Meet our Coaches
Name: Scott Savage
Owner and Head Professor
I opened Scott Savage Jiu-jitsu Academy 16 years ago.
I started my journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1996. I had a background of wrestling from high school, so I had some knowledge of grappling techniques. From that moment forward I worked on learning jiu-jitsu and modifying wrestling techniques to work in jiu-jitsu. I met my instructor, Claudio Franca, at that time and I trained under his tutelage and I was able to obtain a black belt in 2010. I did take two years off from 1998 to 1999 as the dojo I was attending closed until I found out that Claudio re-opened in San Jose and started back with him. I was teaching kids and adults under Claudio Franca when I obtained my blue belt and have had the opportunity to teach ever since. I have competed in many tournaments and brought home some medals over the years. I opened Scott Savage Jiu-jitsu Academy as a brown belt in 2008 and have been blessed to provide jiu-jitsu to the community of Los Banos ever since. I'm at the dojo to teach the advanced kids and adults on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday and beginner class on Saturday.
Hobbies: Working with Horses; Dog training; Reading; and Family.
Favorite quote: "Never stop learning"
Advice for new students: Jiu-jitsu is a marathon not a sprint. Do not focus on when you will learn it all but on perfecting what you have learned.
Lesson learned: There is always another way, look for other angles.
Coaching: I enjoy seeing the development of each student as they mature in the art and as a person.
Name: Joey Garcia
Years doing Jiu-Jitsu: 16 years
Years w/Scott: 16 years
Hello, I’m Professor Joey, a 1st Degree Black Belt under Scott Savage. My Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2008 when Professor Savage first introduced classes to the public. With no prior wrestling or grappling experience, I embarked on this path with enthusiasm.
Initially, I started Jiu-Jitsu to stay fit and active as I aged, but I couldn't have predicted the profound positive impact it would have on my life. Training regularly twice a week, I progressed through the ranks, and by the time I reached the Blue Belt level, Professor Savage invited me to assist with the kids' classes. My aptitude and understanding of techniques grew, and soon I was teaching both kids and adult classes independently, 1-2 times a week.
Throughout my Jiu-Jitsu journey, I've competed in numerous competitions, cross-trained in various states, and even traveled to Brazil to deepen my knowledge. I am honored to be Professor Savage’s first student to advance from White to Black Belt under his guidance. After more than 16 years, I still find joy in learning, teaching, and rolling on the mats weekly.
Coaching students of all ages has instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to share the ‘Gentle Art’ and to be a positive role model in our community. As a lifelong learner, I see Jiu-Jitsu as the ultimate, never-ending puzzle that keeps me strong and healthy, both physically and mentally.
Name: Tony Hernandez
Years in Jujitsu: 15 years
Coach Tony Hernandez, I have been doing Jiu-Jitsu for 15 years. Jiu jitsu started as a personal journey and has grown to a passion that I share with my family, I train alongside my wife, brother, and children. I started my journey in Clarksville, TN where I was stationed with the 101st airborne division. When I moved back to my hometown Los Banos, CA I started training under Prof. Scott Savage in 2012 and received my black belt in 2023. I began coaching in 2018 as a purple belt teaching beginners and adults. Coaching has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Seeing students grow on and off the mats is immensely satisfying. Their achievements, both on and off the mats is a testament to their hard work. Jiu jitsu has taught me a lot about problem solving and just like in life we need to find solutions to complex situations. My advice for anyone wanting to try out jiu jitsu or starting their journey, is to not keep track of your wins or losses. Instead keep track of your progress. In jiu jitsu you will experience more losses than wins and if we focus on that it will demoralize your progression. “Embrace the suck” as we say in the military, that quote can be applied to jiu jitsu. Everyone should at least try jiu jitsu once in their life.
Name: Leila Hernandez
Assistant coach for the beginner’s class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Women’s class coach on Sundays
Hi, I am Coach Leila~ My Jiu Jitsu journey started with Scott Savage Jiu-Jitsu in November of 2016. I am an assistant coach for the beginner’s class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am also the coach for the Women’s class on Sundays. What I love most about Jiu-Jitsu is the exhilarating feeling I get when I put a technique into action instead of relying on my strength. The greatest joy I get from coaching is seeing others put into action and succeeding in a technique that I have shown them. As a Woman, I always recommend Jiu Jitsu to other women because of the sense of empowerment it provides by learning to take control of your own safety. Reducing any feeling of vulnerability and helplessness.
While most of my sparing is done on mats, Jiu jitsu is and will always be a big part of my life, as my journey and passion for the martial art is shared with me, by my husband and 3 out of 4 of my children. My advice to someone that is about to start jiu jitsu would be, that no matter how hard or frustrating things may appear always see it through till the end. Mental toughness and resilience help overcome obstacles and push through difficult situations both on and off the mats.
When I am not on the mats, I enjoy spending my time traveling and going to baseball games alongside my husband and 4 kids. I am also a full-time Customer Support Coordinator for a privately funded life science company that provides advanced technology systems for laboratory automation all over the world.
Favorite quote~ “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable”
Name: Andy Garza
Years doing Jiu-Jitsu: 7 years
My name is Andy Garza, and I am a fourth-degree purple belt at Scott Savage Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I
have been practicing Jiu-Jitsu with Professor Savage for a total of 7 years. I have also wrestled in my
youth as well as being a green belt in Kempo Karate.
I am a coach for Professor Savage primarily during the Saturday classes. My favorite part of
coaching is teaching a technique and watching as a student uses and finds success with that technique.
Jiu-Jitsu is a great martial art for self-defense for women, children and men alike. It provides a way for
students to control any situation that may occur whether it’s defeating an attacker or escaping an
attack. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s live rolling provides a controlled simulation of a possible live situation
teaching students to stay calm during conflict.
My advice for some one just starting on their Jui-Jitsu journey is to keep showing up. Favorite
quotes of mine are, “If you don’t lose you don’t learn,” you have to, “Keep moving forward.” I personally
use Jiu-Jitsu as a great workout for the body and mind and find it very therapeutic relieving stress and
learning a great skill.
I started Jiu-Jitsu looking for a fun and active way to spend more time with my children who also
practice Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu has become a staple activity in my household and will be for years to come.
Other hobbies of mine include drawing, playing guitar and bass.
Name: Art Cantu
Multiple-time "world" champion Prof. Art Cantu always blends old-school knowledge with new school. Tension is the root of all failures, stay loose and flexible. Jiu Jitsu is a constant reminder that growth comes from overcoming challenges and that path is paved with dedication and resilience. "That's your baby"- Prof. Art Cantu
