INSTRUCTORS
Jonathon Hunter
3rd Degree Black Belt
Owner & Head Instructor
IBJJF American National Champion
Professor Jonathon Hunter is a Brazillian Jiu- Jitsu Black Belt 3rd Degree under Marcus “Soneca” Neuenschwander from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Jonathan started his martial arts journey early in high school wrestling, transitioning into MMA upon graduation, and has since spent his time dedicated to the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Aaron Benton
1st Degree BLACK BELT
Owner & Head Instructor
Professor Aaron began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2009 in Orange County, California, under Evaldo Lima and earned his black belt in December 2021. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served from 1996–2000 and has built a long career in aviation as both an aircraft mechanic and pilot, which brought him to Texas in 2015. Aaron helps lead the CJJF Texas coaching team and believes deeply in jiu-jitsu as a solution-focused discipline for life.
Marcus "Soneca"
5th Degree Black Belt
PRESIDENT OF CJJF ASSOCIATION
IBJJF American National Champion
IBJJF American National No-Gi Champion
Marcus Neuenschwander, known as “Soneca” is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt 5th Degree under the legendary Aldo “Caveirinha” Januário from Gracie Barra. Marcus started training at the age of 13 at the Gracie Barra “Caveirinha” in Belo Horizonte, Brazil alongside names such as Rafael dos Anjos (Former UFC Champion), Paluo “Borrachinha” Costa, Igor Araújo, Phillipe Della Monica, and more.
Carlos Moreno
arjan (muay thai master)
Muay Thai program director
Arjan Carlos is the youngest American ever to earn master level and is the official Midwest representative for Master Cheetah and the Cheetah Muay Thai Academy. His leadership, knowledge, and dedication make him one of the most sought-after instructors of Muay Thai in the United States. He has been training since 1993 and has trained amateur and professional Muay Thai and MMA champions from central to northern California and in North Texas.
Professor Ricardo Abreu
Multi-time IBJJF World Champion
former UFC competitor
Head Instructor @ CJJF Select
Professor Ricardo began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1997 with Nova União under Robson Moura and earned his black belt in 2005. A multi-time World Champion and Abu Dhabi Pro champion, he has been coaching since 2009 and views jiu-jitsu as a tool for self-awareness, emotional control, and personal growth—promoting well-being, self-control, safety and harmony to deal with adverse day-to-day situations.
Professor John Pontarelli
Black Belt
Professor John Pontarelli began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015 at Fit 2 Defend Academy under Scott Gave and Jeff Serafin, earning his black belt in October 2024. He has competed in over 100 matches, including super fights on Fight 2 Win, and has been coaching since 2020, taking a systematic, “work smarter, not harder” approach while focusing on the positive impact jiu-jitsu has on students’ lives on and off the mats.
Professor Shawn Winters
Black Belt
Professor Shawn Winters began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 and began coaching in 2021. He earned his blue belt under JD Shelley and was promoted through purple, brown, and black belt under Jonathon Hunter at CJJF Texas, and is known for a clear, process-driven teaching style that emphasizes steady progress, discipline, and continuous improvement on and off the mats.
Coach Yasmin de Oliveira
Purple Belt
Coach Yasmin De Oliveira began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 at Gracie Barra Honolulu under Aldo “Caveirinha” De Oliveira. A purple belt with a lifelong connection to the art, Yasmin is especially passionate about teaching kids classes and focuses on creating a positive, structured, and supportive environment for young students.
Coach Sean Hennessey
Purple Belt
Coach Sean Hennessey began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in April 2022 at CJJF Prosper under Professor Marcus Neuenschwander. He is the lead facilitator of the Jiu-Jitsu 101 class, where he focuses on helping practitioners understand fundamental movements, positions, and concepts through clear, approachable instruction. His background in law enforcement brings a practical, safety-first perspective to his coaching and supports a steady, structured learning environment for students new to the art.