Our
Instructors
At Studio 8 BJJ we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at Studio 8 BJJ, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
Studio 8 BJJ
Instructors
Here at Studio 8 BJJ, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Owner and Head Instructor
Professor Brandon
Brandon Culbreth is the owner of Studio 8 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, a Jean Jacques Machado affiliate. He is a 20-year US Navy veteran and began his martial arts career during his service. Brandon holds a Black Belt in Judo (2008) and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2019). He has competed in MMA in Japan and the United States holding the 185lb Championship under the Combat Night banner. He has been training under Jean Jacques Machado since 2017. He credits Jean Jacques and the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu for helping him improve his quality of life. Brandon enjoys studying Jiu Jitsu from all practitioners and is passionate about bringing different styles to Studio 8 thru his instructors and hosting seminars.
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Professor Renod
Renod Gonzalez brings over 12 years of mat experience. He earned his black belt under Rodrigo Mendes in 2021. Renod enjoys teaching and has been instructing for 9 years. He focuses on both technical mastery and mindset growth. Students not only learn techniques but gain practical understanding of how to apply them effectively. Renod teaches primarily at our St Augustine location.
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Professor Tito
Tito Cordova has over 20 years of combined experience in Karate, Muay Thai, Submission Art Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. He trained under ten-time IBJJF world champion Bruno Malfacine for eight years, during which he was promoted to purple and brown belt while serving as Bruno’s assistant instructor. He then trained under Pedro Torres, a Fabio Gurgel black belt, and was promoted to black belt in 2019. Tito enjoys competing and instructing. In 2024, he and his wife relocated to Jacksonville. We benefit from Tito’s vast experience as he trains and teaches at Studio 8. He is the lead instructor at our Mayport location.
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Professor Parker
Parker Barriball has been training since 2017 under Professor Brandon Culbreth. He received his black belt in March 2026. He is the primary morning class instructor, where there is always technical instruction with free coffee. He believes that “when you start your day on the mats, the rest of the day is easy.”
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Professor Michael
Michael Caceres has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2008. He was first introduced to the are under 8th degree coral belt Master Luiz Palhares. From 2011 to 2018, Michael trained under Professor Phil Cardella in his hometown of St Augustine. In 2018, he returned to train under Master Luiz Palhares and Professor Pedro Palhares, earning his black belt in 2021.
Today, Michael serves as a professor at Studio 8 BJJ in St Augustine. Known for his technical approach and attention to detail, Michael emphasizes movement, mobility, injury prevention, and the body mechanics behind every technique. His teaching style focuses on helping students understand not only how the techniques work, but why they work, while building a strong foundation through clean, efficient, fundamentals-based BJJ.
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Head Kid's Coach
Coach Andre
Andre Gibson is the lead Youth Coach. Andre is native of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of wrestling experience. He started Jiu Jitsu in 2019 and was promoted to Purple Belt in 2025. Andre enjoys competing in both local and IBJJF events. He is a US Navy Veteran that specialized in medicine and patient care. His unique combination of wrestling experience and healthcare makes him an excellent youth coach.
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Morning Coach
Coach Scott
Scott Wellington is a morning Coach, gym advocate and WeDefy Ambassador. He started training in 2022. He is a true jiu-jitsu addict that attends seminars and visits other schools to deepen his understanding of the art. He is passionate about our gym culture and enjoys helping others begin and learn jiu-jitsu. He was promoted to Purple belt in 2025.
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Boxing Instructor
Don Roberts
Don Roberts is the Studio 8 Boxing coach. Don first began MMA at 5 years old with Taekwondo. In 1988, Don found boxing and the Police Athletic League. He won two Golden Gloves State Championships. He made it to Nationals and attempted to qualify for the Olympics but fell one spot short. Don turned professional at about 30 years old and fought 10 Pro Boxing fights. He started training younger boxers at a Taekwondo school. He has taught locally at several gyms in and around Jacksonville. Don has trained boxers into professional fights and trained them to become World Champions.
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Kid's Coach
Francisco Carrera
Francisco Carrera started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2019, just prior to Pandemic closures. He returned to the mats in 2021 with Gracie Barra in Ventura, California. He first competed in 2021 as a White Belt. Francisco was promoted by Gracie Barra to Blue belt in 2021. He took a second break due to a military relocation and joined Studio 8 in 2023. Francisco returned to competition with Studio 8. Professor Brandon promoted him to Purple belt in 2025. Francisco has joined our kid’s coaching staff and does an excellent job showing patience and teaching the basics to our younger members.
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