Alex Aftandilians - Grappling Instructor

Alex with his teachers Gokor Chivichyan & Gene LeBell

Alex was introduced to the art of submission grappling in 2003 by George Toney, the USC head self-defense instructor and NAGA North American Grappling Champion. After a few months of training, George took Alex to the Hayastan Grappling Academy, where he introduced him to his own teacher and long-time friend, Gokor Chivichyan. There, Alex was able to learn directly under Gokor and Gene LeBell, who trained him in the Hayastan Grappling System's unique blend of Sambo, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and Catch Wrestling.

Alex remains a student of Gokor and Gene, but now also looks forward to passing on the art to a new group of grapplers in Northern California.

Recent accomplishments include:

• Gold Medalist at the 9th Annual United BJJ California Classic - 2009                    (Advanced Division, no-gi)

• Bronze Medalist at the 2009 East Coast Hayastan Grappling Challenge (Advanced Division)
• Gold Medalist at the 2008 West Coast Hayastan Grappling Challenge (Intermediate Division)

Testimonials

“Alex is an excellent grappler, and more importantly, an honorable man. His teaching style is clear and effective, and unlike many other martial arts instructors, Alex teaches from the heart. I’m proud to be his training partner and friend.”

Nicolas Gregoriades,                                            BJJ Black Belt (Roger Gracie's 1st)                  Abu Dhabi Pro Cup Veteran

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"Alex Aftandilians began training with us at USC back in 2003.  Within a short period of time he became addicted to grappling and began attending our 7:30am intermediate trainings a few days a week.  While training he volunteered to teach beginners at USC in his free time.  His natural love of knowledge drove him to attend more and more trainings and eventually he began attending private lessons with me at the Hayastan Academy.

Private lessons with Gokor really fed Alex’s hunger for knowledge and skill at grappling. Training with the group classes at night at the Academy along with small group privates with some of Gokor’s advanced grapplers, Alex progressed quickly.  He left Southern California for a fellowship in South Africa and took his love of grappling with him. There he met and began his training with Jason and Nic Gregoriades, two very accomplished Gracie Barra instructors.  Their friendship led to more learning and exchange and made Alex have an even greater appreciation for the diversity of grappling.

In the past two years, Alex has made forays into competitions taking two gold and two bronze medals that I know of… wonderful accomplishments.  I judge Alex differently.  Gokor called me one day to discuss how impressed he was at Alex’s abilities.  Gokor said in addition to being a very skilled fighter (some professionals at Gokor’s were now having difficulties and wrestled to stalemates with Alex) what a good person Alex was. As his friend and training partner for many years, I would say he one of the most genuine bright men I have trained with. He loves grappling and cares for his training partners.

Humble and dedicated, Alex makes us all proud that he is a part of the Hayastan family. I would encourage anyone who wants a good coach in Northern California to contact Alex."

George Toney,
USC Self-Defense Chief Instructor
Hayastan Black-Belt

Antonio Almeida - BJJ Instructor

Antonio with his teacher Betinho Correia

Antonio began his training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in 1994 in Arraial d'Ajuda, Brazil, and was introduced to the art by Brazilian Top Team black belt Betinho Correia. Antonio continued to train  under Bethino until late 2005, and during that time also had the opportunity to train extensively under Brazilian Top Team founder Murilo Bustamante.

In December 2005, Antonio relocated to California’s Mendocino coast and established the area’s first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program. He is one of the few distinguished Brazilian Top Team brown belt instructors under Betinho Correia and Murilo Bustamante.

  Antotio with his teacher Murilo Bustamante.