Saipan Submissions teacher and coach Bryan Deleon Guerrero and president Troy Santos pose for a photo during an orientation at their gym at the MSV building in Chalan Kanoa on Saturday.
SAIPAN Submissions Academy, under Baret Submissions, will officially open its doors to the public on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the MSV building in Chalan Kanoa. The academy will focus on the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Saipan Submissions president Troy Santos and teacher/coach Bryan Deleon Guerrero believe it is time to bring their talents back home from San Diego where the two talked about jiu jitsu daily. “It just kind of fell into place when Bryan was coming home and we’re always interested in opening our own gym where we can have our own playground,” Santos said.
Santos, 31, is a white belt BJJ practitioner. He has trained in various places including Las Vegas and then with Baret Yoshida of Baret Submissions.
One of Santos’s goals is to invite skilled practitioners to teach jiu-jitsu on the island, including the first NMI female black belt, Marilyn Cruz, along with Barney Travilla and possibly Baret Yoshida himself.
As for Deleon Guerrero, who recently earned his black belt in BJJ, he “is a skilled martial artist who has competed on big stages. He has a proven track record of success and is an excellent instructor,” Santos said.
“Only 1% of practitioners achieve this level of expertise,” he added, referring to Deleon Guerrero’s black belt. “His curriculum is worth learning for anyone interested in martial arts.”
Santos himself aims to solidify his skills and work his way to the top under the guidance of Deleon Guerrero.
Ex-Marine
Deleon Guerrero, 31, has been practicing jiu-jitsu for the past 12 years — eight years of competing and four years of coaching.
Deleon Guerrero is a Marine Corps veteran. His interest in martial arts began during middle school when he was inspired by UFC to master the craft and bring it to those unable to leave the island for training.
“With a black belt, I am now confident enough to teach and share the art with the community,” he said.
On Saturday, Santos and Deleon Guerrero held an orientation and met with several individuals who signed up for the academy’s grand opening.
The orientation introduced the gym’s missions, goals and policies, which include a “must wear gi” rule and women’s only training sessions.
The options of monthly or yearly membership were presented as well as discounts for students, college students, miliary veterans and mothers.
From Monday to Saturday, the gi and no-gi classes will alternate. The kids’ classes are set for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. On Tuesday and Thursday, a women’s-only class will be held for those who are more comfortable training alongside other women only or until they’re ready to move into a co-ed class.
“This gym will provide a safe and supportive environment for women to train,” said Deleon Guerrero. The gym will also offer fundamental and advanced classes as well as competition classes for those interested.
Registrations can be done in person or through the gym’s Instagram account @SaipanSubmissions.
Santos and Deleon Guerrero believe that the academy will help bring physical and mental rehabilitation to those who want to manage their anger and stress.
“We’re aiming to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable training,” Santos said.
