MATT SALINAS

No Gi Jiu Jitsu Instructor

My name is Matt Salinas and I am a jiu-jitsu black belt with two decades worth of martial arts training and over a decade of coaching experience.

Along my journey, I have been fortunate enough to travel the world to coach some of the top fighters in the UFC, Bellator, and Rizin. Such as former UFC World Champion Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza, and top UFC flyweight standouts, Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall and Louis “Da Last Samurai” Smolka, to just name a few. I have been the head coach for the MMA grappling team at Team Oyama MMA in Irvine and the head coach at 10th Planet locations Costa Mesa, Orange, and Buena Park. It is now my mission to lay roots in and serve the community of South Orange County.

What you can expect from my classes is a positive and beginner-friendly, family environment with a holistic approach to martial arts training. Meaning I want my students to be well-rounded. You will learn jiu-jitsu/wrestling for sport as well as self-defense. Not just one or the other and during class, I will point out the application for the given technique (sport, MMA, self-defense, or all)
I also place a massive emphasis on mobility and breathing techniques in my teaching as I believe those are keys to longevity in training, competition, and in life.

Although I do enjoy teaching the athlete, what holds my heart will always be teaching the fundamentals/beginners class. The fundamentals are vital. The building blocks to everything that we do.  Additionally, I love witnessing the growth and evolution of a person at the start of their journey. Seeing the light bulb go off and witnessing the newfound confidence instilled in an individual that just began walking their martial arts path is what drives me to continue serving the community.

If you have any questions for me please don’t hesitate to reach out.
See you on the mats

CASHÉ QUIROGA

Wrestling Instructor

My name is Cashé Quiroga. Born & raised in Oaklandon, Indiana. This is where I found my love for wrestling & all things combative & competitive. I wrestled competitively for 14+ years. 5 years being at Purdue University, where I was a 4-year varsity athlete & 4-year team captain! I placed as high as 6th at the D1 NCAA’s & 3rd Big Ten Conference. I was then an Olympic hopeful at The Ohio State RTC in 2015/16. I've also been blessed to find 10+ years of coaching experience during & after my competitive years. From clinics, camps, & private lessons to the peak of my coaching career as a D2 collegiate coach. Wherewith my 1st & only full season with the University of Indianapolis we won our conference title as a team (2nd time in school history) & took four to NCAA’s with our top guy placing 2nd!

Soon after, I set my sights back on self-development & growth. Rode my bicycle with my best friend from Indianapolis to Colorado Springs & back on a 61-day trip. During this trip I re-discovered a lot within myself, most importantly any dreams left without a good hunt will hunt or haunt you! This sprung me back into competition this time in the MMA world. 3 years ago now I moved to California to hunt this dream of self-discovery, growth, high-level competition & just to see what I’m really capable of. Today I sit as the flyweight Champion for KOTC with a 5-1 record.

What I wish to plant & nourish is the relentlessness & control from wrestling to all things sport & life. Wrestling saved my life & I believe it’s not only an honor but it’s my duty to pass this spark!

DIEGO PAEZ

Muay Thai Instructor

Diego Paez started his Muay Thai journey at just 14 years of age. He had his first fight at 19 years old. He ended his amateur career by going undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record & capturing 4 titles along the way : Xplode Fight Series 140 pound champion, MTU 135 pound champion, IFS 140 pound champion, and the IKF State 137 pound champion. He started his professional career around the end of 2017 and currently holds a winning record of 7-2-2. He is the current 130lb world title holder for WCK. Diego started to coach alongside being an active fighter back in 2017 and has grown immensely in all aspects, he’s helped many high level fighters ranging from the UFC all the way to your local pro promotions. He plans to further his career in Muay Thai & continue to grow his skills in all his professions.

LOUIS SMOLKA

Striking Instructor

My name is Louis Smolka, I am a life long martial artist and professional fighter. I have over 25 years of experience in various martial arts, kick boxing, muay thai, karate, boxing, judo, jiujitsu and wrestling, as well as 8 years in the UFC competing at the highest levels of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. I started competing in MMA in 2010 in Hawaii where the bulk of my training has been done. I bring a unique style of striking that has been meticulously refined over the years to serve as a both a bridge between the striking and grappling worlds, as well as a great tool for fitness and health. I hope to help you in your martial arts journey whether you are a hobbiest looking to get into refine your craft, a beginner looking to get into shape and learn something or an aspiring fighter looking to see what you can achieve, I’ll do my best to guide you to become the best version of yourself that I possibly can.