Why Thrive

To thrive is to grow, to prosper, to flourish.

Our students enroll to learn self-defense and strength training but what keeps them coming back is the family and culture that they themselves help to create.  Thrive creates a community that is open, supportive, and encourages growth of mind, body, and spirit.

Thrive Jiu-Jitsu and Strength Training  a one of a kind school dedicated to serving the Pacifica community.

Meet Our Team

Professor OJ Domingues

Odilon “OJ” Domingues began his training in Brazil with esteemed Gracie-Barra Black Belt, Professor Rey Perez (ACRE BRAZIL) at the age of 12yrs old. In 1999 he moved to Northern California to train with Ralph “The Pitbull” Gracie. OJ went on to refine his training with the founder of Triune BJJ, 3rd degree Black Belt, Professor Stan Kendrick and CIA Paulista founder 6th degree Black Belt Professor Waldomiro Perez Jr.  After 11 years of arduous and dedicated training, OJ received his Black Belt in November of 2009.

Some of OJ’s Tournament Highlights:

  • 1998 – 2nd Place Estadual da Copa, Rio Branco Acre, Brazil
  • 1999 – 1st Place Da Copa Rio Acre, Rio Branco Acre, Brazil
  • 2002 – 1st Place Jiu Jitsu By The Sea, Santa Cruz, Ca
  • 2003 – 3rd Place Copa Pacifica, Los Angeles, Ca
  • 2004 – 2nd Place United Gracie, San Francisco, Ca
  • 2005 – 3rd Place No Gi California Open, Half Moon Bay, Ca
  • 2009 – 3rd Place American Cup
  • 2010- 2nd place at Joe Moreiras international Black belt Challenge
  • 2011- 1rst place at Golden Gate internationa Balck belt super fight.
  • 2007, 2009 and 2011 – CBJJ & IBJJF Certified Referee by the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation
  • USBJJF- Black Belt Certified

Professor Ernest Wong

Ernest Wong has over 25+ years of diverse Martial Arts experience.

 
He started studying Bok-fu (Kung-fu/Karate) first with Art Cantu and Phil Cepeda. His adventures then took him to San Jose State University where he was an undergraduate and introduced to both Judo from Daniel Kikuchi and Wing Chun with Francis Der. From there, he discovered and trained Boxing with Coach “Fast Eddie”, Kali with Guro Jeff Canion and Muay Thai with Nirmalya Bhowmick.
 
Still seeking further Martial Arts training, he started to study Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with Professors Ralph Gracie, Bobby Southworth, Tom Cissero, and lastly, Stan Kendrick with whom he earned his Black Belt in 2012. He continues his BJJ journey under the tutelage of both Professors, OJ Domingues and Chris Coldiron.
His teaching method is progressive, technical, and inviting which provides an outstanding learning environment for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners of all levels from young to the young at heart.
 
Some of Ernest’s Tournament Highlights:
 
  • 2x Consecutive US Open Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Silver Medalist
  • Open Weight Kickboxing Silver Medalist
When not training or working as a VP at Bank of the West, he enjoys spending time with his wife Angela and daughters, Ashlyn and Shannon.

Professor Deb Arana

Deb Arana has been dancing almost her whole life having had her start in classical ballet.
She has danced professionally with numerous companies over her 30 plus years as a dancer. She is trained in classical ballet, jazz, modern, Afro contemporary, Brazilian, pole and aerial dance.
She began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1999 with the Gracie team under Kurt Osiander in SF and holds her black belt under Clovis Silva which she earned 2013 and a stripe in 2017. While she has competed locally and in the PanAmerican tournaments over the years, it’s her love of the sport that keeps her on the mats.
Deb Arana has been a certified group fitness instructor since 1981, and is also a certified personal trainer as well holding the Xpert pole dance instructor certification, and Pilates certifications.
Deb is also the reigning World Pillow Fight Champion! A contest that’s been held yearly in Kenwood, Ca until recently.
In her teaching, Deb has a way of bringing her knowledge and love of movement to her students with enthusiasm and care. She challenges her student’s individual needs, and can read her students with intuition gained with her many years experience as a movement instructor.

Fitness Instructor Holly Rios

Holly Rios is our dynamic fitness professional. She leads Beach Boot Camp at Thrive Jiu Jitsu and Martial Arts. She is a Rockaway Beach, Pacifica Native. She has three children. Her philosophy in family and fitness is parents should lead by example. Leading a healthy, fit lifestyle our children can emulate. Teaching children to live healthy active lifestyles.
Holly’s class is a high intensity interval training one hour session which combines a cardiovascular with strength training. It’s a fun, challenging and unique workout.

It’s essential to carve out a piece of every day to make yourself feel better. Everyone needs to take the time to take care of themselves.

History – Public Safety Since 1994 – Law Enforcement Officer For 12 Years. Long Distance Runner, Weight Lifter, and Triathlete.

Try A Free 1-Week Class

Contact us to arrange a FREE 1-week class or to simply observe a class.

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