THE TEAM
More Than Coaches.
Mentors. Leaders. Role Models.
Committed to Building Confidence, Character, and Skills That Last a Lifetime.
PROFESSOR ROBERT ZORLU
Founder
Professor Robert Zorlu is a Gracie Barra Black Belt with experience training under both Helio and Carlos Gracie lineages, as well as exposure to 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.
After 15 years in corporate leadership and training development, he transitioned full-time to Jiu Jitsu, bringing a deep passion for self-defense, discipline, and community to every class.
Professor
MARKO D.
JIU JITSU
Professor Marko Djoric is a Black Belt under Professor Robert Zorlu at Tao of Jiu Jitsu. Originally from Serbia, he began training in Judo, Aikido, and kickboxing before discovering his passion for BJJ in Los Angeles.
After a life-altering motorcycle accident and amputation, Marko’s dedication to Jiu Jitsu only grew. He now coaches students of all ages and abilities, with a special focus on adaptive training and inclusivity.
NICK D.
MUAY THAI | TINY TACKLERS | JUNIORS
Coach Nick is a Jiu Jitsu blue belt under Professor Robert Zorlu with a background in boxing and Muay Thai. His well-rounded skill set reflects a deep commitment to growth in Mixed Martial Arts.
An active competitor in both Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, Nick also plays a key role in the kids' program, leading youth sessions and helping students grow in a supportive, focused environment.
MARKO E.
ADULT JIU JITSU
Coach Marko E. is a seasoned BJJ brown Belt with over 13 years of experience on the mats. Having trained under multiple world champions, he brings a wealth of high-level technique and insight to every class. For the past 4+ years, Coach Marko has been a cornerstone of the TOJJ academy, where he leads both gi and no-gi programs with a focus on fundamentals, flow, and real-world application. Known for his technical precision and patient coaching style, Coach Marko is dedicated to helping students of all levels grow in skill, confidence, and mindset - on and off the mat.
PROFESSOR
ANthony "RICO"
WRESTLING
Professor Rico brings more than 20 years of coaching experience and a lifetime of competitive grappling to Tao BJJ’s Wrestling for Jiu-Jitsu program.
He began wrestling at age nine and has competed in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling. His accomplishments include becoming a Greco-Roman State Champion and City Wrestling Champion. He currently serves as an assistant wrestling coach at San Fernando High School.
Professor Rico earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Forge BJJ. He is a two-time IBJJF Pan Champion, winning at both Purple and Brown Belt in the heavyweight division. He also achieved the No. 1 IBJJF ranking during his purple- and brown-belt career.
With additional experience competing in amateur MMA, Professor Rico teaches practical, pressure-tested wrestling adapted specifically for Jiu-Jitsu. His class covers takedowns, setups, hand fighting, defensive wrestling, scrambling, positional control, and transitions to dominant ground positions. The class is open to all experience levels.
AMBER G.
KIDS JIU JITSU
Coach Amber is a 3-stripe purple belt under Professor Christian Bello. A Jiu Jitsu "addict" since joining after her son started training, Coach Amber fell in love with the art and now coaches women, kids, and teens with passion. Emphasizing mobility, self-defense, confidence, community, encouragement, and responsibility in her classes.
Coach Amber is Budokon-trained and integrates yoga and mobility into her coaching. She thrives in high-intensity workouts and loves physical challenges, dabbling in MMA, calisthenics, CrossFit , and yoga. As a mom of three sons, Coach Amber brings a balance of encouragement, nurturing, and productive leadership to every class.
Coach Amber aims to build people up, unlock potential, and boost self-esteem through Jiu Jitsu, embracing the beauty of the community.
ADRIAN O.
WRESTLING | KIDS JIU JITSU
Coach Adrian is a Jiu Jitsu Purple belt under Professor Robert Zorlu and the head wrestling coach at our academy. With a background in wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai, he brings a well-rounded, technical approach to both stand-up and ground fighting.
Adrian also plays a key role in our youth programs, creating a motivating environment where students of all levels can grow. His passion for teaching and leadership helps athletes build strong foundations in both wrestling and Jiu Jitsu.
Sam X.
TINY TACKLERS | JUNIORS JIU JITSU
Sam joined Tao of Jiu Jitsu through our striking program, bringing sharp technique, discipline, and a true fighter’s mindset to every session. His curiosity and dedication soon led him to explore the art of Jiu Jitsu, where he continues to grow as both a student and a competitor.
Now taking his journey one step further, Coach Sam plays an active role in our Tiny Tacklers and Juniors program. Sam is Known for his assertive yet encouraging coaching style which is the perfect recipe for mentoring our youth.
HAnnah
TINY TACKLERS / JUNIORS
Coach Hannah is a blue belt under Professor Robert Zorlu and one of the academy's most dedicated students. Through her hard work, skill, and commitment, she quickly advanced from the juniors program into the adult classes. As one of our active competitors, Hannah brings both experience and passion to the mats. Today, she proudly coaches our Tiny Tacklers and Juniors programs, helping inspire and develop the next generation of students.
RUBEN S.
TINY TACKLERS | JUNIORS | MUAY THAI
Ruben is a dedicated student under Professor Robert Zorlu and a well-rounded mixed martial artist with experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and high-level Muay Thai. An active competitor, he brings both skill and passion to everything he does.
As a coach at Tao of Jiu Jitsu, Ruben helps lead our kids’ classes and mentors students in our adult Muay Thai program. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to helping others make him a valued member of our team.
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RANDY M.
MUAY THAI
Coach Randy began his martial arts journey training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, quickly developing a passion and talent for striking. His dedication led to early success in Muay Thai competition, where he established himself as a skilled and technical fighter.
Today, Randy shares that experience by coaching our Muay Thai Fundamentals class and assisting with our Fight Team. As both a competitor and student of the sport, he is committed to helping students build strong fundamentals, improve their technique, and grow with confidence.
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