Professor Elan began his Jiu-Jitsu journey over 20 years ago when he brought the first of his two sons to Gracie Barra San Clemente to learn martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu something he knew very little about at the time. After spending a few years on the sidelines watching both of his sons grow up on the mats, he decided to begin his own journey and he never looked back. Professor Elan started teaching as a brown belt at Gracie Barra San Clemente and has loved every minute of giving back to the Jiu-Jitsu community while sharpening his own game. Becoming a school owner has been a dream come true, and he is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a steward of the long-standing Gracie Barra Costa Mesa school. See you all on and off the mats, Gracie Barra Costa Mesa community!

After spending over seven years watching my boys train, I finally took the leap to begin my own Jiu-Jitsu journey. Now, 10 years later, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have a deep passion for being on the mats, whether it’s guiding kids or adults as they grow in their practice or continuing to develop my own skills. When I’m not teaching or training, I enjoy working out, walking along the beach, and cherishing time with my two boys, who are now in college. Family is everything to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the values of discipline, perseverance, and community through Jiu-Jitsu.

Professor Mokuau is a second degree black belt under Professors Mike Buckles and Scott Carr. A life-long martial artist and grappler his journey started at Leeward Judo under the esteemed Tsuruo Fukushima where he medaled in both state and national competitions and earned his brown belt before leaving for college. In 2007 Professor Mokuau returned to the mats and joined Gracie Barra Costa Mesa where he earned his black belt in 2017. For nearly 2 decades at GB Costa Mesa Professor Mokuau has continued to perpetuate his first sensei’s favorite lesson of ongaeshi or the spirit of giving back. Off the mats Professor Mokuau is a father, husband and avid surfer. He is also an advocate for indigenous rights and donates his time to education focused charities such as such Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation and LA’s Promise.

Professor Jim is a licensed General Contractor specializing in residential remodels. With a business finance degree and a long corporate career spanning multiple states, he also spent several years traveling to Europe on business. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Jim enjoys mentoring newcomers and helping others grow in the sport. He is passionate about creating, building, and achieving, he brings dedication and expertise to both his professional and personal pursuits. Professor Elan started teaching as a brown belt at Gracie Barra San Clemente and has loved every minute of giving back to the Jiu-Jitsu community while sharpening his own game. Becoming a school owner has been a dream come true, and he is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a steward of the long-standing Gracie Barra Costa Mesa school. See you all on and off the mats, Gracie Barra Costa Mesa community!

Professor Daniel Sanchez has been training at GBCM since 2013. He received his black belt in 2023 under Professor Scott Carr. He loves the endless learning that jiu jitsu offers and teaching it to others. Off the mats he enjoys camping, hiking and fishing with his wife Lina and best four-legged buddy, Bandit.

Waaaaazzzzuuuup, my name is Kenny and I started training in 2011 after many years of watching MMA. I’ve trained actively for 9 of those years and enjoy passing on knowledge. I like sandwiches.

My name is Dane I am a purple belt at Gracie Barra Costa Mesa and I have been a jiu-jitsu practitioner and competitor for over 14 years and have also competed in wrestling and trained in muay thai for a number of years. When I’m not on the mats I’m a student at Cal State Long Beach and when I can find any free time I love to go surfing and snowboarding.