Proud Affiliate of the Jean Jacques Machado Association
Our Programs
Little Samurai- Ages 3-5
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Our Little Samurai Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is designed for kids ages 3 to 5. Our classes focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals with an emphasis on “fun”.
This program is designed to give your child a balanced and effective approach to developing self defense techniques and confidence through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu based martial arts t
Our Little Samurai Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is designed for kids ages 3 to 5. Our classes focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals with an emphasis on “fun”.
This program is designed to give your child a balanced and effective approach to developing self defense techniques and confidence through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu based martial arts training. Our focus is to instill confidence and to develop a deep sense of respect for others. We accomplish this by providing a class environment that is positive and simultaneously demanding. A uniform is required for this class.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Teaches Self-Defense
As a parent, your first priority is keeping your child safe. That’s why we are so passionate about equipping kids with the invaluable self-defense skills that BJJ provides. While all forms of Jiu Jitsu prepare students for real-life altercations and provide essential lessons on how to protect oneself, Jiu Jitsu takes s
Teaches Self-Defense
As a parent, your first priority is keeping your child safe. That’s why we are so passionate about equipping kids with the invaluable self-defense skills that BJJ provides. While all forms of Jiu Jitsu prepare students for real-life altercations and provide essential lessons on how to protect oneself, Jiu Jitsu takes self-defense to another level. Jiu Jitsu is unique in its ability to mirror situations students could potentially face in the real world.
Provides A Safe Environment
Preparing to defend oneself against an attacker sounds scary, but we promise to make sure that your child feels comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. We enforce a strict policy of acceptance, respect, and care for others that is incorporated into everything we do – whether it’s student-instructor interactions, warm-ups, sparring, or student friendships. From day one, we encourage students to express any questions and concerns they may have. We believe that communication is the key to creating a healthy and uplifting training environment.
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 16+
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 5-15
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ages 16+
Fitness
With such a fast pace, you’ll be burning tons of calories while practicing Jiu Jitsu. While BJJ is likely to help you shed a few pounds, it’s going to make you a stronger athlete in every respect. Jiu Jitsu is known for increasing flexibility, building muscle mass, quickening reflexes, and improving coordination. If you’re a multi-
Fitness
With such a fast pace, you’ll be burning tons of calories while practicing Jiu Jitsu. While BJJ is likely to help you shed a few pounds, it’s going to make you a stronger athlete in every respect. Jiu Jitsu is known for increasing flexibility, building muscle mass, quickening reflexes, and improving coordination. If you’re a multi-sport athlete, Jiu Jitsu is about to become your best friend.
Gi
If you’ve ever watched a traditional Jiu Jitsu match, you were probably witnessing Gi Jiu Jitsu! Gi Jiu Jitsu is most identifiable by the clothing worn – a kimono, pants, and a belt. But this clothing is about more than looks. It actually changes the way the martial art is practiced! In Gi Jiu Jitsu you can grab your opponent’s clothes during grappling, which contributes to a slower pace that leaves you with more time to think through your next move.
Meet our Team
Master Jean Jaques Machado
Head Kids Program Instructor- Chris Avanthey
Owners Jocelyn and Ed Soares
Master Jean Jacques Machado is a legendary figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Master Jean Jacques is a 8th degree coral belt under another legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Master Rickson Gracie.
Master Jean Jacques, along with his 4 brothers, were born into the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. Master Jean Jacques Machdo’s aunt married Carlos Gracie Sr., one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As such, Master Jean Jacques and his brothers grew up with Gracie cousins completely immersed in the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. Master Jean Jacques did not learn Jiu Jitsu growing up. He lived Jiu Jitsu.
Master Jean Jacques is one of the most sought after Jiu Jitsu instructors in the world. He has taught a number of celebrity students from his school in Los Angeles. Some of his notable students include, Chuck Norris, Keanu Reeves and Joe Rogan.
Along with his celebrity students, Master Jean Jacques also maintains a world wide network of affiliate schools through the Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association.
The 148 Jiu Jitsu Academy is the only official Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian JIu Jitsu Association school in Northern California.
Owners Jocelyn and Ed Soares
Head Kids Program Instructor- Chris Avanthey
Owners Jocelyn and Ed Soares
Jocelyn and Ed Soares are Co-Owners of 148 Jiu Jitsu LLC , The 148 Collective. In 2023 they became the operating partners of Peninsula Self Defense LLC.
As of November 01 2025, 148 Jiu Jitsu LLC solely acquired Peninsula Self Defense and absorbed it into The 148 Jiu Jitsu Academy. .
Ed Soares is a Retired 25 year Law Enforcement Officer.
Ed is a brown belt under Jean Jacques Machado and the Head Instructor of the The 148 Jiu Jitsu Academy
Jocelyn Soares has been a Law Enforcement Officer for 10 years.
Jocelyn is a blue belt under Jean Jacques Machado.
Coach Ed Instructs the Following Classes:
M/W- Adult BJJ- 0630am
M/W/F- Fundamentals- 1100am
Available for Private Lessons on Request
Head Kids Program Instructor- Chris Avanthey
Head Kids Program Instructor- Chris Avanthey
Lead Black Belt- Professor Wei-Nchih Lee
Hi, I'm Chris Avanthey. I've been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2017. I am a brown belt under Jean Jacques Machado. I am a former highschool Math and Biology teacher with over a decade of experience in education. I started at our academy as a Jiu Jitsu parent. After experiencing the outstanding coaching and teaching in my daughters class, I had to get on the mats myself. Eventually I began volunteering as a kids coach. I have been leading our kids program for the past three years. It has been extremely fulfilling to witness the confidence, leadership skills, and physical ability that our students demonstrate daily on the mats of the 148 Academy.
Coach Chris Avanthey Instructs the Following Classes:
ALL Little Samurai and Kids Classes
TH- Adult Nogi BJJ- 630pm
Available for Private Lessons on Request
Lead Black Belt- Professor Wei-Nchih Lee
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Lead Black Belt- Professor Wei-Nchih Lee
Hi, I’m Wei-Nchih Lee, aka Weech. I’ve been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2003, first in New York at an affiliate of the Migliarese brothers in Philly, then under Marco Nascimento in Foster City when I moved to Cali in 2007, and finally to 148 Jiu Jitsu in 2017, where I received my black belt, 1st and 2nd degrees under Eric Acha and the legendary Jean Jacques Machado. At 148 Jiu Jitsu, I am proud to be part of a thriving culture of camaraderie, support and seriously good Jiu Jitsu. The students at 148 Jiu Jitsu prove their skills on the mat with each other and in competition - with technical prowess in a safe environment. My teaching goals are simple - I want every student to gain confidence through growth, realize that physical challenges are just problems to be solved, and have fun while learning with other great folks. I hope to see you all on the mats!
Professor Wei- Nchih Instructs the Following Classes:
T/TH- Adult Nogi BJJ- 1200pm and 1130am
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Professor Sergio Trejo is our on staff mindset and mental health consultant and a licensed LMFT in the State of California, ensuring mindset of our students matches our academy code of conduct. Professor Sergio consults on an individual basis with our Kid and Adult students for various mental health evaluations as needed.
Hi, I’m Sergio Trejo LMFT but please just call me Serg. I’ve been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2013, at a small gym in San Francisco at an affiliate of Ralph Gracie before being my current home, 148 Jiu-jitsu. I received my black belt under Eric Acha and the legendary Jean Jacques Machado in 2025. At 148 Jiu Jitsu my main job is embody community and passing down the core principles of this art. I am proud to assist with coaching of our kids program, providing mental performance consults and services, as well as coaching a series of ‘breath-work for jiu-jitsu’ classes. I am so grateful and proud to be part of a thriving culture of community, learning, support and seriously good Jiu Jitsu. My aim is simple, make you, the student, feel welcomed. We want to instill that new things, although difficult, can be overcome by community and grit fortitude on the mats. I hope to see you all there!
Professor Sergio hosts mindset seminars on a regular basis and is available for individual consultations by appointment
Professor Jon Florendo
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Mindset Coach- Professor Sergio Trejo, LMFT
Professor Jon Florendo Instructs the Following Classes:
M or W- Adult BJJ- 1200pm
Available for Private Lessons on Request
Professor Dave Massey
Professor Jason Wilson
Professor Dave Massey
Professor Dave Massey Instructs the Following Classes:
T- Adult Nogi BJJ- 630pm
Professor Kevin Tsui
Professor Jason Wilson
Professor Dave Massey
I walked in as a beginner over 10 years ago and have earned each of my belts here, including my black belt. It was after being awarded my blue belt that I first started teaching kids’ classes. Since then, I’ve continued as a BJJ “ambassador” for the academy, taking beginners of all ages under my wing in their first few months of practice. In my over 30 years of teaching physical education and coaching high school sports, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge in instructing individuals with various learning styles and abilities. Beginners are often surprised by how effective jiu jitsu techniques can be when performed by a smaller individual (such as myself). The fact that BJJ was designed to level the playing field for the “weaker” individual to succeed was, in fact, the selling point for me and how I incorporate it into my practice.
Professor Kevin Tsui Instructs the Following Classes:
ALL Kids Classes (Assistant)
W- Adult BJJ- 630pm
Available for Private Lessons on Request
Professor Jason Wilson
Professor Jason Wilson
Professor Adam Florendo
Professor Jason Wilson Instructs the Following Classes:
Sat. - Adult BJJ- 1200pm
Sun.- Host Members Only Open Mat
Professor Adam Florendo
Professor Adam Florendo
Professor Adam Florendo
Martial Arts has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started karate as a kid alongside my brother, Jonathan, and many of my favorite childhood memories come from the years we spent training and competing together.
In 2012, I stumbled into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and immediately felt something click. After a few years of training on and off, I finally found my home at Peninsula Self Defense in 2016. It was here that I continued my journey with my brother, carrying on our tradition of training hard and competing
Earning my black belt at this academy means more to me than I can put into words. I’m proud to be the third student to start here as a white belt and make the full journey to black belt
I began coaching as a purple belt and stepped into a more permanent role during my brown belt years. Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my training
This art—and this academy—have shaped my life in ways I never expected. I’m truly honored to give back to the place and the people who have given me so much.
Professor Adam Instructs the Following Classes:
M or W- Adult BJJ- 1200pm
Available for Private Lessons on Request
Coach Spence Myszka
Professor Adam Florendo
Coach Spence Myszka
Spence is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt under the legendary Jean-Jacques Machado.
He began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2018 at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo training within the Jean-Jacques Machado lineage and earning his blue belt there. After several years of no-gi training, he transitioned to 148 Jiu Jitsu, dedicating himself exclusively to the gi and further refining his technical foundation. His promotion to brown belt under Jean-Jacques Machado reflects years of consistent training, discipline, and commitment to mastering the art.
Before his life on the mats, Spence served proudly in the United States Marine Corps and later built a distinguished career as an Air Traffic Controller , from which he is now retired. His military background and professional experience shaped his teaching style—structured, calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and focused on helping students develop resilience and confidence.
Driven by a passion for Jiu Jitsu as both a martial art and a path for personal growth, Spence aims to create an environment where students of all levels feel welcome, supported, and challenged to become the best version of themselves.
If you love high-energy sessions, 90s rock, rap, and real camaraderie, then this is the class for you. Our mats are a place where you can work hard, laugh often, and push yourself alongside teammates who support each other every step of the way.
At 148 Jiu Jitsu everyone belongs. Everyone grows. And everyone is part of the team.
Coach Spence Myszka Instructs the Following Classes:
M- Adult Nogi BJJ- 630pm
Sun.- Host Members Only Open Mat
Coach Cruz Sandoval
Professor Adam Florendo
Coach Spence Myszka
Coach Cruz Sandoval Instructs the Following Classes:
All Kids Classes (Assistant)
T- Level 2/3 (Lead)
