Our Instructors
Jaroslav “Yoda” Botka
I was drawn to martial arts out of necessity. My family often moved and I was regularly bullied and assaulted physically. As my regular martial arts practice allowed me to become stronger mentally and physically I started to look for ways to serve others.
My first experience with Jiu Jitsu was in New Zealand under professor Douglas Santos in early 2009. Professor Santos awarded me the rank of Blue Belt before I moved to the United States in mid 2010.
As luck would have it I found a small group of very technical Jiu Jitsu fighters under the tutelage of my immediate instructor Pat Madden out of “Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Titusville” and was able to continue training there for the next 12 years.
During this time I was able to experience Jiu Jitsu in a different context as it was the basis for Modern Army Combatives Program. I had the pleasure to complete my Level 1. Combatives qualification as an Infatryman in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. While in the military I already knew that my destiny is to teach Jiu Jitsu on a daily basis to my community. So I used this opportunity to teach and mentor my soldiers as much as I was able to.
Today as a civilian my mission of service continues. It is my vision to watch my community grow safer, stronger and healthier through the regular practice of Jiu Jitsu.
Jim Bliss
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