Our Mission
At Armor Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu we are committed to helping kids and adults develop the strength, resilience, and confidence to rise above challenges and champion their own journey.
We empower students with the tools and mindset to forge their own armor. Our name and logo honor this mission.
Our Lineage
Armor BJJ is built on a solid jiu-jitsu foundation from the vast expert knowledge of Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro.
Vitor Shaolin is a six-time world champion, six-degree black belt, and considered one of the best lightweights in Mixed Martial Arts.
The Vitor Shaolin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy embraces the dragon as a representation of strength and growth.
The dragon scales in the Armor BJJ logo is a tribute to the lineage that guides our training and a subtle nod to the Year of the Dragon, when we embarked on a new chapter in our personal journey.
Kids and adult classes are instructed or supervised by BJJ black belts. Additional instructors are advanced practitioners of BJJ. With multiple instructors, students benefit from various perspectives and the combined knowledge of all our instructors.
Our Instructors
Coach Jeff
Jeff Fladd is the co-founder of Armor BJJ. Through his 16 years of BJJ experience, he has competed at all belt levels. Jeff received his BJJ black belt in 2020 from Professor Jay McMinn under Professor Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.
He's had a lifelong dream of owning a martial arts academy. When he's not at Armor BJJ, he enjoys working on cars, playing video games, and bladesmithing.
Coach Raf
Raf O'Halloran is a BJJ black belt with 20 years of experience. He received his black belt in 2019 from Professor Jay McMinn under Professor Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro.
He also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. When he is not on the mats, Raf works as a physicist and enjoys spending time in his garage making knives.
Coach Truc
Truc Diep is the co-founder of Armor BJJ. She enjoys coaching kids and is a supporter of women and girls on the mats. When Truc's not at Armor BJJ, she balances work as a scientific director, insurance agent, and personal assistant to her Breakfast Bunch.
When she's not working, she enjoys . . . well, she doesn't have time for that.
Coach Al
Al Starbard started BJJ training at Xtreme Martial Arts in 2020 at the age of 54. He was awarded his purple belt in 2025. He is a retired software engineer and enjoys all things related to aviation.
"BJJ is great training for the body and mind. I wish I had started sooner in life, but you're never too old to start!"