Instructors
Jason Clark
Head Instructor and Co-owner
Jason Clark is a 1st-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under 4th-degree black belt Scott Zapczynski of Metro Detroit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who trained under the legendary 8th-degree black belt Ricardo De La Riva of Brazil. With decades of experience, Jason has also trained extensively in judo, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling, giving him a well-rounded approach to martial arts.
A lifelong athlete, Jason is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and holds multiple academic degrees in fields related to human performance, physiology, and injury rehabilitation. He has worked as a personal trainer, competed in powerlifting and bodybuilding, and brings his deep knowledge of strength, conditioning, and biomechanics to his martial arts instruction.
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Jason’s teaching style integrates techniques and principles from his diverse training background, allowing him to create versatile, practical strategies that work in any combat situation. His passion lies in delivering high-level, technical, and credible jiu-jitsu while helping students achieve their personal goals—whether that means becoming a competitive BJJ athlete or simply improving fitness while having fun.
Duane Symanietz
Instructor and Co-owner
Duane Symanietz is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under 4th-degree black belt Scott Zapczynski, part of the respected lineage of 8th-degree Coral Belt Ricardo De La Riva. He also holds a Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, reflecting his lifelong commitment to martial arts and disciplined training.
A retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, Duane’s military career was as impressive as it was diverse—serving as an OOB deep-sea diver, helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, and military flight instructor. His years of service shaped his clear, structured, and effective teaching style.
On the mats, Duane brings a military-honed, fundamentals-first approach, emphasizing practical techniques, real-world application, and steady progress. His focus is on helping committed students develop solid skills and the mindset to achieve lasting success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond.
Gary Maccagnone
Instructor and Co-owner
Gary Maccagnone is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been training for over 11 years under 4th-degree black belt Scott Zapcynski. His martial arts journey spans more than four decades, beginning with 30 years of experience in boxing, karate, and Muay Thai before fully committing to Jiu-Jitsu.
Outside of training, Gary is a writer, entrepreneur, and dedicated youth soccer coach. He is also a partner in the Nationals Soccer Club, one of Michigan’s premier youth soccer organizations.