Instructors and Associate Instructors

Christopher Konelas

Chris started his martial arts training in 1973. In 1983, he began to study and train in American Kenpo (Ed Parker style) and received his Black Belt awarded by Grandmaster Ed Parker in 1990. After passing the grade of 2nd Degree Black Belt, he opened a school and expanded his knowledge under the friendship and tutelage of well known JKD instructor, Joe Maffie, who introduced Chris to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Joe was a personal student and friend of Rickson Gracie. Chris has maintained a good friendship with Joe over the years. In 1995, Chris met Cesar Gracie and was accepted as a student by Cesar. Over the next 20 years, Chris developed a friendship with Cesar and continued his study of Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar's tutelage. Chris was awarded all his Jiu-Jitsu belts by Cesar and received his Black Belt Diploma directly from him. Other martial arts experience includes:

• Black Belt - Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
• Black Belt - Ed Parker Kenpo
• Associate Instructor - Filipino Kali
• Krav Maga - Level 2 Instructor
• Certified MMA conditioning / training coach