Shawn’s martial arts journey started as a child with Kung Fu and Shotokan Karate, sparking a lifelong passion for training that is both practical and effective. At 21, while living in Chicago, he expanded into Boxing and Muay Thai, further sharpening his striking skills.
It was during this time that Shawn was introduced to Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), igniting a love for grappling that would shape the rest of his path. In 2008, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued Muay Thai and began formal BJJ training as his gym launched a dedicated program. What started as curiosity soon grew into full commitment—BJJ became his primary focus.
After years of training at respected academies and learning from world-class instructors, Shawn relocated to Texas in 2017 as a Brown Belt. He joined Ricardo Abreu’s academy in Plano, where he thrived under Professor Abreu’s mentorship and, in early 2024, earned the rank of Black Belt.
For Shawn, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art—it’s a way of life. It builds confidence, discipline, problem-solving, and resilience, both on and off the mats. As an instructor, Shawn is passionate about creating a positive and safe environment where students of all levels can grow, challenge themselves, and unlock their full potential through Jiu-Jitsu.