HUMBERTO “ABROCADO” PEREA
COACH / INSTRUCTOR

Humberto (he/him) began his martial arts training at the age of 19 in Taekwondo. After a long break, he transitioned into studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts and is currently a brown belt under Alex Ecklin & Van Flores with Masterskya BJJ. During his training, Humberto lost over 80 lbs. In 2013, he fought his first amateur MMA fight; in 2016 he won the USMTA MMA featherweight title. In 2017, he achieved his goal of becoming a professional MMA fighter. Humberto continues to compete in grappling competitions in addition to training and coaching others. 

Humberto’s commitment and focus in MMA helped him gain the confidence necessary to accomplish other lifelong goals outside of the sport. He recently completed his fifth New York City Marathon and has participated in a number of other high endurance events, including the Spartan Ultra Beast and the World's Toughest Mudder. 

“HEARTBREAK” JAIME PEREA
COACH / INSTRUCTOR

Jaime (he/him) began his martial arts training at the age of 18. He spent four years in college training Taekwondo, followed by five years in Karate and Capoeira, and later transitioned to MMA. Since 2011, he has been dedicated to MMA and has focused his training in Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jaime has competed in amateur Taekwondo, Karate, and grappling tournaments, and holds an amateur MMA record of 4-1.

Jaime is passionate about using martial arts to capitalize on individual strengths and to cultivate a community-centered environment. He encourages his students and peers to take their experience beyond the gym and carry that healthy mindset into everyday life to create a positive self-image.

SECHEL VICENS
ASSISTANT COACH / GYM MANAGER

Sechel (she/her) began her martial arts journey starting with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu January of 2014. Initially focused on the Gi, she trained and competed under Vitor "Shaolin" Ribero, and Igor Gracie earning medals at several IBJJF Tournaments. She now trains BJJ and Kickboxing at Chop & Chops MMA.

When she's not waiting for warm ups to be over, Sechel can be found facilitating the Women's / Transgender / Non-Binary Persons class by providing assistance to the instructors, signing people into class, assisting with coaching for our members during competition, and taking photos and videos for our social media. She is also our official Human Resources so feel free to reach out to her with any concerns you may need assistance with.

“THE DRAGON” ASHLEY DUNN
ASSISTANT COACH / HEAD OF SECURITY

The Dragon (she/her) began her martial arts journey in November of 2012. Initially focused solely on Striking, she started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in late 2013, training in MMA for a year or so. After a short layoff, The Dragon came back to the mats and solely focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from 2015 on. She is currently a purple belt and trains Gi and No-Gi BJJ at Chop & Chops MMA.

Off the mats, The Dragon can be found helping out during our Women's / Transgender / Non-Binary classes, signing people in, and attending and coaching at tournaments. 

CAROLINE TAVERAS
ASST BJJ COACH / BOSS OF HUMBERTO

Caroline (she/her) began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in January 2019 at Chop & Chops MMA. She’s a competitive BJJ practitioner and a multiple time Grappling Industries Divisional medalist. Caroline likes to utilize her pole, aerial, and educational background to help her and new members understand the unique movements required to do BJJ. She currently coaches an all Girls/Trans/Non-Binary BJJ team in an all-girls middle school where she works as a School Counselor. She is currently a blue belt and trains Gi and No-Gi BJJ at Chop & Chops MMA.

When she's not telling Humberto how to teach a class, Caroline can be found facilitating the Women's / Transgender / Non-Binary Persons class, signing people into class, assisting with new member registrations, successfully encouraging unsure members to try a BJJ class, successfully encouraging active members to compete, assisting with coaching members during competition, coaching and carefully introducing new members to BJJ during their first class, ensuring members have a positive and safe experience at the gym, and regularly cleaning the facilities to ensure Chop & Chops MMA remain clean and hygienic. She also volunteers with Harlem Free Fight Academy.

RAEL “T-STORM” BAISDEN
ATHLETIC CONDITIONING COACH / MUAY THAI STRIKING COACH

Rael (he/him) T-Storm (T for Tiger) is an authority in health, wellness, and exercise physiology. With 20 years experience of group fitness & personal training, Rae offers a plethora of fitness techniques that will get you where you want to be.

Fitness experience aside, Rael has 10 years Muay Thai experience and is an amateur Muay Thai Fighter that aspires to return to the ring now that he has freed himself from the shackles of corporate fitness.

PAPO “EL REY” PEREA
CHIEF SNAX AND NAPZ OFFICER

He may be young but Papo has been part of Chop & Chops most of his life. He’s only at the gym once or twice a week, the rest of the time he’s running the streetz. His signature moves are nibbling ears and $ucker punches.

If you need a quick cheering up, he’s the guy to go to.