Josh Calvo
Head ProfessorProfessor Josh leads KOA as our Head Professor, bringing a high level of experience, leadership, and a passion for developing others. A 3rd degree black belt with a professional MMA background, Professor Josh leads with a fundamentals first approach to teaching.
His background includes success in both MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition, helping shape a well rounded and practical style that benefits students at every level.
At KOA, Professor Josh focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing confident students, and creating a welcoming, community driven environment for individuals and families alike.
Jesse
Professor Professor Jesse started his jiu jitsu journey 11 years ago while watching his daughter train, wanting to better understand the sport so he could support her growth. What began as a way to help her quickly turned into a passion of his own. He fell in love with the endless learning, and years later, he’s still on the mats growing, evolving, and sharing that same passion while helping lead both KOA’s kids and adult classes.
Carl
ProfessorCarl is one of our dedicated Jiu Jitsu professors here at KOA and a huge part of what makes our academy special. He earned his black belt under our head professor Josh Calvo, and brings not only high level technique, but a passion for teaching that you feel the moment you step on the mat with him.
As one of the head instructors of our kids program, Carl plays a big role in shaping the next generation. He has a natural ability to connect with students, build their confidence, and create an environment where they can grow both on and off the mats.
Carl has been training Jiu Jitsu for over 10 years, but his martial arts journey spans more than 45 years. With decades of experience and years of coaching youth, he brings patience, wisdom, and real world understanding to every class.
Whether you’re a parent watching your child grow or a student learning from him directly, you’ll quickly see Carl is the real deal.
Julie
Coach Coach Julie helps lead our kids program and women’s classes at KOA. She’s a patient, detail driven coach who shows every day that jiu jitsu is about technique, not size.
She started training to support her youngest child, thinking it would be temporary. Six years later, she’s still on the mats now coaching both kids and adults and finding her passion in helping others grow, build confidence, and stay motivated on their jiu jitsu journey.
Matt
CoachMatt’s jiu jitsu journey started in 2020 after driving past an academy for two years and finally deciding to step in. From that moment on, the rest was history.
As one of the founders of KOA, Matt has been a big part of building what this academy stands for from the ground up.
He brings a detail focused teaching style with just the right amount of humor, making learning both effective and fun.
You’ll catch Coach Matt leading morning classes Monday through Thursday, Monday evening, and Saturday afternoons. He’s also usually the first one to greet you at the door with a smile and probably a laugh.
Jasper
CoachJasper leads our afternoon classes here at KOA. With 7 years of training, he brings a smooth, flowing style to both gi and no gi.
Growing up in Hawai‘i, Jasper found discipline through boxing and kickboxing, which led him into grappling early on. After moving to Washington, he fully committed to jiu jitsu where the training, culture, and sense of family kept him on the mats.
Known for his positive energy and welcoming attitude, Jasper creates a space where everyone can learn, grow, and feel at home.