TRYFON STATHOPOULOS
Tryfon is a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Owner and head instructor at North Bay Jiu Jitsu, Tryfon began training in mixed martial arts(MMA) with Mike Valentine in 2000. By 2004 Tryfon earned his black belt in MMA from Mike Valentine and began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Eduardo Rocha, earning his black belt in BJJ in 2013. Tryfon has been an avid competitor in sport BJJ since 2004 and has since won several championships at all belt levels including:
- IBJJF World Championships (blue belt)- Bronze
- IBJJF No Gi World championships (purple belt) - Double Gold
- BJJ tour US Open (brown belt) - Gold
- BJJ tour American cup (brown belt) - Gold
- IBJJF Pan American (brown belt) - Silver
- IBJJF San Jose Open No Gi (black belt) - Gold
- BJJ tour US Open (black belt) - Gold
- BJJ tour American cup (black belt) - Gold
- Revgear World Championships (black belt) - Gold
- IBJJF Pan American (black belt) - Bronze
- IBJJF Master World Championships (black belt)- Bronze
Tryfon has been a full time martial arts instructor since 2004 and has taught hundreds of students of all ages.
Tryfon opened North Bay Jiu Jitsu in 2011 in order to share his passion for Jiu Jitsu with his community, and to spread the healthy and rewarding Jiu Jitsu lifestyle.
CHRISTOPHER CASHMAN
Christopher has been training Jiu Jitsu at North Bay Jiu Jitsu since 2011. He is a skilled fighter and an excellent teacher, helping many team mates achieve success in competition through his coaching and attention to detail. His attitude, work ethic and technical knowledge are exemplary of a jiu jitsu black belt.
After 10 years of dedication Chris received his black belt in September of 2021 making him North Bay Jiu Jitsu's first black belt.
Chris teaches No Gi Advanced class and Basics class. He is currently available for private lessons on the weekend.
PAULO SILVA
Paulo has been training Jiu Jitsu since the school's opening in 2011. Showing great promise as an athlete and a coach he was hired as an instructor in 2014 and has been teaching at NBJJ ever since.
In addition to his years of experience teaching, Paulo also has a degree in psychology which he puts to good use during kids' classes.
Paulo is a black belt, teaches classes to kids and adults, and is available for private lessons on weekday mornings and weekends.
DANIEL BARBOSA
Daniel is a black belt in Judo who has over 20 years of experience teaching. He has competed at the highest levels of the sport and is also a personal trainer.
ANDREW LeCOUNT
Andrew LeCount is a dedicated 1st-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embarking on his martial arts journey at the age of 17 with Judo. His passion for martial arts led him to embrace Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in early 2008, immersing himself in the Ralph Gracie lineage style. By 2013, Andrew's commitment and skill earned him the role of a full-time instructor for both kids and adults. With a rich competitive background, Andrew has secured victories in esteemed tournaments including the American Cup, Rumble in the Redwoods, Jiu-Jitsu by the Bay, US Open, Bay Area Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and Battle of the Bay, among others. Andrew's expertise and experience extend from teaching full-time from 2013 to 2020 to his current role as an instructor at North Bay Jiu-Jitsu Academy, where he imparts his knowledge to adults of all levels in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu every Friday evening.
KEVIN DE LEON
Kevin is a second degree black belt in Karate and owner of De Leon Martial Arts. He is a Central American full contact kickboxing champion with 9 years experience as an instructor for kickboxing and self defense. Kevin teaches kickboxing classes for kids and adults and is available for private lessons.
SONIA LASTRETO
Sonia, a dedicated martial artist, commenced her journey in 2013 with Mixed Martial Arts training at a local gym. Enthralled by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014, she honed her skills under Eduardo Rocha at Rocha Jiu Jitsu in Oakland until her relocation. Settling into North Bay Jiu Jitsu in September 2015, Sonia now holds the esteemed rank of a brown belt. Beyond managing the academy, she passionately coaches the Saturday Women's Class and provides valuable assistance in the Youth Classes. Sonia holds a BA in Political Science and Minor in Business from Washington State University.