ABOUT US

GET TO KNOW US

WE'RE ALL ABOUT POSITIVE VIBES

At Ave Maria Jiujitsu, we pride ourselves on being more than just a team—we are a close-knit family. With over 100 years of combined experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, primarily honed through Renzo Gracie academies along Florida’s southeastern coast, we offer a deep reservoir of knowledge and dedication to our craft.

Our mission is to provide world-class Jiu-Jitsu training to all our members, from children to adults. We focus on cultivating discipline and structure to build confidence, a sense of community, and practical self-defense skills while promoting overall health and fitness. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or just beginning your journey, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment here.

Our coaches are more than instructors—they are real people with families, committed to guiding you on your path to growth and success. At Ave Maria Jiujitsu, you’re not just joining a gym; you’re becoming part of a family that’s here to support you every step of the way.

OUR COACHING TEAM

MEET OUR COACHES

Professor Kenny Costa

Owner/Head Coach

Coach Kenny brings over 15 years of dedicated training under the Renzo Gracie umbrella to Ave Maria Jiujitsu. His journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began at Renzo Gracie Weston, and he continues to train under the esteemed Professor Santos Caban at Renzo Gracie Lake Worth. Kenny's commitment is so profound that he regularly travels across Florida’s coasts to pursue his passion.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny made a bold move to Ave Maria. At the time, there were no local Jiu-Jitsu options, and the nearest academy was over an hour away. Driven by his vision and determination, he was dedicated to bringing this incredible art to our town, and he is overjoyed to share his passion with Ave Maria.

Beyond his impressive skills as a practitioner, Kenny is a devoted husband and father of three. His children have been training with him since they were toddlers, and they now train alongside him at Ave Maria Jiujitsu. Kenny’s ability to break down complex techniques into easily understandable concepts, combined with his engaging and structured approach, makes him a standout coach. He has a unique talent for connecting with students of all ages, especially creating a positive and motivating environment for all.

Professor Chad Beatty

Adult MMA Coach

Chad Beatty brings over 32 years of training experience across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and Kali. He trained under Team Renzo Gracie, learning from Renzo Gracie, Ricardo Almeida, and Craig Kukuk.

A seasoned competitor, Chad has completed hundreds of NAGA matches, earning multiple expert division championship belts, and holds an undefeated 8-0 amateur MMA record.

Driven by a lifelong passion for combat arts, his coaching is rooted in self-defense and hard training. He believes that on the mats, titles don’t matter—whether you’re a CEO or a janitor, everyone starts as a white belt and grinds side by side.

He aims to help students build confidence, live a healthy lifestyle, and form lifelong friendships, viewing Jiu-Jitsu as more than a martial art—it’s a system for life.

Outside the academy, Chad founded Submission Fighter magazine, served as technical editor for 1001 Submissions, and has competed in full-contact stick fighting. He enjoys rock climbing and lives his life grounded in his Catholic faith.

Professor Matt Marotta

Adult MMA & Jiujitsu Coach

Matthew Marotta is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 25 years of experience. He began in wrestling before transitioning through Kung Fu and MMA, where he discovered his passion for Jiu-Jitsu.

He trained under Chad Beatty and earned his black belt at Eddie Fyvie Jiu-Jitsu, affiliated with Ricardo Almeida. Matthew has also spent time training at top academies nationwide, including Renzo Gracie Academy and 10th Planet headquarters, and has learned from elite athletes like Gordon Ryan, Rickson Gracie, and Craig Jones.

A seasoned competitor, he has medaled in IBJJF, NAGA, and The Good Fight events, including a second-place finish at No-Gi Worlds.

Known for his dynamic, unorthodox style, Matthew emphasizes connection, control, and practical application while helping students grow on and off the mats. Outside the academy, he enjoys time with his fiancée Melissa, his daughter Marion, and their dog Mowgli, along with spearfishing and continued training.

Professor Harry Metcalfe

Adult Jiujitsu Coach

Harry Metcalfe is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Jeff Mitchell and part of Team RMNU, with 17 years of training experience. He began at a Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu affiliate, where he trained and competed extensively on their competition team.

A highly accomplished competitor, Harry has earned titles including IBJJF Pan Open Champion, New York Open Champion, London Open Champion, and DC Open Champion, along with Ocean City Classic gold and multiple NAGA and NewBreed championships.

Inspired by the early UFC, he developed a passion for Jiu-Jitsu and never looked back. His coaching style emphasizes strong fundamentals and core concepts, helping students adapt techniques to their individual body type and athleticism.

He enjoys seeing students grow as their understanding develops, and believes Jiu-Jitsu teaches people to become comfortable with discomfort and handle pressure—on and off the mats.

Outside the academy, Harry takes pride in training alongside his daughter Gabrielle, who has been practicing since she was six, and enjoys watching her continue to grow through Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Jenny Capozzoli

Coach Jason Kurek

Coach Eleanor Lambotte

HEAR WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY:

"We were at a crossroads with our son. He was being bullied at school, and we were considering homeschooling as a solution. Desperate to find a way to help him build confidence and stand up for himself, we decided to give Ave Maria Jiu-Jitsu a try. We are so grateful that we did. Since joining, our son has transformed in ways we never imagined. Not only has he gained incredible self-esteem and confidence, but he’s also no longer a target for bullies. The skills and discipline he’s learned on the mats have translated into remarkable improvements in his academics and social life. He is thriving both in and out of the gym, and we owe it all to the supportive environment and expert training at Ave Maria Jiu-Jitsu. We can't thank Coach Kenny enough for making such a positive impact on our son's life."

~ Mike & Lisa

"When I first enrolled my son in Jiu-Jitsu at Ave Maria Jiujitsu, I was primarily focused on the mental and physical health benefits it could provide him. Little did I know that it would lead to a personal transformation for me as well. After watching his progress and the incredible energy of the classes, I decided to jump in and try the adult class myself. It’s been a game-changer. Not only have I lost weight and gained a clearer mind, but the best part is the bond I now share with my son. We have something special to connect over in our free time, and it has brought us closer together. The positive impact on both of our lives has been profound, and I’m grateful to Ave Maria Jiu-Jitsu for this amazing experience."