Meet Our Coaches

John Perez

Owner/Coach

Coach Riss and Coach John's martial arts journey began in San Antonio, TX in 2007 when they started training in Muay Thai Kickboxing. Two years later they started an adventure by moving to the great state of Colorado. Denver gave them the opportunity to train with UFC veteran Brad Gumm. Over the next few years they trained MMA and started to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After Brad Gumm retired, Riss and John followed their favorite coach Professor Scott Miller to train under Professor Steve Hordinski, a 3 stripe black belt under Relson Gracie. For the next 6 years their love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grew. John became a coach for Katharo’s competition team. He then became an instructor of kids and adult classes. Riss and John have competed extensively and earned medals in many tournaments. With over a decade worth of knowledge, Riss and John are excited to provide a great martial arts school for Dyersburg and the surrounding area.

Riss Perez

Owner/Coach

Coach Riss and Coach John's martial arts journey began in San Antonio, TX in 2007 when they started training in Muay Thai Kickboxing. Two years later they started an adventure by moving to the great state of Colorado. Denver gave them the opportunity to train with UFC veteran Brad Gumm. Over the next few years they trained MMA and started to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After Brad Gumm retired, Riss and John followed their favorite coach Professor Scott Miller to train under Professor Steve Hordinski, a 3 stripe black belt under Relson Gracie. For the next 6 years their love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grew. Riss and John have competed extensively and earned medals in many tournaments. With over a decade worth of knowledge, Riss and John are excited to provide a great martial arts school for Dyersburg and the surrounding area.

Craig Archey

Coach

Coach Craig started training combat sports in 2009. He currently competes in Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. He holds a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He helps coach at tournaments and events, plus teaches two classes on Friday nights.

Caleb McBride

Coach

Coach Caleb trained judo on and off as a child and teenager, crosstraining and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training Jiu-Jitsu full time in 2018 and currently holds a Purple Belt.

Tony Grano

Coach

Coach Tony started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2021 at Dogwood BJJ. Currently a Blue Belt. He is a coach for the Kids Beginner and Advanced Youth Classes. Both he and his son Quinn are active in competition and train daily.

Andrew Wright

Coach

Coach Andrew started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2021. He is currently a Blue Belt and began training for self improvement and to support his son in the youth program. Coach Andrew assists with coaching youth and adult teammates and is an active competitor.

Larry Escue

Coach Larry is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and is one of our children's coaches at Dogwood BJJ. Our motto 'Never Quit, Never Give Up' is evident in his coaching and training. Larry, who started his training in 2020, says that although BJJ has improved his overall health and mobility, the relationships formed with his teammates have impacted him the most. Larry is married with two daughters. He is an active member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon.