Warren's passion for grappling started when he began wrestling at 8 years of age. In high school, Warren won a PIAA regional title, a junior freestyle state 2nd place finish, and was a two time PIAA state runner-up. Warren continued his wrestling career at Lehigh University under former USA Olympic coach Greg Strobel and NCAA assistant coach of the year award winner, Pat Santoro. Warren was a part of some of the best teams in the storied history of Lehigh's NCAA Division I wrestling program. Individually Warren was nationally ranked, a EIWA runner up, and a national qualifier.
Warren’s association with the Gracie family and Renzo Gracie started just after graduating form Lehigh in 2002. Rolles Gracie chose Warren out of many applicants to help him with his wrestling training in Brazil. “I was extremely lucky to have Rolles as my first teacher, the more I learn about jiu jitsu the more I understand this”, says Warren. His training continued at the main Renzo Gracie Academy under John Danaher, Shawn Williams, and Renzo himself. “Renzo is very welcoming and open minded”, says Warren of their first meetings. "Renzo leads by his example" he adds.
Warren later moved to Costa Rica and began training under Mauro Sergio (Ryan Gracie black belt) and the continued guidance of Shawn Williams (head of Renzo Gracie L.A. and one of world champ UFC fighter George St. Pierre's grappling coaches). Warren taught jiu jitsu in Costa Rica and also organized MMA events and jiu jitsu competitions. Later, to further his knowledge of jiu jitsu and compete at top level events, Warren moved to Hollywood, CA to train under Shawn Williams. Shawn recognized Warren's talent for teaching and made him an assistant instructor at his academy. Warren continues to travel to NYC and other places regularly to continue to his learning of grappling and Mixed Martial Arts with the worlds best teachers and competitors.
Some highlights of his competitive bjj and grappling career include: 3rd place blackbelt adult div. pan american no-gi 2011 (only person living in Pittsburgh area to place in an ibjjf adult division blackbelt tournament), 3rd place absolute adult blackbelt ibjjf miami open 2011, 3rd place finish Grapplers Quest Advanced Division “best of the west” national no-gi 2005, and IBJJF Pan Am gi purple belt adult div 3rd place 2008 www.ibjjf.org. Warren also competes in Mixed Martial Arts and currently holds a 3-0 amature record including a title at wka MMA tournament in 2010.
Warren says the following about jiu jitsu: “Jiu Jitsu changed my life for the better, it is the camaraderie, the intricacy of the technique, the healthy lifestyle, the continuing personal growth; It is really an extraordinary thing. It is so much more than just a sport or a martial art.”
Warren is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt.
Roger Ambrosi
Roger has had to travel back to Sao Paulo, Brazil for shoulder surgery. We hope he get's back on the mats soon and is back in Pittsburgh in 2012. He has established himself as one of the worlds best BJJ brownbelt level competitors in both gi and no-gi grappling competitions. Some of his recent tournament finishes include pan no-gi championship in 2010 and a silver medal at ibjjf worlds at brownbelt. He has trained under the late Ryan Gracie, world champion Celso Venicius, and, is currently continuing his learning under Daniel Gracie. Roger teaches jiu jitsu and individual private classes at RGA Pittsburgh. Roger is a blackbelt under Daniel Gracie.
Lance Thompson
Lance is a purple belt under Renzo Gracie. He is an active competitor in gi and no-gi grappling competitions and is one of Western PA's elite gi competitors. He recently won the absolute div submission only tournament in Greensburgh, PA. Lance is also an amature mma fighter with current record of 4-1. Lance received his blue belt while training at Steel City Martial Arts in Pittsburgh and also taught at Parada's Dojo in Punxsutawney, PA. Lance has used his natural skill and rapport with kids to has helped to build our successful youth program. He also does private and semi-private classes and training.
Mike Wilkins
Mike is a Blue belt under Renzo Gracie. He competes in gi and no-gi grappling competitions. He wrestled collegiately at Waynseburg University. Mike is now into his fifth season as a wrestling coach at Gateway High School. Mike is one of Pittsburgh areas best young MMA fighters boasting a 7-2 amature record and was the Ohio promotion "Cage of Chaos" Lightweight Champion. He has recently launched his pro mma career with a dominate victory. Mike helps teach "Fundamentals" classes at our Robinson twp location, and, helps with the training of fellow members of our fight team.
Jarret Lewis
Jarret began training jiu-jitsu under Jean Jacques Machado in 2007. After moving to Pittsburgh in 2010, he continues to study jiu-jitsu at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh as a Purple belt. Jarret was introduced to kettlebells in 2007 from a family member who is a RKC certified trainer. Jarret brings his experience as a sergeant with the 1st Stryker Brigade training men for combat and his enthusiasm for kettlebells to our conditioning classes. Jarret also helps to instruct our fundamentals program and youth classes.
