INSTRUCTORS
We are a team of high level instructors who are dedicated to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our mission is to provide a structured, supportive environment where technical mastery meets personal growth.
PROFESSOR LUCAS DANTAS
3rd DEGREE BLACK BELT | WORLD CHAMPION
Professor Lucas Dantas brings decades of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, world-class competition success, and a genuine passion for teaching to Diamond Jiu-Jitsu.
A black belt since 2014, Professor Lucas has competed and earned 17 championship titles around the world, including gold at the 2012 CBJJE World Championship, the 2019 IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Championship, and multiple IBJJF International Opens across the United States, Europe, and Brazil.
Beyond his impressive competitive accomplishments, Professor Lucas is passionate about sharing the life-changing benefits of Jiu-Jitsu with students of all ages and skill levels. He believes Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art—it's a way of life that builds confidence, discipline, resilience, and character both on and off the mats.
Professor Lucas is excited is an integral part of our Diamond Jiu-Jitsu family. He is excited to inspire the next generation of martial artists, and help every student discover their full potential.
Al "Huge" Morello
BJJ & Self Defense Instructor
Al is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 30 years of training experience, earning ranks across a wide range of systems from 10th Planet to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Known for his fun, welcoming, and engaging teaching style, Al is passionate about helping people of all ages, fitness levels, and experience backgrounds feel confident and capable on the mats. His goal is to make Jiu-Jitsu approachable, enjoyable, and life-changing for everyone who walks through the door.
Ann Ching
Women's BJJ & Self-Defense Instructor
Ann Ching is the Women's BJJ & Self-Defense Instructor at Diamond Jiu-Jitsu.
As an Army veteran, college professor, and Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt. She began her BJJ journey in 2014 in Los Angeles, training and competing in both gi and nogi.
Ann became an assistant coach early in her BJJ career. Since 2023, she has focused primarily on leading women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense classes, creating an encouraging environment where women of all experience levels can feel empowered, challenged, and supported.
With her combined background in the military, higher education, and years of hands-on training experience, Ann brings a unique depth of leadership, discipline, and real-world perspective to the mats. She is excited to bring that wealth of experience to the women of Diamond Jiu-Jitsu and help build a strong, confident, and welcoming community both on and off the mats.
Frank Gonzalez
Program Director/Coach
As a Navy veteran, husband, father, and local business owner, Frank brings leadership, discipline, and community-driven values into everything he does at Diamond Jiu-Jitsu. After serving in the United States Navy aboard submarines, he developed a deep appreciation for structure, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth... qualities that naturally carried over into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over four years ago and earned his blue belt under Professor Lucas Rubbo. What started as a personal journey quickly became a family passion, with both of his daughters training in Jiu-Jitsu for more than five years. As both a practitioner and a parent, he understands firsthand the confidence, discipline, and life skills that Jiu-Jitsu can develop in students of all ages.
As the program director/coach of Diamond Jiu-Jitsu, his vision has always been bigger than just another academy. His mission is to provide Tempe, Arizona with a high-quality Jiu-Jitsu facility focused on excellent training, a welcoming environment, and a strong sense of community.
"Diamond Jiu-Jitsu was built to be a place where beginners feel comfortable, experienced students can grow, and families can train together while building confidence both on and off the mats."
-Frank Gonzalez
Carissa Dantas
Youth Coach Specialist
Coach Carissa Dantas brings a unique combination of educational expertise, coaching experience, and a passion for helping children grow both on and off the mats.
A graduate of Rowan University with bachelor's degrees in Collaborative Education and American Studies, Carissa has extensive experience working with children of all ages, including teaching gymnastics, developing educational programs, and coaching young athletes.
Carissa began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016 and has gained valuable experience in both competition and coaching alongside her husband, Professor Lucas Dantas. Now a purple belt, she continues to grow as a martial artist while sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Carissa believes Jiu-Jitsu is about much more than self-defense. It's a powerful tool for building confidence, discipline, resilience, and emotional well-being. She's excited to be part of the Diamond Jiu-Jitsu family, where she looks forward to helping students develop the skills and character they need to succeed both on the mats and in life.