Our Instructors
Hemerson "Toco" de Souza
Achievements:
- Black Belt in Muay Thai Under Master Andre Dida
- Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Professional MMA Fighter
- Coached Multiple Fighters in the UFC
- 2025 WAKO Kickboxing Nationals Silver Medalist
About Professor Toco:
Professor Toco is a world class instructor when it comes to mixed martial arts and Muay Thai. He is a black belt in Muay Thai under Master Andre Dida and has also received his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt from Professor Samuel Snow.
His coaching background includes coaching and cornering multiple fighters in the UFC and the PFL. He competes professionally as an MMA fighter as well, and is looking to resume his career very soon.
Professor Toco deeply cares about ALL of his students and his goal is to elevate them to their highest potential.
Chris Johnson
Achievements:
- 8+ Years Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Experience
- Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
About Chris:
Chris is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with 9+ year’s experience. He teaches beginner to advanced classes and has a wealth of knowledge to share. When not on the mats, he enjoys time with his wife & daughters.
Hisayo Johnson
Achievements:
- 5+ Years Kickboxing & Muay Thai Experience
- Muay Thai Dark Blue / Blue Belt
- 2025 WAKO Kickboxing Nationals Bronze Medalist
About Sayo:
Sayo is a Dark Blue / Blue Belt in Muay Thai and has 5+ years experience. She started training a little later in her life, but is living proof that age doesn't stop you from achieving your goals. To go even further, she competed at 2025 WAKO Kickboxing Nationals and won the Bronze medal!
Matthew Nguyen
Achievements:
- 6+ Years Kickboxing & Muay Thai Experience
- Muay Thai Dark Blue / Blue Belt
- BJJ Blue Belt
- 2 Kickboxing Fights
About Matthew:
Matthew is a Dark Blue / Blue Belt in Muay Thai and has 6+ years experience. He is also a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He enjoys watching and studying fights and hopes to continue to compete in the near future.
Jordan Brewer
Achievements:
- 3+ Years Kickboxing & Muay Thai Experience
- 4+ Years Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Experience
- BJJ Blue Belt
- Muay Thai Blue Belt
About Jordan:
Jordan brings years of hands-on experience in combat sports, showing his dedication to the study of martial arts. With over 3 years of Kickboxing & Muay Thai training and 4+ years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under his belt, he has honed his skills in striking and ground techniques. Holding both a BJJ Blue Belt and a Muay Thai Blue Belt, Jordan continues to refine his craft with discipline and passion.
Gustavo Velez
Achievements:
- 5+ Years Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Experience
- BJJ Purple Belt
- Jiu Jitsu World League Blue Belt Gold Medalist
About Jordan:
Gustavo brings a wealth of experience when it comes to Jiu Jitsu. He has 5+ years of training experience and has achieved a lot in his journey, including being a gold medalist at Jiu Jitsu World League. He is one of our best Jiu Jitsu instructors here at Black Lion MMA.