Meet Our Instructors

Our emphasis at JJ Machado DFW is teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a martial art, which means reconnecting with traditional martial arts values. We believe that the benefits of Jiu Jitsu practice offers many physical and mental benefits for both children and adults.

JJ Machado DFW is one of the fastest growing academies in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. Come and join our professional and diverse community of Jiu Jitsu practitioners. You will not be disappointed

Head Instructor

Professor Eric Acha

3rd Degree Black Belt under Master Jean Jacques Machado

Professor Eric Acha is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Master Jean Jacques Machado. With over 22 years of training and 15 years of professional teaching experience, Professor Eric is passionate about sharing the art and philosophy of Jiu Jitsu.

He is the founder of Peninsula Self Defense, one of the largest and most successful Jiu Jitsu academies in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2021, Professor Eric and his family relocated to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where they have since opened three thriving Jiu Jitsu academies. His mission is simple: to share Master Jean Jacques Machado’s Jiu Jitsu with the world.

In addition to his martial arts background, Professor Eric is a retired California police officer with 22 years of service. He served with the Brisbane Police Department, the Redwood City Police Department, and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, retiring with the rank of Senior Inspector. During his law enforcement career, he was a defensive tactics instructor and a state-recognized expert in police use of force.

Professor Eric and the entire JJ Machado DFW family proudly support law enforcement and first responders.

Instructors

Professor Luke Hoffman

Professor Luke Hoffman has 17 years of extensive experience in Jiu Jitsu and he is currently a 2nd degree black belt.

Professor Luke is also a former MMA fighter with 3 fights and a record of 2-1. Professor Luke teaches our adult no gi classes at JJ Machado DFW.

Professor Luke received his BS in kinesiology, with a minor in business, from Stephen F. Austin University.

Professor Luke is in product sales and his hobbies include hunting, woodworking and golf.

Professor Ernesto Roco

Professor Ernesto Roco began his Jiu Jitsu training in 2006 directly under Master Jean Jacques Machado at Jean Jacques Machado Headquarters in Los Angeles. Professor Ernesto received his blue and purple belts from Master Jean Jacques.

Professor Ernesto relocated to Orange County where he continued his Jiu Jitsu training under Professor Alan Goes from the Carlson Gracie lineage. In 2015, Professor Ernesto received his black belt from Professor Allan Goes. Professor Ernesto is currently a 2nd degree black belt

Professor Ernesto has an MS in Information Systems and he is an IT professional. His hobbies include hunting and competitive long range shooting. Professor Ernesto teaches gi classes in the adult Jiu Jitsu Program.

Professor Damion Taylor

Professor Damion Taylor has been training Jiu Jitsu for over 17 years.

Known for his technical precision and focus on details that make Jiu Jitsu effective, Damion fosters and encouraging, structured environment where students can build confidence.

Damion is dedicated to helping his students of all levels reach their full potential on and off the mats.

Professor Pete Sunday

Professor Sunday began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2002 under Master Luis "Limao" Heredia at the world-famous Maui Jiu Jitsu.

He received his black belt in 2013, and he has been teaching Jiu Jitsu since then.

Professor Sunday focuses on self-defense and developing street readiness skills in his Jiu Jitsu classes. Professor Sunday is currently teaching adults at our Colleyville Academy.

Coaches

Coach Bryan Hetherington

Coach Bryan has an extensive wrestling background going back to elementary school. Coach Bryan has been training Jiu Jitsu for 9 years and he is currently a brown belt.

Coach Bryan loves both Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu equally. Coach Bryan is the lead Kids Coach at our Bedford Academy.

Coach Francisco Fraga

Coach Francisco Fraga is originally from Salvador Bahia Brazil and he is a retired police officer from California. Francisco was a SWAT Operator, K9 Handler and Defensive Tactics Instructor for his department.

Francisco is also an active Navy Reservist. Francisco is currently a brown belt and he coaches in our adult and youth programs.