds an Associate Degree in Speech Pathology from LaGuardia Community College.
As an active competitor in the Martial Arts scene, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Alvaro has showcased his Discipline and Mental Toughness by medaling in several U.S. tournaments, including events in New York, Boston, Miami, and Las Vegas. In 2015, he earned runner-up status in the IBJJF Masters Worlds championship and later secured 1st place in the no-gi Pan-Ams championship. His commitment to Fitness, Self-Confidence, and Self-Respect makes him an ideal mentor for individuals at all levels seeking to elevate their skills in Self Defense and Martial Arts.
Some current titles include:
- IBJJF Summer Open 2017: Brown Belt Master 1 Feather Champion
- Pan Jiu-jitsu No Gi IBJJF Championship 2015: Purple Belt Master 1 Feather Champion
- World Master Jiu-jitsu IBJJF Championships 2015: Purple Belt Master 1 Second Place
- New York Summer International IBJJF Open 2015: Purple Master 1 Second Place
- Big Apple Open 2015: Purple Belt Adult Feather Champion
- Good Fight 2013 Summer Classic: Purple Belt Adult Light Champion
- Good Fight 2012 Winter Classic: Blue Adult Feather Gi/No Gi Champion/Open Weight Gi Champ
- Long Island Pride XVI: Blue Open Weight No-Gi Champion
- Boston IBJJF International Open 2012: Blue Belt Feather Third Place
Having been raised in Jackson Heights his whole life, Professor Alvaro dreamt about being able to bring Jiu-Jitsu to his community and giving members the opportunity to connect and interact with other members of the community while engaging in classes.
Alex Castro
Morning Instructor
Professor Alex Castro began his martial arts journey at the age of nine in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He trained under the guidance of Hanshi Bill Palmer, his wife Karen, and Soke Nobuyoshi Higashi at the Kokushi Budo Institute, where he achieved the rank of Nidan.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Alex expanded his martial arts repertoire, exploring disciplines such as Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He became part of the Rhino Team at Combined Martial Arts, where he was captivated by the precision and depth of instruction from his first MMA and BJJ coach, Danny Suarez. Alex earned his Blue Belt under Coach Suarez before Danny’s relocation to California. During the subsequent years as a Ronin, Alex trained at various gyms across New York City, ultimately receiving his Purple Belt from Danny Suarez and Markos Lagos.
In 2009, Alex joined VSBJJ under the tutelage of Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro, earning his Black Belt in 2015. Today, he holds the rank of third-degree Black Belt under Shaolin.
Beyond being a passionate practitioner, Professor Alex shares his expertise as an instructor at AT JiujitsuNYC alongside Professor Alvaro. His deep love for the art and commitment to his community inspired him to teach and pass on his knowledge.
Alex has competed and medaled in numerous Grapplers Quest, NAGA, and IBJJF tournaments throughout his career. He is now setting his sights on re-entering the local competition scene in the near future.
Santi Furlong
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Kim-Lien Kendall
Smarter Yoga and Kettlebell Instructor
Meet Kim, a seasoned expert in both Yoga and Martial Arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she holds a Purple Belt. Since 2005, Kim has been elevating the Fitness and Self-Confidence of individuals through Yoga classes, one-on-one sessions, workshops, and seminars. Her unique approach combines her background in exercise physiology and kinesiology to form Smarter Yoga™, a personalized movement practice rooted in exercise science. As the CEO of Smarter Bodies, she co-authored the book ‘Exposing Yoga Myths.’
Kim holds a BS in Biochemistry from Florida State University and is certified by Yoga Union. She’s also a MET Master Facilitator and a certified Redcord Active instructor. Her ongoing education at the Breathing Project further solidifies her commitment to enhancing Mental Toughness and Discipline in her students.
An active competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kim specializes in creating sport-specific mobility programs. She has developed a unique program tailored for grapplers, which will be exclusively taught at @Jiu-Jitsu NYC. Her multifaceted expertise makes her an ideal mentor for those looking to improve their Self-Respect and Self Defense skills.
Morgan Chen
Muay-Thai Instructor
Meet Morgan Chen, the Owner and Head Coach of Astoria BarbellClub and Crossfit Astoria. Born and raised in Rego Park, Morgan is deeply rooted in the local community. He attended P.S. 139, Russel Sage JHS 190, and Forest Hills High School, solidifying his connection to Queens. At just 18, Morgan earned his first nationally recognized personal training certification from NASM Fitness, showcasing his early commitment to Discipline and Self-Confidence.
A food enthusiast, Morgan loves exploring new restaurants and honing his cooking techniques. He’s also a diehard NY Knicks and New York Mets fan, fondly recalling summers spent at Shea Stadium. But Morgan’s vision goes beyond personal interests; he aims to give back to Queens by making personal training and qualified fitness advice affordable for everyone. His ultimate goal is to offer complimentary fitness classes in every public NYC Park, enhancing community Self-Respect and Self Defense skills.
Though juggling multiple ventures, Morgan’s most cherished role is being a dad, proving that balance is key in achieving a fulfilling life.
David Best
Coach
Daniela
Co-Owner and Coach
Meet Daniela, a dedicated Foster Care Case Planner and the Co-Owner of our Martial Arts school. With a Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University, Daniela brings a unique blend of compassion and expertise to her role. Raised in Jackson Heights and the daughter of immigrant parents, she is deeply committed to the safety and permanency of children in her community.
Working closely with Professor Alvaro, Daniela ensures that our programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of both children and adults. Her focus is on building Self-Confidence and instilling Discipline in our members, aligning perfectly with the school’s mission to improve Fitness and Mental Toughness.
A 2nd Degree Brown Belt in Shotokan Karate and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Daniela’s Martial Arts credentials are impeccable. Trained by Sensei Kai Leung, she embodies the principles of Self-Respect and Self Defense, making her an ideal mentor for those looking to embark on their own Martial Arts journey.
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