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