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Mark Hopkins, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Mark Hopkins
Dojo Americana is founded by Mark Hopkins, a black belt under Carlos Valente, whom is a 6th degree black belt under the legendary, Rickson Gracie. Mark has been studying grappling since the late 1980s; first learning wrestling fundamentals from his good friend, two-time, D1 All-American, Vince Silva (see below), then judo. For a number of years Mark practiced a mixture of judo and wrestling with other grappling enthusiasts in a friend's garage gym. until he discovered a local Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in 1996. Like many martial artists, he first heard about jiu-jitsu while watching Royce Gracie in the first UFC back in 1993. Hopkins started training regularly several years later and received his blue belt from Carlos Aveline (now Odie Neto's academy) in 3 months. Mark later was introduced to professor Carlos Valente and trained at his academy from 1997 to 2006. Professor Mark was awarded his black belt in 2006 and is the first American black belt under professor Valente. In his first showing, Mark won the silver medal at the prestigious Pan-Am Jiu-Jitsu Games. Mark Hopkins' jiu-jitsu instruction emphasizes jiu-jitsu for self defense, MMA and sport competition. Through jiu-jitsu training one will attain superior cardio and self-defense techniques, unique muscle toning and muscle memory conditioning, huge improvements in core strength, balance, agility and mental alertness. One will learn their true physical limits and much more through jiu-jitsu training—guaranteed! Mark is also a professional photographer and videographer. At the Carlos Valente Academy he was better known as "Nightvision." See his photography work here: Mark Hopkins Photography
Tony Fausto--Muay Thai instructor Tony first started training in boxing at 12 years-old. However, at age 22, Tony traveled to Thailand and discovered Thai boxing. He fell in love with the culture and the fighting style. Tony quickly adapetd the style to his game and after two months of training he had his first fight in San Diego, CA, which he won by knock-out! For the last 6 years Tony has been training and fighting in Thai boxing. Over the years he has gone back to Thailand to train and fight professionally. His knowledge of Thai culture and training experience overseas brings tradition and authenticity to his classes..Tony has a deep passion for the sport and students at Dojo Americana flock to his classes.
Ké Sneller--Kyokushin Karate instructorKe Ké Sneller started training in karate at age 16 and has been training in martial arts on and off for nearly 20 years. He competed in numerous regional point tournaments before transitioning to Japanese full contact, which stresses bare knuckle full contact fighting. He has competed at the international level several times and has trained in the US and in Okinawa. Ké holds black belts in Shotokan Karate (Lyoto Machida's style), Enshin Karate (Ken Hahn's style, trainer of UFC fighter Frank Mir), and a brown belt in Kyokushin Karate (Georges St Pierre's style). His Kickboxing classes are a hybrid of Muay Thai and Enshin karate and are a great way to learn effective stand up fighting techniques as well as a great workout. Classes are without traditional gi (uniform).
Manny Torres, Boxing instructor Manny has been a long time instructor in San Diego North County and now brings boxing classes to the Oceanside and Carslbad area of San Diego North County. Manny's boxing classes are offered 5 mornings a week and 2 evenings a week. His hands are lightning quick and his experience and passion for boxing will make Dojo Americana a great place for locals to practice and learn the sweet science known as boxing. His classes are a great way to reach your fitness goals or for those looking to develop their hands for competitive MMA, Muay Thai and Boxing.
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