OUR INSTRUCTORS

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OUR INSTRUCTORS

PROF. ANDREW CALANDRELLI

Andrew Calandrelli is the owner and head instructor of Ultimate MMA & Jiu Jitsu Training Center. Andrew has been involved in Martial Arts training since the age of 4. As a teenager, Andrew competed in amateur boxing, as well as, he was an active competitor in point-fighting tournaments. As a young adult, he started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1996 in New York City.  Andrew fought as Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter for over 10 years and is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Marcelo Garcia with Team Alliance having received his black belt in 2007. Andrew spent years fighting as a Professional MMA Fighter, and is a Bellator Fighting Championships veteran. Throughout his career, he has earned three National grappling titles and numerous first place finishes in both NAGA and GRAPPLERS QUEST.

Accomplishments/Accolades

  • IBJJF Certified 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
  • USA Boxing Certified Coach
  • Retired Professional MMA Fighter
  • Bellator Fighting Championships Veteran
  • 2014 IBJJF No Gi World Championships Black Belt Masters Bronze Medalist
  • IBJJF Certified Referee
  • USKBA North East MMA Champion
  • 3 Time Grapplers Quest US National Champion
  • 8 Time NAGA Grappling Champion
  • Trained MUAY THAI under Kru Mark DellaGrotte in MA, Master Toddy in LV & Ultimate Gym in NYC
  • Former Amateur Boxer
  • 4th Degree Black Belt in TMA

MARISA MESSER-BELENCHIA

Marisa Messer-Belenchia is our Head Kid’s Class Instructor, Assistant Adult Instructor, and our Women’s Only Boot Camp Instructor. Marisa is a current Professional MMA Fighter, a Professional Boxer, a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Marisa has achieved high titles in both Jiu Jitsu and Boxing, and is an IBJJF Purple Belt No-Gi Pan American and World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Marisa earned titles as an Open class, Western New England Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, and currently one of the top female Atom weight Pro MMA fighters in the world.

Accomplishments/Accolades

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
  • Invicta FC Professional MMA Fighter
  • Undefeated Professional Boxer
  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer
  • Head Kids Instructor Ages 4 to 12
  • Women’s Only Fitness Boot Camp Head Trainer
  • 2017 Western New England Open Class Golden Gloves Boxing Champion
  • 2016 IBJJF WORLD No-Gi Purple Belt Champion
  • 2016 IBJJF Pan Am No-Gi Purple Belt Champion
  • 2016 Gleason’s New York City Boxing Tournament Champion
  • 2016 IBJJF NY Spring Open Purple Belt No Gi Champion
  • 2016 IBJJF NY Summer Open Purple Belt No Gi Champion
  • 2015 Western New England 119lb Female Golden Gloves Champion
  • 2015 NEW ENGLAND 119lb Female Golden Gloves Champion
  • 2015 IBJJF NY Spring Open Blue Belt No Gi Champion
  • 2015 NAGA Connecticut Expert division Champion
  • 2014 Tap Cancer Out Blue Belt open weight Gi Champion
  • 2014 IBJJF NY Summer Open Blue Belt Gi Champion
  • 2013 3x NAGA Gold Medalist No Gi
  • 2013 2x Grapplers Quest Adv. Div Gold Medalist No Gi
  • 2012 NAGA New York Grappling Championships Gold Medalist Gi and No Gi
  • Fitness Competitor: Fitness Atlantic Top 5 – 2011

Dave Herndon

Dave Herndon began training under Andrew Calandrelli in 2007 and received his BJJ black belt in 2014. While Dave enjoys no-gi, his primary focus is in the gi, concentrating on modern-styles and techniques. He believes and teaches that a rock-solid fundamental base is required in order to progress and succeed in the gentle art. As a competitor, Dave has first place or medal finishes at every belt in organizations that include NAGA, Grappler’s Quest, and the IBJJF.

Accomplishments/Accolades

  • 2017 IBJJF NY Summer Open, Black Belt Adult Light Feather – Silver
  • 2017 IBJJF Boston Open, Black Belt Adult Light Feather – Silver
  • 2015 IBJJF NY Summer Open, Black Belt Adult Light Feather – Silver
  • 2015 IBJJF Boston Open, Black Belt Adult Light Feather – Silver
Wil Horneff