Instructors & Staff

Ryan Deichert – Head Instructor – 4th degree Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt

Ryan’s career of training and sharing the art of Jiu Jitsu has spanned almost three decades.

Ryan began practicing at the age of 19 at the first Gracie Training Association on the East Coast.  In 1996 he moved to Southern California to attend the instructor training program at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California.  During this time, Ryan trained with Grand Master Helio Gracie, Rorion Gracie and UFC Champion Royce Gracie and received his purple belt.  Ryan received his black belt from longtime friend and training partner, Phil Migliarese, the owner of Balance Studios.  Phil is a Relson Gracie black belt.

Ryan opened Tampa Jiu Jitsu in 2008.  The gym has continued to grow due to Ryan’s expert instruction, it’s family-friendly atmosphere and success at jiu jitsu competitions.

Brian Busch – Lead Instructor – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt

Brian competed in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling from 3rd grade until his senior year of H.S.  He disregarded scholarship opportunities for college to join the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17.  Brian is a combat veteran serving in support of Intelligence and Special Operations units in the major military conflicts between 1988 and 2009.  He received a gunshot wound during combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia and received a Purple Heart.  He retired from the Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant (“Gunny”) in 2009 after 21 years of service.  While in the Marines, Brian participated in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and realized martial arts was something he very much enjoyed and wanted to continue.  Brian’s kids, Julia and Daniel, started training with Ryan Deichert at Tampa Jiu Jitsu in 2010.  Brian followed shortly thereafter and became a certified instructor under Ryan and a Team Balance member.  As an instructor, Brian strives to pass on the leadership and discipline principles he learned from his years of wrestling, while in the Marine Corps, and as a student of martial arts.

Brian has a strong desire to support fellow Wounded Warriors and veterans with combat trauma/PTSD.  He currently participates in an ongoing study to provide Jiu Jitsu and Yoga training as complementary alternative methods of therapy for veterans suffering from combat trauma and/or PTSD.

Jermaine King – Lead Instructor – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt

Jermaine always had a love for grappling as a child. He was introduced to folk style wrestling in high school and excelled at it until the injury bug hit him. This forced him to put sports aside and focus more on his education. 20 years later, during 2012 Jermaine found his new love in grappling through Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Jermaine has since been training under Professor Ryan Deichert and is currently a purple belt. Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Jermaine enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter.

José De Arce – Lead Instructor – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  brown belt

Certified Fitness Instructor | Licensed Massage Therapist | Nine Instructor Ranks in MA | Bachelor Degree in Physical Education

José began his journey in mixed martial arts, health and fitness in 1986. José was one of a first people to become a certified Fitness Trainer in the early 90’s. He was a pioneer of kickboxing for fitness in Puerto Rico in the mid 90’s. While working at the famous Powerhouse Gym he coached bodybuilders, powerlifters, pro athletes and fighters.

José received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a focus in Athletic Training at the University of Puerto Rico. He had the opportunity to work on hundreds of athletes performing sport massage, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries. In 1996 José became a licensed massage therapist and a massage instructor in 2004. He was a varsity wrestling team athlete at the University of Puerto Rico and Judo practitioner under Coach Hiromi Tomita.

With over 30 years of martial arts experience, José has won numerous trophies in forms, weapons, point fighting, kickboxing, submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitu. José has earned the instructor rank in nine different mixed martial arts systems: Traditional Five Animals, Ba Gua, STK Chinese Boxing, FCS Kali, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Muay Thai, 3R Defensive Tactics, Mike Allen American Karate and Joe Lewis Fighting System. In 1999, he was ranked #2 in the International Kickboxing Championship at 173Lbs. In 2014, he won 1st place at the Copa America Grappling Tournament at BJJ Super heavy weight Gi Blue Belt.

One of the things that distinguish José is the balance he maintains between traditional and modern martial arts. José values the tradition and legacy of the great masters; but also applies the scientific, functional and realistic concepts of contemporary martial arts. José’s education, experience and passion for martial arts have given him a unique set of skills and methodologies that allow him to adapt his coaching and instruction to the ability and needs of the student in a safe, accelerated and effective way.