Our Team
We are a local close-knit team driven by a shared love for Jiu-Jitsu and a strong sense of community. Each instructor brings a unique perspective and teaching style, fostering an environment where students feel supported, challenged, empowered and motivated to reach their full potential on and off the mats.
Andy McDaniel
Head Instructor/OwnerBorn and raised right here in St. Augustine, Professor Andy has dedicated over 15 years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his black belt under Phil Cardella, a 3rd degree black belt under Relson Gracie.
Through endless training sessions and a record of competitions few could rival, his dedication speaks for itself. Competition has always been a core part of his journey. With over 100 tournaments of competition experience, he continues to test his skills and push his limits.
As a blue belt, Professor Andy was involved in a motorcycle accident that tore the ligaments in his back, almost paralyzing him and threatened to end his jiu-jitsu journey before it truly began. Told he would not be able to train, or possibly walk again, Professor Andy refused to quit. He fought his way back, returned to competing, and continued towards his black belt.
While Professor Andy’s background is deeply competitive, the heart of the academy is his family.
Outside the academy, he works as a respiratory therapist, bringing a calm approach to both patient care and coaching. Professor Andy is married to Kali, who is also a Saint Augustine native, and together they have 3 kids.
Their family is deeply rooted in the local community, including their daughter, who proudly competes as the only girl on her high school wrestling team.
Dan Desario
Training Coordinator
Dan brings energy, structure, and motivation to every class. While he doesn’t hold a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt or claim to be a martial arts expert, he excels at curating the training experience, sourcing the right tool and resources, and bringing it all together to create a space where students feel supported focused, and driven to improve. Dan works hard to bring the community together through outreach. His daughter Ella, is a top ADCC athlete and a powerhouse in the sport, inspiring everyone around her. Together, they embody the spirit of Rudis Jiu-Jitsu: family, accountability, and relentless growth
Ella Desario
Coaching Assistant
Coach Ella Desario is one of the brightest young rising stars in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for her exceptional skill, discipline, and championship-level competition record far beyond her years. A St. Augustine native, Ella began training at just four years old and has quickly built an impressive national résumé, earning multiple Pan Kids titles in both Gi and No-Gi competition. She finished the 2024 season ranked #1 in ADCC Youth Advanced and #2 overall in the 17-and-under female division at only 11 years old, a rare accomplishment that highlights her elite competitive level. In 2025, Ella was selected as one of only 11 youth athletes to represent USA Grappling at the World Championships in Greece, further cementing her place among the nation’s top youth grapplers. Known for her relentless work ethic, technical precision, and passion for teaching, Coach Ella inspires younger students by showing what dedication, humility, and heart on the mats can achieve.
Name TBD
InstructorBio to come
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