INSTRUCTORS
Professor Mike Budnik
Head BJJ Instructor, Kickboxing Instructor, and BJJ 4 MMA
Michael Allan Budnik (born August 8, 1974) is an American mixed martial artist and former professional in-line skater. He competed in the first ten X-Games. He received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt from Renato Tavares.Budnik built up an undefeated 6-0 record fighting close to home before being invited to compete in WEC. He made his debut for the organization on August 3, 2008 at WEC 35 against Greg McIntyre. He won the bout by pulling off a submission due to triangle choke in the third round.
Budnik has made it on the UFC’s TV Show- The Ultimate Fighter 12. Budnik fought again on July 17, 2010 against UFC Vet Anthony Macias and won the fight in the second round by submission due to an arm triangle choke to improve his record to 9-4. Budnik’s winning streak has reached 6 in a row and continues to compete in professional Mixed Martial Arts.
Jay Brennan
BJJ/Judo/Sambo Coach
Jay Brennan is a law enforcement professional who has been a police officer since 2003. In the early stages of his law enforcement career he was introduced to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He quickly found that it was a very effective self defense system when he encountered threat. He is the co-owner of East Coast Elite. He is a 1-stripe brown belt under Mike Budnik. He earned his Brown belt under the 5x World Champion Daniel Moraes & UFC coach Diego Moraes. He previously studied under the Sambo Master, Judo Red & White belt, & Jiu-Jitsu black belt- Sensei Zurab Bekochvili.
He has been teaching defensive tactics systems for the last 8 years. He is well schooled in affective instruction techniques and the appropriate implementation. Jay is completely devoted to the study of martial arts as well as sharing his knowledge with his fellow police officers, firefighters, beach patrol/lifeguards, and United States Military personnel.
Recognitions Received:
Recognitions Received:
- Medal of Honor 2010
- American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award 2010
- Police Chief Commendation Award 2008
- Medal of Honor nomination 2012
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certified Instructor
- CMS General Instructor
- CMS Defensive Tactic Instructor
- LOCKUP Arrest & Control Tactics Instructor
- ASP Tactical Baton Instructor
- ASP Restraint Instructor
- TASER Conductive Weapons Instructor
- AERKO Chemical Weapons Instructor
- Police Department Field Training Officer
- Police Department In-Service Instructor
- Attorney Generals Office Certified Crime Prevention Officer“Jay is as reliable as the sunrise. I have no reservations in having Jay as my back up officer in a conflict situation and feel that Jay would respond as fast as possible to assist me or any officer if the call for help should arise. Jay has developed one of the best in-service training sessions that I have been apart of in my 10 years with the city.”
Jimmy Esguerra
BJJ/Wrestling Coach
Jimmy Esguerra is a technical support specialist and personal trainer. He lives a “clean” lifestyle and is a self admitted gym warrior. Jimmy excelled in high school sports in Philadelphia but found his niche in wrestling. He would go on to be an accompished wrestler for Drexel University. He later lived in Massachusetts until he re-located to Florida with his wife. Jimmy recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl who is already sporting her new gi.“Baby Hulk” has competed regularly in BJJ tournaments from Boston to Miami. Jimmy is a certified Daniel Moraes Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 3-stripe Purple belt. He is known in the area for his outstanding Submission Grappling and Wrestling classes. If getting in shape while obtaining priceless knowledge is your agenda, Jimmy is your guide.
“Jimmy has a sick game”
-Rilion Gracie Brown Belt Instructor Peter Pitts-Dilley
“Baby Hulk has amazing transitions and has phenomenal take downs. Besides being one of the best on the mats, he is an even better person. There isn’t a person who has the opportunity to train with him who doesn’t walk away feeling challenged and growth.”
-Jay Brennan
Mike Danyus
BJJ /Judo/Sambo Coach
Mike Danyus started his martial arts career at a young age in New Jersey. He was a karate brown belt assistant instructor until his family moved to Palm Coast, FL. He continued to compete in traditional athletics such as baseball in high school until he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mike has displayed a strong dedication to the art founded by the Gracie family.Mike is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4-stripe Purple belt under Mike Budnik. He earned his Purple belt from Daniel & Diego Moraes .He studied under Sensei Zurab in the art of Judo and Russian Sambo. RGA Brown belt Peter Pitts-Dilley was his first instructor in Palm Coast. He loves to compete and was successful at tournaments such as IBJJF Miami Open, US Grappling, NAGA, NEWBREED, and many others. He has a passion for fitness and has successfully earned a degree in that field.
“Mike’s a devoted instructor that is dedicated to the absorption of techniques for his students. He has directly contributed in the huge improvement to my game.
-Josh Anderson
“Mike has an unmatched passion for Jiu-Jitsu. He lives and breathes the lifestyle and it is evident in his techniques and teaching methods. He is always finding ways to improve his game”
-Jay Brennan
