Our Team
WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN HAVING EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGABLE INSTRUCTORS AT OUR ACADEMY.
Professor Doug Pelinkovic
Professor Doug Pelinkovic, a life-long martial artist, holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under world-renowned Professor John Danaher. During his eighteen years at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City, he has trained with and studied under some of the highest authorities in the sport, members of the Gracie family, and several mixed martial arts fighters and champions.
Professor Pelinkovic is also a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate under renowned instructor Shihan Kai Leung. Since earning his Black Belt, Professor Pelinkovic has continued his training with Sensei Adel Elbehiry. A 3rd degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, Professor Pelinkovic is a 3-time USA National Team Member, a 4-time national champion, and a multiple-time state and regional champion.
Professor Berto Morales
One of the first home-grown Jiu Jitsu black belts of the Bronx Martial Arts Academy. Berto Morales is currently the general manager for both Renzo Gracie Bayside and BMAA. He has also been an instructor for the two academies since May of 2019. Berto began his Jiu Jitsu training at BMAA under Professor Doug Pelinkovic in 2010, and has been a fixture of the academy since. Berto was promoted to the rank of black belt by Professor Doug in March of 2020.
At the academies, Berto is focused on providing a welcoming training environment for everyone, and on helping his students in achieving their highest martial art goals. Aside from his managerial and teaching duties, Berto trains full-time and competes whenever possible. Berto also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing from St. John’s University.
Professor Charles Johnson
Professor Charles began his martial arts journey in Shotokan Karate in 2008. In 2010, Charles stumbled upon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after noticing the construction of Bronx Martial Arts Academy; he immediately signed up and jiu jitsu became a constant in his life ever since. He believes there is no replacement for mat time. Show up, work hard, and the results will come. Off the mats Charles has a biology degree from Pace University and is the laboratory manager of an environmental lab.
Instructor Joey Hernandez
In 2010, while working at the Mushin MMA gym, he was introduced to Muay Thai instructor Sean Hinds and started his training in Muay Thai. Six months later he had won his very first fight. From that point on, he never looked back.
Joey became the assistant Muay Thai instructor at Mushin, allowing him to immerse himself in his craft. Within a few months, he was teaching and actively competing.
Joey became the TBA tournament Muay Thai World Champion in 2012. His love for Muay Thai even took him to Thailand's famous Sitsongpeenong camp to train under Master Monlit Sitphodaeng. Joey trained under Master Aziz Nabih at Sitan Gym in Queens NY.
Instructor Brandon Costa
Brandon Costa is a 24 year old Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor and currently holds the rank of Brown Belt under Professor Doug Pelinkovic. He has years of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai. Brandon began Boxing as a young teenager and later became fascinated with the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Throughout the years he has gained the necessary skills to constructively comprehend the artistry of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brandon constantly trains with incredible and talented members of the sport to further his teachings and has even competed in numerous tournaments.
With the knowledge and experience in mixed martial arts, Brandon has decided to join the Renzo Gracie Bayside team to guide and mentor passionate students.
