Frank is long time resident of Alpine and coached youth sports in the community for over 15 years. He received his black belt from Master Fabio Santos, a 7th degree coral belt in San Diego. Frank started his Jiu Jitsu practice close to 20 years ago and opened his own academy in the heart of Alpine in 2016. Professor Frank has competed in multiple tournaments and currently an active competitor.

Professor Frank is passionate about bringing the art of Jiu Jitsu to our East County communities. His goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space for all ages and experience levels to enjoy the art of learning Jiu Jitsu. 

Professor Frank enjoys teaching Jiu Jitsu from fundamentals to advanced levels. He enjoys watching beginners advance through their training and grow in the art of Jiu Jitsu.

The advice Professor Frank would give to someone contemplating trying the art of Jiu Jitsu; is simply, “Take the first step and walk onto the mat, have fun and enjoy the journey.” 

Deborah is a native of Alpine. As a child she studied classical ballet for 10 years and developed a lifelong obsession with seeking out physically challenging activity. Deborah started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2005 and was awarded her black belt from Master Fabio Santos in 2015. Currently Deborah is a 2nd degree black belt under Fabio. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, Deborah also trains in Intrepid Arnis under Master Guru Romeo De Los Reyes. She has worked in law enforcement for 23 years and is currently a sergeant for an agency in San Diego County. 

I found Jiu Jitsu through my children. I signed them up for classes and then I took a self defense class at Alpine Jiu Jitsu, after that class I was hooked. I have now been doing Jiu Jitsu for four and half years. I feel that Jiu Jitsu has changed the way I look at life. This is a difficult sport and it is always challenging me to try something new on the mat. This has helped to look at life a little differently, being that in life we face many challenges. I have learned to look for alternative ways of looking at and overcoming the challenges I face on a daily basis. There are many benefits to doing Jiu Jitsu, one is that it builds confidence in your abilities on and off the mat. Each class is a great workout that doesn’t feel like a workout. I have made great friends and have developed a sense of family with the people in our gym. I competed in 2 tournaments in my first year of training. In the first one, I learned that I need to focus on my movement and in the second I surprised myself by earning a third place medal. The thing I love most about coaching is helping students see their potential. Sometimes kids need to see how much you believe in them to find their own belief in themselves. I believe life is short and you will always regret the things you never tried. Get out there and challenge yourself.

I’m Coach David. Also known as Coach Dave. I’m 47 years old and a proud father of four, with the oldest being a boy and three girls. Recently my family welcomed a granddaughter named Aspen. Celebrating 19 years of marriage and cherishing every moment with my loving family.

With 30 years of experience in the construction industry, I started as a laborer and worked my way up to becoming a superintendent. For the past 7 years, I’ve been inspecting civil construction projects, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

I embarked on my Jiu Jitsu journey approximately 6 years ago after witnessing the positive impact it had on my daughter, Faith, who was already and still training. Inspired by the challenges, victories, and vibrant atmosphere of the sport, I decided to challenge myself and give it a try. Since then, I’ve been hooked on the art and its community. 

Apart from my dedication to Jiu Jitsu, I enjoy spending time fishing and exploring new recipes in the kitchen.

If you’re considering trying Jiu Jitsu, I encourage you to take that first step through the door. It’s a welcoming atmosphere filled with people from all walks of life, striving for better health and personal growth. Once you’re on the mat, you’ll find a supportive community, make new friends, and discover a newfound sense of family. Jiu Jitsu offers not only physical benefits but also mental clarity and the opportunity to learn something new every day.

I have been a middle school teacher over the last 11 years and have been coaching high school cross country, soccer, soccer, and track and field for the past 2 years. I enjoy fishing, CrossFit, and BBQ. My son started training Jiu Jitsu about 4 years ago. I asked how I could help him but was unable to because I did not train. I decided to get on the mats and experience what my son was going through. I have been training Jiu Jitsu for 3 years and have enjoyed every bit of the journey.  Jiu Jitsu has given my family another way to bond, make memories, and share a common love for Jiu Jitsu. If you are interested in stepping on the mats, don't make the same mistake I made and wait. The journey is difficult, but you will be amazed at what you are capable of and the lasting friendships you will make along the way.  

Hi, my name is Hunter. I’m currently a senior in HS. Thanks to my father, who encouraged me to come visit Alpine Jiu Jitsu, I’m now a passionate practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu and an assistant coach for the kids classes. With 7 months of experience on the mats, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the art of grappling and the mental discipline it requires. I believe in continuous improvement both on and off the mats, embracing the challenges and learning opportunities that jiu-jitsu presents. Whether it’s competing, help coaching, or simply rolling with teammates, I’m dedicated to honing my skills and sharing the love for this beautiful martial art.

During my spare time I enjoy going to the desert and riding mountain bikes. A piece of advice for any who would like to give jiu jitsu a try is come join us. You won’t regret getting in shape, increasing your confidence and making new friends.

Front Desk Manager AKA "Gym Mom"

Over the last 5 years I’ve watched my two daughters enjoy the art of Jiu Jitsu. My oldest started when she was 8 years old and her little sister started at 5. Jiu Jitsu has made them stronger more self-confident young girls and has shown them how to be leaders! As for myself, I’ve always wanted to try Jiu Jitsu but I feared that my Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) would prevent me from getting on the mat. I was getting cortisone injections and taking prescription medicine for the pain. Ultimately the pain meds would have caused serious kidney and liver problems if continued to take them. The cortisone injection itself would flare up my knee and prevent me from most physical activities. Although there isn’t a cure for CRPS, I’ve found that Jiu Jitsu has been my remedy. Jiu Jitsu has made me both mentally and physically stronger, enough for me to overcome the pain and push myself to have a more healthy active lifestyle. Thanks to Jiu Jitsu, I’ve left my pain medication and cortisone shots behind. I’m able to have more control over my heart rate and blood pressure with the cardio and strength exercises used in Jiu Jitsu. I never thought Jiu Jitsu would be possible especially for someone like me, but here I am. If you have ever thought about giving Jiu Jitsu a try, I’d like to invite you to come see us. Our Alpine JJ team and family are all very welcoming. You’ll have a new place to call home, and even find a stronger sense of self.

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try” - Seth Godin