SPAR - Key Persons
Coach Andre's interest in Krav Maga started back in 2005 while working as a police officer. With 22 years' experience in law enforcement he has encountered many situations where he has needed to utilize these skills. Coach Andre worked for years as a patrolman before being accepted into the K9 unit. He is also a member of his department's SWAT Team.
As a young adult, Andre always had in interest in fitness. He began weightlifting at 13 years old and then started Olympic lifting at the age of 16. He continued on to competitive bodybuilding where he competed in the National Gym Association and National Physique Committee. Accomplishments include competing in Mr. Rochester Bodybuilding, NGA Natural Olympus, Mr. & Mrs. Bodybuilding, and the NGA Natural Can Am.
Coach Andre has an amazing energy witnessed by all while instructing in classes. He has an incredible way about him making every student, especially during their first class, feel welcome and at ease. He can be seen many nights working one on one with students in class always stepping in wherever he is needed. Even though our belt system delivers some of the most intense training industry wide, Coach Andre still manages to add the element of fun to every class. Andre can be described as being someone you would want for a best friend but never as an enemy out on the street. We are so thankful to have Coach Andre on our team!
Coach Chris began pursuing his interest in martial arts at the age of seventeen. His background is in Boxing, Tae Kwon-Do, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. Chris joined the United States Army as an Infantryman. He fought in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. In addition, Chris was deployed overseas with his unit for training in other infantry skilled based training. Chris has worked as an officer for U.S. Customs. He is a certified Firearms Instructor and a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor. Chris also had the opportunity to train outside of the Port of Buffalo to attend other law enforcement training. Anyone that knows Chris would tell you he has the biggest heart while training as well as in life! He teaches at SPAR because he wants to give back to the community. His desire to give students the ability to defend themselves stems from his real world exposure to life threatening situations. Coach Chris's military and law enforcement experience and knowledge contribute so much to SPAR's reality based training. Just recently, Chris competed in his first amateur Muay Thai competition. He never gives up and has an indomitable spirit about him! We are incredibly proud and lucky to have Coach Chris Ryan as a member of our SPAR coaching staff!
Job Titles:
- Coach
- INSTRUCTOR
- Police Officer
When Coach Colin started training at SPAR, he was looking for a well-rounded, easy to learn system that could be used in real world situations. The blend of weapons training and effective hand to hand techniques proved to be most effective for Colin as he pursued a career in law enforcement. His dedication to SPAR and his extensive training here made a huge impact on our decision to have him join our team. Colin was one of the first students to earn his Black Belt at SPAR.
In addition to Krav Maga, Colin comes from a strong sports oriented background having played hockey for The Buffalo Jr. Sabres, in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), as well as The Fort Erie Meteors and Thorold Blackhawks, in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). He also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Coach Colin is now a Police Officer. He demonstrates how important it is to remain calm, controlled, and effectively diffuse the situation with proper technique. Colin can be found instructing in our Krav Maga Belt program. He is also one of our SPAR attackers.
Coach Corey is an incredibly skilled and innovative instructor. With years of Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai under his belt, he empowers all students to push themselves to levels they never dreamed possible. He has a talent for teaching that is so rare, you can see a dramatic improvement in every student after taking just one class with him. His passion and love for martial arts inspire all who learn from him. Coach Corey has an incredibly unique way of making every class exciting as well as challenging.
Coach Corey is a high level Krav Maga Black Belt and Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
There is never a dull moment learning from Coach Corey. His dynamic personality and endless energy can be seen in every class he teaches. He is able to critique student's technique in a way they can understand and improve upon immediately. Students come from all over Western New York to benefit from Coach Corey's expertise and training. SPAR Self Defense is so fortunate to have Coach Corey Vogel as one of our head instructors. Every day we receive amazing feedback from our students taking his classes, as well as from spectators watching him train. Come train with the best instructors at SPAR! You will be amazed at how much of a difference learning from skilled instructors can impact your training in a very short amount of time.
Coach Damien has over 6 years' experience in Krav Maga and Muay Thai kickboxing. He is a firefighter and also a NASM certified personal trainer.
Coach Damien has taken his training to the next level and competed in multiple amateur kickboxing fights. He is also addicted to endurance events, his most recent event that he completed was a GORUCK Heavy. Which is a 24 hour, nonstop event with a 50% completion rate, it covered over 50 miles while carrying a 35lb rucksack.
Coach Damien blends dynamic training and traditional methods to get the most out of every student. He believes that everyone deserves to live in the best possible version of themselves. His idea is to get you out of your comfort zone and push you harder then you did last time. Thus your body will adapt and become stronger for the next time.
We are so thankful to have Coach Damien's contribution of innovative training to add to our SPAR Self Defense classes! He is a great asset to our coaching staff at SPAR!
Coach Frank's interest in martial arts started when he began working in law enforcement. He searched for a system of self-defense that was both well rounded, easy to learn and effective. After trying several systems, Frank discovered Krav Maga. The blend of weapons training and defense in combination with the fast, effective hand to hand techniques, proved to be most effective for Frank's everyday needs. Coach Frank is a Range Officer/Instructor as well as a SPEAR Level 1 Instructor. As a patrolman and a SWAT operator, he has utilized Krav Maga in real world situations.
Coach Frank has helped empower today's youth through D.A.R.E. a program to help prevent the use of drugs, gang membership, and violence in the community. He inspires children and teens dealing with bulling issues in their lives and helps to encourage and educate them. He speaks of experience with exposure to real issues people are facing today.
Coach Frank also has an extensive background in sports. Frankcompeted in NCAA Division III in both Lacrosse and Soccer. After college,Frank competed in both Men's Division I and III Rugby as well as Men's Division II Gaelic Football. He is a certified MMA Level One Conditioning Coach.
Coach Frank understands the importance of training with proficiency. He has a very unique way of instructing that really resonates with our students. He can be seen instructing in our Authentic Krav Maga Belt program, Warrior Classes, and also as one of our SPAR attackers. He challenges our students so they know how it feels to be attacked under pressure. He demonstrates how important it is to remain calm, controlled, and effectively diffuse the situation with proper technique. Coach Frank is always ready to help in any way he can to make our students more aware and prepared for any situation they may encounter. We are incredibly grateful to have Coach Frank as part of our SPAR family!
Coach James comes to SPAR with years of martial arts and conditioning training. He earned his CT 707 Israeli Krav System Instructor Certification under Nir Maman. He continues to train and take additional coursework, including: Violent Threat Mitigation (2021); Defense Against Handgun Threats and Edged Weapon Countermeasures (2019); Point Driven Strategies (2018) and Threat Survival Instructor Certification (2017).
Coach James has an extensive background in fitness training through his preparation for and participation in road and trail running events including: the North Face Bear Mountain 50K Endurance Run, the NYC Marathon, the Houston Marathon, Dances with Dirt Extreme Trail Relay series, numerous Spartan Races (Super, Beast and Sprint), and between six to ten half marathons annually.
Coach James earned a B.S. in Natural Resources from the Cornell University where he started his training in Judo. He has a law degree from Hofstra University. It was while relocating to the Buffalo-area for a new job that he discovered Krav Maga. He was impressed by the simplicity and practicality of the system, and quickly recognized that Krav Maga can provide anyone with the practical tools to defend themselves against violent confrontations. Coach James has an excellent way of conveying the importance of details in Krav Maga training. His emphasis on demonstrating proper form is greatly beneficial to students when applying the practical application of self-defense moves to reality.
Coach James is an extraordinary example of how imperative it is to be properly trained and conditioned. We are very thankful to have him as a member of our coaching staff! He contributes so much thought and technicality to our class structure. Come train bright and early with Coach James! He teaches our 6:30 am Krash Krav Classes every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
We are thrilled to introduce Coach Jason is heading up our Kid's Krav Maga Program at SPAR! Coach Jason comes to SPAR with a diverse mixed martial arts background in Krav Maga, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Judo, and Karate. He has taught Krav Maga classes for close to a decade. Jason is also one of our Krav Maga Level 1 adult Belt class instructors.
Coach Jason has an incredible way of conveying the fundamentals to students of all ages. He brings great skill and technique as well as high energy to all of his classes. His drive to make sure students are earning their belts for proper technique vs. attendance only is one of the reasons he is one of the most sought after instructors in the area. He is well respected for being able to face the challenges that come with testing. He is amazing at working with both students and parents to understand how important it is to be able to demonstrate and execute proper technique. At SPAR, the purpose of our kid's program is not for sport or competition. It is for developing physical skills and the right mentality to be able to truly defend themselves in any situation. Coach Jason embodies the perfect blend of fierce but fun instruction for our kid's program. We are so incredibly lucky to have him as part of our SPAR team of instructors!
SPAR is so proud to welcome Coach Javier to our coaching team! Javier has been doing a phenomenal job assisting in our Level One Belt Classes. His passion for training and his desire to help others radiates in every class. Being one of our very first students at SPAR, he has great experience in what it feels like beginning in a white belt's shoes and knows first hand the determination, hard work and skill it takes to advance in our belt program at SPAR. He does an incredible job putting students at ease while inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves.
Coach Jenn came to SPAR at the perfect time just as we were looking to expand our women's self-defense program. Our women's program was something we felt was such an important component to add because in reality, women are generally the most likely targets of violence. Coach Jenn has a background training in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Kali, and Jiu-Jitsu. She has several years of martial arts instructor experience. She is the perfect combo of fun and fierce that the women coming to SPAR need!
Coach Jenn is also a speech therapist. She works at a school that services kids with severe special needs. She can even read lips and knows sign language! Coach Jenn is SCIP (Strategies of Crisis Intervention and Prevention) as well as CPR certified. Jenn knows firsthand how imperative it is to be able to defend yourself at any given moment. She faces these challenges daily in her job. What is unique about her school situation is that she must be vigilant and rely mostly on awareness and perception vs. using her Krav Maga skills. She's always on her toes anticipating and reading situations depending on her real world sense of disarming situations before they get out of hand. These skills are some of the most critical components to women's self-defense especially. So many confrontations can be avoided through proper awareness and avoidance of situations. Coach Jenn does an incredible job conveying these skills to our women at SPAR.
Coach Jenn has a true passion for helping others as a teacher at both her jobs as well as in her free time. Jenn is part of The Big Sister Program in Buffalo. She is a great role model for young women. She is smart, strong, independent and beautiful inside and out! She also runs a half marathon for Hospice every year in honor of her mother. One thing we know for sure is that Jenn's mom would be incredibly proud of her daughter today! We couldn't be more proud of her as well!
Professor Joao Moreira has been involved in martial arts for almost 30 years. He started practicing judo in his home town Braslia, Brazil when he was 11 years old. He received his Black Belt in Judo in 2006. He also has extensive wrestling background having wrestled in high school Div. 1 wrestling team at Binghamton University in 2002-2003. He started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2002 and received his black belt in 2019. Prof. Joao enjoys traveling, competing whenever he can, and enjoying time with his wife and 2 daughters. You can see him teaching at SPAR in our Adult as well as Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.
Job Titles:
- Brazilian Jiu - Jitsu Assistant Professor
SPAR is thrilled to announce our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Assistant Professor, John Canestaro! John is Black Belt and is one of the most accomplished competitors in the area. Here is a list of some of his main BJJ accomplishments:
John was also a competitive wrestler during and after high school. He was a 1x STAC Champion and 1x Runner-Up. He was also a two time Class A Runner-Up. He also won one Gold and two Bronze medals at the Empire State Games.
Coach Lazaros is coming to SPAR with a background in American Kickboxing and Krav Maga. Coach Laz does an incredible job instructing students of all levels of skill and ability. He has an amazing way of demonstrating the importance of proper body mechanics. His speed, power, and precision can be witnessed in every demo he performs. He makes it look easy. His attitude in every class in unparalleled. His modest demeanor and willingness to work side by side our students is so encouraging as well as inspiring to everyone at SPAR Self Defense.
Coach Lazaros is a CT707 certified Krav Maga Instructor under Nir Maman of the Israeli Special Forces. He has the experience of using Krav Maga training in his daily life as a corrections officer. We are so blessed to have Coach Lazaros as one of our instructors! He is a perfect exemplification of how a strong positive mind and dedication can impact all aspects of training.
Matt Godden comes to SPAR with over 14 years' experience. He began teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2004. He has been positively impacting the lives of his students through the art of Jiu-Jitsu ever since. Matt is a very well rounded martial artist. His background stems from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Judo, and Wrestling. He is well respected in the local community for his skill and serious dedication to his teaching. Professor Matt has competed nationally as well as internationally. He has also trained in Brazil. Anyone that has trained under Professor Matt can tell you how seriously he takes his job teaching. He is also very easy going and has a great sense of humor. One of the things we love most about Professor Matt is how detail oriented he is. You can definitely tell after just one class how extremely passionate he is about teaching! We are very fortunate to have Professor Matt Godden on our SPAR roster of phenomenal instructors!
We are excited to welcome Coach Matt Rose to our team of Instructors! Matt has been part of our SPAR family since the day we first opened and has been an incredible gift to us. His willingness to take on any task no matter how challenging has been most impressive. His great skill teaching as well as demonstrating techniques are abundantly clear as soon as you see him in action! His strength and endurance is off the charts. Matt excels in everything we have seen him do at SPAR!
Coach Matt has an outstanding resume including PTA Global Certified Personal Trainer, MMA level 1 Conditioning Coach through Kevin Kearns, TRX Individual Certified Trainer, Insanity Group Certified Trainer, YogaWorks Instructor Certification, CPR and AED certifications. He has close to a decade of experience in the world of health and fitness. Coach Matt will be offering private training sessions at SPAR. He will also be instructing in our Warrior and Krav Maga classes.
Read what Matt has to say about his career and fitness journey so far! He certainly has come a long way, we can't wait to see all he is capable of at SPAR!
"I started my fitness journey at the age of 12, when I bought my first set of dumbbells. From an early age, I was intrigued by the ideology of fitness and martial arts in general. My Aunt and Uncle were both heavily involved in Karate and TaeKwondo. I always wanted to be Batman, so everything I did fitness wise was geared toward martial arts. I've practiced a variety of different styles, but my primary focus has been Krav Maga, which I began when I was in college at UB under Coach Jason Ortiz. I also have experience in Western Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I love the idea of competing and challenging one's self, as most people will never face true conflict in the entire lives. Someone who trains regularly in martial arts understands conflict; that fight or flight response when flight is not an option.
I attended UB for exercises science, receiving my Bachelor Degree, and went on to pursue a career in personal training, which I have been doing for the last 9+ years. I thoroughly enjoy helping others not only reach their fitness goals, but also helping them unlock their full potential.
Professor Mike Schultz has been training in the Jiu Jitsu community for over 15 years. He is a well known training partner, competitor, coach, and all around great guy!! We are so fortunate to have him training and coaching at SPAR! Check out his bio here!
"Hi, my name is Mike. I've been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and nogi grappling since December of 2007. I received my Black Belt on November 9th, 2016 from Fabio Gurgel, head instructor and leader of Team Alliance at the Sao Paulo head quarters.
Coach Nick is a driving force behind SPAR Self Defense. His background stems from Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Isshinryu Karate. He has been training in martial arts for over 25 years. Nick received his multiple instructor certifications under Nir Maman, (Israeli Special Forces sergeant major) and is a CT707 certified instructor. He is a high level Black Belt in Krav Maga and a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
As a young adult, he found himself in many life threatening situations. He has experienced fighting against weapons and multiple attackers in reality. He trains our students to have the right mentality and prepares them to handle an attack in any event. He is known for his strength, intensity, and effective striking. His power and precision make him a lethal force to be reckoned with. We are so fortunate to have Coach Nick bring an authentic emphasis to our Krav Maga Belt Program.
Coach Sean Haley has been actively involved in martial arts for over 30 plus years. He holds a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He has been a Certified Muay Thai Instructor under the United States Thai Boxing Association since 1997. He has extensive training and experience in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Filipino Weapons, Thai Kickboxing, Krav Maga and Western Boxing.
Sean believes he must give back to the martial arts by touching and impacting the lives of massive amounts of people. It is his personal mission in life to instill passion and a love of life in people through the vehicle of martial arts training.
Coach Vinni comes from a long line of fighters in his family. He began his boxing career at the age of 11. Vinni won many tournaments including the New York State Golden Gloves on two occasions. He is also a Toughman boxing champion. In addition to boxing, Coach Vinni's background also stems from Krav Maga (He is a high level Krav Maga Black Belt) Ninjitsu, American Kenpo, and Filipino Arnis. Vinni is the only person from Western New York to train Krav Maga in Israel with Eyal Yanilov. Eyal is the # 1 student to the founder of Krav Maga Imi Lichtenfeld. After his training in Israel, Vinni was put in contact with Nir Maman, Sergeant-Major of the IDF. It was then that Vinni introduced Nir to Western New York and received his CT707 Krav Maga Instructor certification.
Vinni has been a police officer for 25 years and is a member of the SWAT Team. He has also been trained in third party protection and worked alongside the Secret Service in protecting dignitaries. Coach Vinni truly lives what he teaches. His focus, discipline and determination are a great inspiration to everyone who knows him. We are incredibly thankful to have Coach Vinni as a part of our SPAR Self Defense Family!