Why North Bay Jiu Jitsu?
Structured Curriculum
Progress through a clear system designed for long-term developement, not random techniques.
Professional Coaching
Experienced instructors who prioritize safety, fundamentals and real growth.
Supportive
Community
Beginner-friendly culture where kids and adults train with confidence.
Programs
Kids
Structured classes designed to build discipline, coordination, and confidence.
Students learn in a safe, supportive environment where consistency matters more than intensity. We focus on steady progress, strong fundamentals, and positive team culture.
Small improvements. Week after week.
Adults
A structured training system built for long-term growth.
Whether you’re new or experienced, classes emphasize safety, skill development, and steady improvement over time. We value discipline, technical precision, and a supportive culture where students push each other forward.
No ego. No chaos. Just consistent progress.
No Gi
A structured training system built for long-term growth.
Whether you’re new or experienced, classes emphasize safety, skill development, and steady improvement over time. We value discipline, technical precision, and a supportive culture where students push each other forward.
No ego. No chaos. Just consistent progress.
Proudly serving Novato since 2014
Over 2,300 students trained.
INSTRUCTORS
Tryfon Stathopoulos
Tryfon Stathopoulos began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2000 and has competed extensively. Teaching since 2005, he has led North Bay Jiu-Jitsu for 14 years and helped more than 2,300 students in Novato build confidence, discipline, and practical skill.
Chris Cashman
Chris Cashman earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2021, becoming North Bay Jiu-Jitsu’s first black belt. A dedicated competitor and instructor, he teaches both Gi and No-Gi and is known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic.
Paulo Silva
Sonia Lastreto
Paulo Silva has trained at North Bay Jiu-Jitsu since 2012 and has taught since 2014. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a degree in psychology, he coaches both kids and adults and is known for his thoughtful, disciplined approach to instruction.
Sonia began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2014 and is a brown belt at North Bay Jiu-Jitsu. A seasoned competitor with medals at IBJJF Worlds and other major events, she manages the academy and coaches both the Women’s and Youth programs.
Sebastian Uhalde
Dmytro Pakhan
Sebastian is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and accomplished competitor, earning gold medals at the JJWL Golden State Open. He is known for his tenacity and plays an active role at North Bay Jiu-Jitsu, assisting with the Kids program and hosting Saturday Open Mat.
Dmytro Pakhan is a seasoned amateur boxer with over 20 years of experience and a degree in Physical Education. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and has coached numerous boxers and MMA athletes throughout his career. He leads the MMA Fitness program at North Bay Jiu-Jitsu.
Jacob Miller
Jacob Miller is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt under Tryfon and serves as Team Captain of the No-Gi Competition Team. Specializing in No-Gi, he leads the No-Gi Training Lab and is known for his technical precision and competitive drive.