Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling Coaches in West Haven, CT
Competitive knowledge matters. Knowing how to help a student learn matters just as much. Meet the teacher-led team.
No cost. No obligation. Just show up.
Five coaches, one mission
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coaches in West Haven, CT are black belts, a veteran and career educators who teach kids and adults for a living, on and off the mat.
James Cook, Ed.D
James Cook, Ed.D founded Dandelion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in West Haven, CT. He is a first-degree black belt, a veteran, an educator and an accomplished competitor, with more than a decade of martial arts and teaching experience.
He coaches both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling, and he built the academy to be structured and beginner-friendly. Kids and adults learn step by step, at a pace that makes sense, in a room where everyone can grow.
Gabriel Martinez
Gabriel Martinez is Co-Founder of Dandelion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a black belt. He is also an educator, a farmer and a West Haven wrestling coach, so he brings patience and a teacher's eye to every class.
Gabriel pairs technical discipline with a deeply inclusive approach to student growth. Whether you are a nervous first-timer or an experienced grappler, he meets you where you are and helps you keep improving.
Mike Peters
Mike Peters coaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling at Dandelion in West Haven. He is a BJJ purple belt, a longtime wrestling coach and a former UConn varsity athlete.
He is also a competitive powerlifter and a certified personal trainer, and he draws on decades of athletic experience to help students build strength, conditioning and sound technique. Kids and adults alike benefit from his practical, hard-working approach on the mat.
Dimitri Thornton
Dimitri Thornton is a second-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and a school psychologist. He blends high-level competition experience with professional expertise in confidence, discipline and mental resilience.
That combination makes him a great fit for students at every stage, from adults learning to stay calm under pressure to competitors sharpening their game. At Dandelion in West Haven, CT, Dimitri helps students grow tougher on the mat and steadier off it.
Pete Trenchard
Pete Trenchard leads youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Dandelion in West Haven, CT. He is an educator with more than 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, and he knows how kids learn best.
Pete creates a safe, engaging environment centered on confidence and personal growth. Kids build coordination, focus and friendships while learning real skills, and parents can trust that their children are in experienced, caring hands.
Coaches questions
Who teaches the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes?
Our team is led by founder James Cook, Ed.D, a black belt, with black belts Gabriel Martinez and Dimitri Thornton (second degree), plus Pete Trenchard and Mike Peters.
Are classes good for beginners?
Yes. Our coaches are teachers first, and learning is never rushed.
Where do the coaches teach?
Dandelion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is at 375 Morgan Ln Unit 401, West Haven, CT 06516 — a short drive from New Haven, Orange, Milford, Hamden, and East Haven.
Serving West Haven, New Haven, Orange, Milford, Hamden & East Haven
Kids & adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu · Class schedule · Membership & family plans · Coaches · Directions · Your First Class Free
Train with this team
Your first class is free. Come meet the coaches in person.
Claim Your Free Class →