Professor Julio Casillas
Owner, Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Originally from California, Professor Julio moved to Arizona in 2001 at the age of 12. He became an honorary AZ local after he attended El Mirage Elementary School and then graduated from Dysart High School. His Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey started in 2010 with the intention of challenging himself and trying something new. Once he received his purple belt, he began teaching Jiu Jitsu, choosing to create an instructional style that focused on an organized curriculum to allow all of his students to learn effectively. In 2017, Professor Julio received his black belt from Professor Israel Juarez (4th Degree Black Belt) and Professor Sadiq Daniels (3rd Degree Black Belt).
Professor Julio opened Ronin Kombat Club in 2022 with the intention of sharing his passion for Jiu Jitsu and to create an environment where his students are encouraged to live a healthier life, both mentally and physically.
Coach James McCullom
Owner, Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
Coach James started his martial arts journey at the age of 7 when he began Taekwondo. He found his passion with martial arts and went on to earn his black belt in Taekwondo and Kenpo. He has also trained kickboxing and Hapkido for several years, adding to his understanding of martial arts. Coach James has trained grappling for approximately 6 years and currently holds the rank of brown belt in Jiu Jitsu under Professor Sadiq Daniels. He is also well versed in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and Sambo.
Coach James is a certified personal trainer through ISSA and ACTION, as well as a certified Functional Movement Specialist. Having this background helps in understanding kinesiology and the varying abilities of individuals while also working around injuries. He currently works as a police officer and is certified as an instructor through Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST). Working as a law enforcement officer has allowed Coach James to see how martial arts training and tactics can be utilized in a real world scenario.
Coach James is originally from New York and moved to Arizona in 2000. He is married with 4 children, all of whom train Jiu Jitsu at RKC.
Coach Brian Moore
Wrestling & Hybrid Grappling Coach
Coach Brian’s specialty is wrestling, with 8 years of training in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Sambo. During his time in high school in West Virginia, he was a regional wrestling champion and won the state wrestling championship as a senior. Because of his success, Coach Brian lettered in wrestling all 4 years of high school.
Coach Brian is a nurse with 26 years of experience, allowing him to have an understanding of how self defense training affects your overall health and mental well being.
Coach Brian is married and has a daughter, who also trains at RKC.
Coach Kayla Valdez
Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
Coach Kayla started learning martial arts at age 7 with her family because her mother believed that all women and children should learn self defense. She trained in karate and kickboxing on and off throughout her youth. She has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the last 5 years, earning her blue belt under Professor Sadiq Daniels.
Coach Kayla works at a local high school and has lived in Arizona for most her life. She is married and has two children, who also train at RKC.
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