Meet Our
Coaches
Our instructors bring decades of combined mat time, competition experience, and a genuine passion for developing every student who walks through our doors.
The Professor
A former U.S. Navy service member, Joaquín Sánchez discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while competing as an amateur MMA fighter and immediately recognized its transformative power. Training under Jean “Dalua” Cartagena of A-Force Jiu-Jitsu, he became a multi-gold medalist in regional and national BJJ tournaments before earning his black belt in October 2023.
Professor Sánchez now runs his school in Pleasanton, Texas, where his infectious enthusiasm and clear, patient instruction guide students at every level — from newcomers learning the fundamentals to advanced students sharpening their timing, leverage, and overall game. More than a coach, he's a mentor dedicated to helping every student build confidence, mental fortitude, and community, both on and off the mat.
- BJJ Black Belt — 1st Degree under Jean "Dalua" Cartagena
- 15+ years of martial arts and training experience
- Multiple IBJJF & NAGA regional and national titles
Our Coaching Staff
Every coach on our staff is a dedicated practitioner with real competition and teaching credentials — not just a hobbyist with a belt.
A dedicated competitor with 15+ years of training, specializing in tournament-tested technique across IBJJF and Jiu-Jitsu World League competition. He earned his black belt in 2019 under Evaldo Lima of Neutral Grounds Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, receiving his first degree in 2022. Now training out of Texas, he leads classes with a focus on discipline, precision, and passing on hard-earned experience to the next generation.
Training on the mats since the age of five, Nevaeha Sanchez is a dedicated competitor who earned her Blue Belt in August 2025. She has captured multiple gold medals competing at the highest levels across AGF, NAGA, and IBJJF organizations. Now stepping into her role as a youth coach, focusing on strong technical fundamentals, confidence, and inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
Our BJJ Lineage
Lineage is everything in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — the unbroken chain of knowledge passed from master to student across generations. Every promotion at Contender BJJ flows through a verified black belt lineage, rooted in the genuine tradition of the art.
Lineage verification is a cornerstone of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Every black belt at Contender BJJ can trace their training directly back through a documented instructor lineage — not shortcuts or bought credentials.
Train With The
Best In The Area
Come experience our coaching staff first-hand. Your first week is completely free — no credit card, no commitment.