We deliver the highest quality brazilian jiu jitsu program of tampa bay, guaranteed.

Professor Iury, the heart and soul of Delariva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Originally from the stunning Country of Brazil, Professor Iury brings a rich heritage and a passion for Jiu Jitsu that inspires both newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Since returning to the U.S. in 2016, Professor Iury has transformed the lives of his students, cultivating a vibrant community of dedicated martial artists. As a tough competitor and devoted family man, he embodies the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance. Under his guidance, the first wave of Delariva students evolved into the current leadership at our school. He also has quite a background in Muay Thai. Now residing in sunny southern Florida, Professor Iury frequently returns to share his extensive knowledge and experience with our up and comers. Professor Iury is a Third Degree Black Belt under Master Petrus Melo.

IBJJF BB # 157787 Professor Joe started his martial arts training in 1984 studying Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate. He currently holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt) under Buzz Durkin's Butokukai. In addition to Uechi Ryu, Professor Joe has also studied the arts of Catch Wrestling and Kenpo Karate. During his twenty-three-and-a-half year career in law enforcement he headed the self-defense and physical fitness programs at the New Hampshire Police Academy. After retiring in 2013 he began training and teaching martial arts full-time. Professor Joe started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007 at NH Lakes Region Vale Tudo and under Professor Matt Gomez with the BJJ Revolution Team. After relocating to Florida, he started training under Delariva Professor Iury D.S. Debs and Master Petrus (Master Buffalo) Melo. He is the head instructor at Delariva BJJ Tampa Bay and currently a Delariva BJJ Black Belt, First Degree, under Professor Iury D.S. Debs. Certifications: IBJJF Black Belt Cert. #157787 Adult/Infant CPR First Aid-American Red Cross Safesport certified IBJJF Referee.

Professor Ricky has been part of the heart and soul of De La Riva Tampa Bay since its inception. With a passion for Jiu Jitsu that shines through in every class, he embodies the perfect blend of skill and approachability. Known for his laid-back and playful style, Professor Ricky makes learning Jiu Jitsu not just effective, but enjoyable. His technical expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that every student, whether beginner or advanced, feels empowered to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of this incredible martial art. You can train with confidence knowing you’re in capable hands. Professor Ricky’s First Aid/CPR certification from the American Red Cross Professor Ricky holds a First Aid/CPR certification from the American Red Cross.

Professor Sebastian leads our Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning classes. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Professor Sebastian brings a unique approach to Jiu Jitsu and martial arts passion to the mats. Since embarking on his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2008 in Wisconsin, he has not only honed his skills in BJJ but has also delved into other disciplines such as Judo and Tae Kwon Do. However, his heart and expertise truly lie in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, making him an exceptional guide for your martial arts adventure. What sets Professor Sebastian apart is his patient and methodical teaching style, reflecting his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience. With a solid background in competition, Professor Sebastian offers insights that will elevate your skills and confidence on the mat.

IBJJF BB # 301878 Hailing from the beautiful country of Thailand, Professor Phim brings a unique blend of skill, passion, and dedication to our Jiu Jitsu community. Since beginning her Jiu Jitsu journey with Delariva BJJ in 2017, she has consistently proven her prowess on the mat, clinching gold medals at some of the most prestigious competitions, including the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation World’s, Open, and Pans tournaments, as well as numerous events throughout Florida. Phim is also proudly recognized as the first female Black Belt at our school. Phim embodies excellence and serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring martial artists of all ages and backgrounds. Her achievements not only highlight her skill but also her commitment to empowering others in their Jiu Jitsu journeys. Professor Phim actively manages our school's Facebook and Instagram pages, keeping you connected and engaged with the latest news and events. Professor Phim is an IBJJF registered Black Belt and holds certifications in First Aid/CPR through the American Red Cross, is trained in SafeSport, and has completed the IBJJF Referee Course—ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for all our students.

Coach Stephen found his way into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during college and has been sharpening his skills ever since. Since 2019, he’s been proudly training at De La Riva, where his passion for the art continues to grow. He's also CPR/AED certified—safety first, always. Every Wednesday, you’ll find Coach Stephen leading the no-gi class, where he brings a calm, calculated, and “defense-first” style to the mats. His teaching emphasizes staying relaxed under pressure, patiently waiting for the right moment, and capitalizing on openings with precision. He’s a big believer in thinking outside the box, encouraging students to experiment with unconventional techniques and develop a personal game that plays to their strengths. Whether you're new to grappling or looking to evolve your style, Coach Stephen’s classes offer a thoughtful, strategic approach to Jiu-Jitsu that’s all about finding what works for you. Coach Stephen is currently a purple belt under Professor Joe.

With over five years of experience at Delariva, Isaiah has emerged as a key player in the day-to-day operations of our school, now proudly serving as Operations Manager. His journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing him as a dedicated student, fierce competitor, and respected leader. In the summer of 2024, Isaiah decided to take his expertise to the next level, eager to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with others. As an accomplished boxer, Isaiah brings a unique blend of discipline, tenacity, and finesse to his teaching style, enhancing the learning experience for everyone. What truly sets Isaiah apart is his approachable demeanor and innovative teaching methods, which create a welcoming atmosphere in his classes. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or simply enjoy a good roll, Isaiah is always ready to support and inspire you on your journey. Join us at Delariva and experience the incredible energy and expertise Isaiah brings to our school.

Coach Deegan has been honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Delariva BJJ since 2018, starting as a kid and now continues in the adult ranking system. His journey through the ranks is just the beginning. Today, he is a key player in our kid’s classes, bringing both experience and passion to his instruction and instilling values that help kids grow both on and off the mat. Coach Deegan brings a wealth of other interests to the table. He’s an enthusiastic gamer, dedicated weight lifter, and adventurous mountain biker—showing that a well-rounded life leads to a well-rounded athlete. As a 2nd Lieutenant and Flight Commander in the Hernando High School Air Force Junior ROTC, Coach Deegan embodies leadership, discipline, and teamwork. He understands the importance of building character and resilience, making him not just a coach, but a role model for young athletes. Coach Deegan is certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and AED, ensuring that his students are in good hands while learning how to defend themselves. Coach Deegan is currently a member of the IBJJF and Blue Belt under Professor Joe.

Aaron, a dedicated husband, father of three, who all train under Aaron, is an exceptional role model for the kids who attend his classes. As the Head Coach for kids' classes every Tuesday night, Aaron is committed to fostering a fun, engaging, and educational environment where young students hone their skills and have a great time while doing it. Aaron’s classes are fast paced and FUN. Since starting his Jiu Jitsu journey at Delariva in 2022, he has swiftly risen to the rank of blue belt under Professor Joe. His passion for the sport shines through his impressive competitive track record, including multiple victories in various competitions, such as winning the NAGA white and blue belt absolute divisions as well as many other Jiu Jitsu events. Join Aaron on the mats and watch your child gain not only self-defense skills but also confidence, discipline, and resilience. Coach Aaron is currently a member of the IBJJF and a Blue Belt under Professor Joe.

Frank is here to ensure your journey is smooth, enjoyable, and enriching. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, he’s not just a mentor but a passionate advocate for all newcomers eager to start their journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. What makes Frank truly special? He and his family of five are devoted practitioners at our school, embodying the community spirit and dedication that Delariva stands for. Not only does he oversee the onboarding process for new students, but he also takes pride in welcoming you to the family, bringing warmth and a personal touch to your experience. As a proud former US Marine, Frank also serves as the Delariva WE DEFY Liaison for disabled military members. His commitment to service extends beyond the mats; he is dedicated to helping others discover the incredible benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has found a new purpose through training, and he’s eager to share that journey with you! Explore the WE DEFY Program: If you or someone you know is a military member facing challenges, Frank is your go-to resource. His expertise and compassionate guidance can help unlock new opportunities for growth and connection. Ready to kick-start your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Contact us today to learn more about our program and how Frank can assist you in getting started. Join our community and experience the life-changing benefits of martial arts with the Delariva Family. Coach Frank is currently a Blue Belt under Professor Joe.

Anthony is a dedicated martial artist with a passion for both training and coaching. He holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a green belt in Kodokan Judo, bringing a well-rounded grappling background to the Delariva BJJ team. His martial arts journey began with a deep appreciation for self-defense and the practical application of techniques, which continues to shape his approach to training. As a coach, Anthony specializes in helping students develop strong takedowns and seamlessly integrate Judo into their Jiu Jitsu game. He finds fulfillment in supporting his teammates and serving his school, whether by pushing competitors to reach their full potential or acting as a solid uke to help others refine their technique. Beyond the mats, Anthony is a content creator, sharing insights on mindset, and martial arts philosophy. He is also involved in organizing seminars and fostering a strong team culture at Delariva BJJ. In addition to his passion for martial arts, he enjoys trading, studying market strategies, and spending quality time with his family. With a strong belief in community, continuous growth, and the power of disciplined training, Anthony is committed to helping students refine their skills and build confidence both on and off the mat.