INSTRUCTORS
Tryfon Stathopoulos
• Founder/Owner
• 2x World Champion
• 25+ years experience
Tryfon Stathopoulos is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and founder of North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County. Teaching since 2005, he has helped more than 2,300 students develop confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills through structured Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training.
Sonia Lastreto
• Brown belt instructor
• Academy administrator
• 8+ years experience
Sonia began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato in 2014 and is now a brown belt instructor. A seasoned competitor with medals at IBJJF Worlds and other major events, she manages the academy and coaches the Women’s and Youth programs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Marin County.
Chris Cashman
• Founding member
• Black belt instructor
• 15+ years experience
Chris Cashman earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in 2021, becoming North Bay Jiu Jitsu’s first homegrown black belt. He teaches both Gi and No-Gi classes and is known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic, helping students progress in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Marin County.
Sebastian Uhalde
• Brown belt instructor
• Experienced competitor
• 8+ years experience
Sebastian is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and accomplished competitor, earning gold medals at the JJWL Golden State Open. He plays an active role at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, assisting with the Kids program and hosting Saturday Open Mat for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community in Marin County.
Paulo Silva
• Black belt instructor
• Main kids instructor
• 10+ years experience
Paulo Silva has trained at North Bay Jiu Jitsu since 2012 and has been teaching since 2014. A black belt with a degree in psychology, he coaches both kids and adults and is known for his thoughtful, disciplined instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Novato and Marin County.
Dmytro Pakhan
• BJJ Purple belt
• Degree in physical ed.
• 20+ years boxing coach
Dmytro Pakhan is a seasoned amateur boxer with more than 20 years of experience and a degree in Physical Education. He is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt and coaches athletes in boxing and MMA fitness at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County.
Jacob Miller
• BJJ Blue belt
• Avid competitor
• No Gi specialist
Jacob Miller is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, Marin County. He trains under Tryfon Stathopoulos and serves as Team Captain of the No-Gi competition team. Specializing in No-Gi grappling, he leads the No-Gi Training Lab and is known for his technical precision and competitive drive.