Tao of Jiu Jitsu
The Legend himself
and Royce Gracie
Professor Robert Zorlu is a Gracie Barra Black Belt. He has trained with both sides of the Gracie family (Grand Master Helio Gracie + Carlos Gracie Sr.) and some 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu.
Prof. Robert has some Gold/Silver Medals, but not worth mentioning. (ADCC Medals are the only legit medals in his opinion - ask him why?)
After 15 years of representing Human Resources and facilitating an abundance of workshops and developmental courses for an organization with over 14,000 employees, Prof. Robert decided to leave the corporate world behind and start choking people for a living.
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Mark Twain
Marko D.
(Jiu Jitsu)
Coach Marko Djoric is a Purple Belt at Tao of Jiu Jitsu under professor Robert Zorlu since 2021.
The roots of Marko’s Martial Arts dates back to his childhood back in Serbia where he was born. After years of training Judo, Aikido and kickboxing. Marko’s passion and obsession for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started after he moved to Los Angeles. To emigrate from one small country to another brings enough challenges, however, surviving a major motorcycle accident and becoming an amputee changed Marko’s life. Those barriers didn’t stop Marko from a journey of training in a highly demanding and physical Martial Art style in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Marko is devoted and passionate BJJ coach for all ages and abilities. Marko has extensive experience in working and training with special needs kids and adults. Marko has trained with dozens of instructors and pioneers in the Jiu Jitsu community. Marko is a proud husband and a father of two handsome boys.
Hayden B.
(Kids Jiu Jitsu)
Coach Hayden found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an adult. Working towards being a healthier individual, Hayden looked for a form of exercise that was engaging, purposeful, and fun. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu felt like it was a part of Hayden that had always been missing.
Hayden earned a blue belt from Roberto “Spider” Traven, trained with Bruno Frazatto, and earned a purple belt from Steve Baca. Competition was a big part of Hayden’s journey early on, earning several gold medals in IBJJF and other tournaments.
Having always a passion and love for kids, Hayden now channels their energy towards coaching while continuously learning to be a better coach, athlete, and person.
Noah L.
(Jiu Jitsu + Wrestling)
Coach Noah started his Jiu Jitsu journey with Tao of Jiu Jitsu under Prof. Robert. Having a background in Wrestling, the transition came naturally for Noah as he placed Silver in his weight class with his first ever competition (NAGA) and GOLD in the Absolute Division with a total of four submission victories in eight fights.
Coach Noach offers private training for Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling to Adults and Juniors.
Gio A.
(Muay Thai)
Coach Gio is an Active Fighter and Head Coach for our Adult Muay Thai Program.
When not actively training for fights and cross-training Jiu Jitsu/MMA, Coach Gio passes along his knowledge and experience during Adult Muay Thai classes.
Coach Gio offers private Muay Thai training in addition to strength and conditioning.
Chris L.
(Muay Thai)
Coach Chris is currently an active Muay Thai and MMA fighter (just coming off a 2nd Rd TKO - Up Next Fighting)
As a proficient striker, Coach Chris passes along his knowledge to those interested in adding strikes to their ground game.
Coach Chris offers private striking classes.
Ruth H.
(Kids Jiu Jitsu)
Coach Ruth discovered the art of Jiu Jitsu after a lifelong history of athletics, including competitive cross-country skiing in Canada and soccer in college. Seeking a sport to keep her active while including a supportive community, Tao of Jiu Jitsu proved to be a perfect fit (under Professor Robert) as it became more than a place to train, but a second family.
As Coach Ruth advances in her Jiu Jitsu journey, she embraces the principles of perseverance, discipline and holistic growth, while encompassing both physical and mental challenges.
Aside from personal improvements as an athlete/martial artist, she envisions herself as an impactful mentor and strives to be a nurturing coach for all students.
Martin D.
(Adult/Juniors Muay Thai)
Coach Martin aka "The Boogeyman" is an active Muay Thai fighter and trainer. Having years of experience as a Muay Thai practitioner, fighter and coach, Martin favors teaching as he is able to pass down traditional facilitation of Muay Thai.