The Coaches

Jeff Reese
Jeff, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron! It has been 17 years since, in January 2000, at the age of 28, Jeff strolled into a local Gracie affiliate with a goal in mind of finding  a fun hobby, effective fitness, and real world self defense. Having wrestled since a very early age and having witnessed Royce Gracie  do his thing in the early days of UFC, Jeff enjoyed the idea of grappling to accomplish his goals. By the time Jeff had earned his third stripe on his blue belt he was already instructing lessons. When his local instructors walked away from jiu-jitsu for an extended leave Jeff took over teaching full time. Liked for his friendly demeanor, passion for instructing, and his ego-less training methodology. With students driving well over an hour to attend classes, students booking private lessons, and gym owners bring him in for seminars at their academy’s,  Jeff is one of the most sought after instructors in Pennsylvania. Click here to see what people are saying about Jeff and the academy!

Tyler Calvey

Tyler, now a Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Rodrigo, Rener, and Ryron as well as having spent time as an instructor in Las Vegas at Cobra Kai Jiu-jitsu!

Tyler credits jiu-jitsu with giving him the tools and confidence to overcome many challenges in life, including becoming a first time father and running the everyday operations of the Wilkes Barre chapter, Bad Company BJJ!

Kevin Roginski

Kevin, a Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, began in 2000 starting under the instruction of Rogerio Taborda and supplemented his training by travelling to New Jersey to learn from Mike Mrkulic. In 2004, Kevin came on board with Gracie NEPA and has trained with Jeff Reese for the past decade. In addition to study under Coach Reese, Kevin has travelled and trained with bjj legends such as Royce, Royler, and Rodrigo Gracie, Saulo Riberio, Marcelo Garcia, Cioa Terra, and many others! Kevin credits jiu-jitsu with giving him the tools and confidence to overcome many challenges in life. Having recently retired from competition, Kevin now focuses on having fun with the workout provided by jiu-jitsu, helping to develop the “younger generation”, and travelling up and down the coast learning from others in the bjj community.

Chris Rock 

Chris “Rock-Rock” Rock, began training in 2005 and currently holds the rank of black belt. While an avid competitor during his white and blue belt years, Rock eventually began to focus more and more on the ‘fight-dentity’ of jiu-jitsu and journeyed deeper into the self defense aspect of the art. In order to give back to jiu-jitsu what jiu-jitsu has given him, Rock-Rock has developed a deep understanding of the fight nature of jiu-jitsu and has spent a great deal of time learning and assisting with the instruction of Gracie Jiu-jitsu for Law Enforcement – an area near and dear to him since he is a CO at a maximum security penitentiary.  Over the past decade Chris has had the honor to learn from icons such as; Royce and Rodrigo Grace, Kurt Osiander, Rob Kahn and Tom DeBlass.

Rick began training in jiu-jitsu in 2009 at the tender age of 39 as a means to losing weight and getting in better shape. He developed quickly a passion for learning which resulted in Rick losing over 50 pounds! Rick now holds the rank of black belt and as become an insightful and articulate instructor who has inspired via his own success many others to reach for their fitness goals.  Over the past decade Rick has had the privilege to learn from icons such as; Royce and Rodrigo Grace, Kurt Osiander, Rob Kahn and Tom DeBlass.

Chris Smith
“Smitty”is a New Jersey native moved to Pennsylvania in 04′ and began training at Gracie NEPA in 2005. Chris currently holds the rank of black belt. When not training he spends much of his free time assisting at the gym; whether it be assisting with the kids, helping beginners with the basics , or rolling with the advanced students to sharpen their game, Chris is always helping spread knowledge. He credits Gracie jiu-jitsu for not only living a healthier and happier lifestyle but also instilling discipline and a better state of mind. Smitty has studied under Jeff for the past 13 years and has also had the opportunity to learn from legends such as Royce & Rodrigo Gracie, Tom Deblass, Mario Cerezo, Kurt Osiander, and Rumulo Barral. 

Jake Bennett
Jake has been coaching sports for the past 23 years. He has coached wrestling, soccer, baseball, and basketball from the level of high school varsity teams to community youth programs. He has a passion for the self-defense aspect of jiu-jitsu, particularly dedicating his studies to women and children curriculum and has been dedicated to learning both on and off the mats, under the tutelage of Jeff Reese and the other Gracie NEPA coaches, for the past 6 years and currently holds the rank of purple belt.

Lynn Fuchylo
Lynn currently hold the rank of blue belt and has been actively training for four years. With a passion for helping the kids grow in the art, “Miss Lynn” is a staple of every children’s class at the academy.