Hi I am Sammy! I am the owner and head instructor at our gym. I am from the city of Santa Ana where I wrestled for Santa Ana High School and Santa Ana College. I’m a very laid back extrovert that loves his students. I created the union to break away from traditional Jiu Jitsu culture, politics and rank structure. My main focus for us is to train hard, have fun and build bonds within ourselves and our community. I am humbled and honored to lead this team.

Hi, my name is Diana aka “HR” at the Union. I am coach Sam’s wife and love what we have built here together. In the day time I am a high school teacher and immediately after I switch up to helping coach kids in the afternoon. I help plan the gym events and help support Coach Sam because he can sometimes be forgetful.

yo i’m kristian the brother of sam. I’ve been a practitioner for over 3 years. prior to starting jiu jitsu i wrestled for orange high school where i qualified for cif. I attended cal state long beach and work in finance. I love to help teach and develop our students. I believe that what we have created here is special and unique. I’m proud of big bro.

Hi, my name is Duke and I’m a chiropracter that has been practicing in Placentia over the past decade. My grappling journey began in high school where I wrestled for San Marcos High school in San Diego, CA. After many years away from the mat, I started my journey in Jiu Jitsu alongside my boys as a way to stay in shape, live an overall healthy life, and create lasting memories. Since embarking on this journey, I have fallen in love with the art and am committed to constantly striving for progression and staying consistent. This drive has lead me from a masters hobbiest to a masters competitor most recently taking gold at a North American Grappling Association tournament. Jiu Jitsu is truly a testament for showing who you are and what you’re capable of. Regardless of what your motivations are, it will help you be a better person both on and off the mat and I am honored to be able to help you along the way.

Hello, my name is Miguel. I am a Blue belt and one of the coaches for the kids class here at La Union JJ. Combat sports and mixed martial arts have been my big passion since I discovered them at a very young age. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of wrestling both in high school and collegiate as well as coaching both at the kids and high school level. Jiu-jitsu is a sport I fell in love with shortly after finishing my wrestling career and a sport I knew that would help me grow as an individual both physically and mentally. My goals here at La Union are to not only grow alongside my fellow teammates and coaches as a JJ practitioner but also give back and help the youth obtain their goals both on and off the mat with confidence! It’s an absolute honor and a privilege to be able to contribute to the gym’s growth and success.

Hi my name is Chris. I’m a former 2x CIF 112 lb champion 2007-08. I am also a professional MMA fighter with a total of 10 fights and I am also 2-0 in pro caged Muay Thai. I was recently awarded my blue belt at La Union Jiu Jitsu and have over 10 years of experience in martial arts.