About Us

John began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu study in 2004 under Martin Escobar and Rey Diogo in Tucson, AZ earning his black belt in 2011.

John has competed at the Southwest Classic BJJ tournament, earning a silver medal in the brown belt super-heavy class in 2011, and the Arizona Open BJJ tournament, also earning a silver medal in the purple belt open class in 2008.

John has trained with Sonoran BJJ since December 2018 and enjoys being a part of a growing and vibrant BJJ academy.

Morgan Holland has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 12 years, achieving his Black Belt in January 2020. Since starting Jiu Jitsu, Morgan has competed in both MMA and Jiu Jitsu, winning and medaling in both arenas. Morgan is a student of the art, constantly studying different game elements. Morgan enjoys Gi and No-Gi while blending a classic open-guard game with modern concepts and techniques.

Above all else, Morgan loves to teach and assist new students with learning the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu.

Cody Elmer holds the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Aaron Botelho and is a former NJCAA wrestling and dual football athlete. He is an active Gi and No-Gi competitor, an F2W, LWS, and ROP vet, a 2x Gracie National sub-only finalist, three-time 10th Planet HQ Invitee, and loves the sport of jiu-jitsu. Cody has been involved in Grappling since 2007 when he discovered the sport of wrestling under Josh Burch and Zach Lair. This is where he was introduced to the lifestyle of intense practices, nutrition management, and a passion for grappling that’s alive and well today.

Today, Cody is one of the No-Gi instructors at Sonoran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a leg lock/wrestling specialist. Whether competing, boosting confidence, self-defense, or looking to get in shape, Sonoran BJJ and Cody have your back! Cody loves welcoming people to the art of jiu-jitsu and can help you reach your goals.

Ryan was born and raised in Guam (USA) and has been practicing jiu-jitsu since 2010. He achieved his Black Belt under Aaron Botehlo.

During his early years in BJJ, he competed heavily in local, regional, and national tournaments and super matches, winning and medaling in nearly all of them.

He relocated to Tucson, AZ, in 2019 and is now a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. The pairing of jiu-jitsu and fitness experience helps him to provide high-level coaching for students of all levels.

Ryan's aggressive and dynamic passing style pairs well with his simple heavy, pressure game. He has a deep passion for teaching the technical and intentional elements of jiu-jitsu training that lead to a lifelong practice.

Ryan loves spending his spare time at the cinema, training kettlebells, and with his 6yr old son, who is also just starting his BJJ journey.

Christian started Jiu-Jitsu in 2015 during his sophomore year of college as a form of self-defense and fitness. What began as a hobby became a borderline obsession and a cornerstone of his life. After competing regularly for his first three years, Christian found a love for teaching the gentle art to others and is heavily focused on being the best possible instructor he can be. Christian comes from a very traditional self-defense school and focuses on functional Jiu-Jitsu for all body types regardless of age or gender and is a prominent advocate of the phrase “Jiu-Jitsu for everyone.” The acquisition and sharing of knowledge is Christian’s ultimate goal.

Christian relocated to Tucson with his wife, Morgan, and two cats after spending his childhood here. He enjoys Magic the Gathering, U of A basketball (Bear Down!), cinema (Star Wars!), video games, and American Hardcore music.

Christian Wilson currently serves as operations manager for Sonoran and can help you with your membership and merchandising needs.

Gabriela was born into a fighting family of wrestlers and boxers. She started training jiu-jitsu at 8 yrs old (2010) under Martin Escobar. She began competing after only three months of training. Gaby has medaled in dozens of tournaments, winning multiple states, regional, and super-fight championships. She owns IBJJF Pan Am gold and silver medals. Gabriela has had similar success competing in judo and wrestling tournaments. She was among very few female varsity wrestlers in high school competing against male athletes.

Gabriela started teaching at 12 yrs old leading kids' classes. She honed her teaching skills over the years, showing a vast knowledge of grappling arts while having patience with her students.

Gaby was taught a solid pressure base that she developed into a hybrid style that fuses modern jiu-jitsu with elements of judo and wrestling.

Gabriela is a U of A student. She loves family, friends, fashion, and music.