GRACIE FIGHTER JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTORS

Located at The Martial Arts Zone in Manchester, NH

Christopher Konelas

Director/Head Professor (3rd Degree Black Belt)

With over 40 years of experience, Professor Chris began training martial arts at the age of 12 years old in 1974. Studied American Kenpo Karate ( Ed Parker) from 1984-1992. Chris received his Kenpo Black Belt in 1992 after which time he began to explore Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Nationally recognized JKD Full Instructor, Joe Maffie. Around this time of 1992-1994 Professor Chris was introduced to Gracie Jiu-jitsu through Joe Maffie via Rickson Gracie. In 1995 Professor Chris was introduced to Cesar Gracie and was accepted as a student of the internationally known and world famous Gracie Fighter Team. During the period from 1995 to current 2024 he embarked on a lifetime of study, teaching and learning the highly regarded art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu. Professor Chris also spent many years of study in Filipino Kali as well as other combative martial art systems.

Professor Chris has been ranked in the following styles of martial arts:

3rd Degree Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (Cesar Gracie Gracie Fighter Team)
3rd Degree Black Belt American Kenpo Karate
Filipino Kali Associate Instructor
Jeet Kune Do personal trainer
Combative Concepts
Coach and manager pro MMA team

Professor Chris began professionally teaching martial arts to students of all ages and skill levels. He has been teaching since 1990 to current and continues to enjoy learning and growing together with his team of professionals. Helping others find their path in martial arts is what truly motivates and inspires him!

CANI...Constant And Never Ending Improvement!


Joseph Corbin

Black Belt Instructor

MARTIAL ARTS RANKING:

2nd Degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do
1st Degree Black Belt Judo
Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Green Belt in Kobudo

MARTIAL ART TEACHING:

Assistant Instructor, The Martial Arts Zone: 2008-Present
Judo Head Coach, Washington State University: 2000-2007
NCAA National Collegiate Judo Tournament
4th place men’s team finish in 2004
6th place overall finish in 2003
Head Instructor, Washington State University: 2001-2007
Beginning Judo Class, Head Instructor National Academy Tang Soo Do: 1993-1996

EDUCATION:

Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
May 2008

Ph.D. in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
Dissertation: Mechanisms of Base, Mineral, and Soil Activation of Persulfate for Groundwater Treatment

Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
May 2003

M.S. in Environmental Science
Thesis: Mechanism of Enhanced Contaminant Desorption by Modified Fenton’s Reagent

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, New Hampshire
July 2017

M.A. in History with a concentration in Military History
Thesis: The Gunpowder Revolution: A Global Environmental Event

West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
B.A. in Environmental Geoscience
May 1999


John Winnett

Black Belt Associate Instructor

John started his jiu-jitsu training at the age of 17 years old over 13 years ago. He is a very dedicated family man and owner of a successful small business. He enjoys training in the academy to further his martial arts skills as well as coaching others along their journey! We are very proud of John and know he is an awesome Black Belt representation as well as team member!

Travis Whiteneck

Coach

Started martial arts journey in January 2014 at age 24 with no prior experience with Chris Konelas in BJJ.

Promoted to Gracie fighter Blue belt in September 2015
Promoted to Gracie fighter Purple belt in October 2018
Promoted to Gracie fighter Brown belt Dec 2022
Origin USA training camps 2019, 2021, 2022
Works as a security team supervisor in higher education.
Reid technique certified investigator.
Trained in CPR, AED, first-aid, and bleeding control.
CPR AED and first-aid instructor.
Rivier University, Nashua, NHB.A. Criminal justice January 2012


Ross

Coach

Gracie Fighter Brown Belt












Gary

Coach

Gracie Fighter Brown Belt









Chris Nolan

Coach

· Began martial arts training in 1984 (Taekwondo) Black belt awarded June 1988

· Served in the United State Marine Corps as a martial arts instructor.

· Honorably discharged at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant

· Earned Kenpo Karate black belt March 2012.

· Promoted to Shodan (1st degree black belt) June 2013 by Shihan Brian Sweetser

· Began Jiujitsu training at age 38 in 2016.

· Earned blue belt under Bernardo Faria February 2019

· Began training under Professor Konelas in September 2019

· Promoted to Grace Fighter Brown Belt on Oct 2024

Angel

Associate Coach

Gracie Fighter Brown Belt:



· Began martial arts training (Kung Fu) as a young teenager.

 
· Studied Shaolin Long Fist, Southern White Crane, and Yang Style Taijiquan.

 
· Taught Kung Fu from 2010 to 2013 to ages 4 up to adults.

 
· I was first introduced to Brazilian Jiujitsu in 2011 but started training under Professor Konelas in 2018.

 
· Promoted to Gracie Fighter Purple Belt in October 2022








Ross

Coach

Gracie Fighter Brown Belt

Manchester parents agree:

Why Manchester parents love Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes


Class Times 

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class times were designed by parents for parents - you're almost guaranteed to find a time that works for your families needs.

Community

Your child will be surrounded by peers striving towards the same goals they are. They'll build friendships and be supported in their journey.

Life Skills

There's literally no better place for your child to learn life skills like Persistence, Determination and Empathy. They'll listen and learn from role-model instructors, and they'll love it!

Physical Skills

It's more than amazing ninja moves - it's proprioception, balance, agility and more - physical traits that will remain with and benefit your child for the rest of their lives. 

Kids Love Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes


Kids need activities that are engaging and awesome. They *have* to be cooler than video games, TV, phones and other screen oriented activities that simply aren't beneficial. Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is exactly what they want - here's why:

Strength
Agility
Fun!

Congruency

Our goals for our Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students are the same as your goals as a parent. Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Healthy Habits for life!

Atmosphere

Having a solid foundation of positivity in your child's life is invaluable. You can't control their experiences everywhere, nor would you want to. But at The Martial Arts Zone, you'll know they'll always be good ones.

A Sense of Belonging

At The Martial Arts Zone, it doesn't matter if your child isn't the best kid on the team; they'll never ride the bench. They'll always know they're valued members of class, and part of the team, each and every day.

Traditional Sports vs. Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Traditional Sports

Being left out if you're 'not good enough'
unhelpful, untrained amateur coaches
Physical skills only; no focus on character development
Too many practices and games, leaving precious little family time

Traditional Youth Sports don't work for most kids.

For many families, the emotional cost and lack of real benefits simply isn't worth the effort and time commitment 

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

All kids are always included, physically gifted or not
Trained, caring, professional instructors 
Physical skills kids love, but an intentional focus on life skills kids need
Reasonable expectations for attendance and participation leaving plenty of family time

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect solution

All of the benefits of a group sport - teamwork, interaction with peers, learning with a group, but with all of the advantages of an individual activity

Traditional Sports vs. Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Traditional Sports

Being left out if you're 'not good enough'
Unhelpful, untrained amateur coaches
Physical skills only; no focus on character development
Too many practices and games, leaving precious little family time

Traditional Youth Sports don't work for most kids.

For many families, the emotional cost and lack of real benefits simply isn't worth the effort and time commitment

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

All kids are always included, physically gifted or not
Trained, caring, professional instructors
Physical skills kids love, but an intentional focus on life skills kids need
Reasonable expectations for attendance and participation leaving plenty of family time

Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect solution

All of the benefits of a group sport - teamwork, interaction with peers, learning with a group, but with all of the advantages of an individual activity

The Martial Arts Zone is the favorite choice of New Hampshire families for their childrens' and teens' physical, mental and emotional development. Plus there’s no better facility for adults to improve their physical health and mental wellness. Schedule a trial today!

Contact Us:

The Martial Arts Zone

603-206-5716

info @ themartialartszone.com

31 Auburn Street

Manchester, NH 03103

Certified JJGF Academy:

Accredited Business


The Martial Arts Zone

The Martial Arts Zone is the favorite choice of New Hampshire families for their childrens' and teens' physical, mental and emotional development. Plus there’s no better facility for adults to improve their physical health and mental wellness. Schedule a trial today!

Our Facility:

info @ themartialartszone.com

603-206-5716

31 Auburn Street

         

         Manchester

         03103

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