ATLAS JIU-JITSU - Instructors
Through Struggle Comes Greatness
Edward Anthony
Head Professor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Owner of Atlas Jiu Jitsu
Edward is a 3rd-degree black belt under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coral belt Julio “Foca” Fernandez. His BJJ journey commenced in NYC at the renowned Renzo Gracie school, where he trained under John Danaher. Additionally, he holds a Brown Belt in Judo under former Olympic hopeful Nick Kossor. An active competitor, Edward has participated in prestigious tournaments all over the world.
He boasts multiple Pan American gold medals, National Championship titles, and a World Silver Medal. Furthermore, he held the #1 world ranking in his division as a Purple belt, Brown belt, and Black Belt in his age category, as recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
In the 2017-2018 period, Edward achieved a top 6 world ranking among all Black Belts and weight classes in his division. He was also named the #1 Gi Light Featherweight in the world by the IBJJF in his division. In 2022, Edward secured the top spot as the Number 1 Black Belt No Gi Featherweight globally in his division and claimed the Number 4 lightweight ranking worldwide.
As a Black Belt, Edward has competed and medaled in various locations, including Las Vegas, Washington DC, Denver, San Diego, Charleston, Nashville, Berlin, Dublin, Boston, Paris, Mexico City, Barcelona, New York, San Antonio, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Seattle, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, London, and Cincinnati. His recent victories include winning the No Gi Pan Ams as a Black Belt in New York, securing the American Nationals title in Las Vegas, and achieving a second-place finish in the No Gi World Championship. In 2024 Edward became the Men of War 160lb master champion.
- IBJJF Certified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd degree Black Belt
- Owner of Atlas Jiu Jitsu
- Co-owner of Thrive Strength & Wellness
Joe "Josferatu" Zakriski
Head Instructor at Altas Jiu Jitsu, Glens Falls, NY
Joe “Josferatu” Zakriski, is a seasoned martial artist with a diverse background in various styles, yet his true passion lies in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Holding a B.S. in Physical Education and an M.S. in Health Education, Joe skillfully incorporates his extensive knowledge into his teaching, catering to students of all ages.
Joseph stands out as one of the original members of the esteemed Atlas Jiu Jitsu academy. As the first homegrown black belt under the mentorship of Edward Anthony, Joe has carved a distinctive path. His remarkable journey is not only marked by technical prowess but also by numerous triumphs in grappling tournaments, including Superfights and the acquisition of double gold medals at the Washington DC IBJJF Open. Joseph is currently a First Degree Black belt under Edward Anthony.
Aidan Sericolo
Head Instructor at Atlas Jiu Jitsu, Waltham, MA
In 2015, Aidan embarked on his Jiu Jitsu journey at Atlas and quickly became one of Atlas’s top competitors. Competing alongside Edward Anthony (a black belt under Brazilan Jiu Jitsu Coral belt Julio “Foca” Fernandez), Aidan traveled the country immersing himself in the intricacies of BJJ competition and coaching. His accolades include multiple gold medals at IBJJF tournaments and victories in various local competitions. Furthermore, Aidan’s journey on the 2022 competition circuit culminated in the esteemed title of the 4th ranked No-Gi Adult Brown Belt in the World, as recognized by IBJJF.
Beyond the excitement of competition, Aidan finds immense joy in guiding his students to success. He strives to help students master new techniques, coach the team through competitions, and guide members to use Jiu Jitsu to enrich their lives beyond the gym. Aidan is truly devoted to nurturing the overall growth of those under his mentorship.
Steve "Booyah" Flannigan
Tiny Titans Head Coach and Adult Jiu Jitsu Coach, Albany and Valatie, NY
With over 8 years of dedicated experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, coach Booyah stands as a seasoned practitioner and accomplished competitor, boasting victories in numerous IBJJF tournaments and local competitions.
As a highly skilled and motivated instructor, Booyah goes above and beyond. His ability to connect with young learners and instill a love for BJJ is unparalleled.
His deepest passion lies in guiding the next generation on the mats, especially his daughter. Booyah brings a unique blend of expertise and genuine enthusiasm to the kids’ BJJ program, making each session a dynamic and empowering experience for young practitioners under his guidance.
Coach Booyah also assists in teaching our Adult BJJ program and presently holds the rank of Brown Belt under Edward Anthony.
Leslie Pigott
Tiny Titans Jiu Jitsu Coach Albany & Valatie
Leslie brings her passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and years of experience to the mat as the assistant coach for our kids’ program. With a patient and encouraging teaching style, she creates a positive and supportive environment where young students can learn, grow, and build confidence.
Her expertise in BJJ shines through her ability to break down complex techniques into simple, fun, and engaging lessons tailored to kids of all skill levels. Coach Leslie is dedicated to fostering discipline, teamwork, and respect in her students while helping them develop essential self-defense skills.
Don’t let her smiles fool you, Leslie is also a very accomplished competitor with multiple IBJJF wins under her belt as well as a 3-0 MMA record.
Tayvonne Thomas
Advanced Striking Coach
Tayvonne has been an active and skilled striker for the past 7 years, making a name for himself as a dedicated competitor. Currently competing as a PRO MMA Fighter with a 2-0 record under the nickname “Tasmanian Devil,” as an amateur he held the coveted Reality Fighting, AKBF Featherweight Titles and Cage Wars Bantamweight Title, maintaining an impressive record of 7-1.
In addition to his prowess in the cage, Tayvonne plays a vital role in preparing our students for diverse scenarios on their feet through kickboxing training. As a passionate Jiu Jitsu competitor, “T” has notched up several victories, showcasing his versatility. Presently a brown belt under the guidance of Edward Anthony, Tayvonne’s dedication to both his accomplishments and mentoring the next generation is evident in his multifaceted contributions.
Nate “Smoke Show” Rowe
Wrestling Coach, Albany, NY
Jim “Yeti” Niemie
Head Instructor at Atlas Jiu Jitsu, Buda, Texas
Yeti is currently a brown belt under Edward Scissorhands Anthony who he has been training with since 2014. He began competing after a few months of training and fell in love with the competition side of BJJ.
He has competed in tournaments around the US, winning IBJJF gold medals in New York, Boston, San Antonio, Toronto, Dallas, Austin, and Waco to name a few. He has been ranked by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation in the top 10 of his division as a blue, purple, and brown belt.
Yeti earned his BA and MBA from The University at Albany, where he was a member of the football team. Before starting jiu jitsu he was an Infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, with two combat deployments to Iraq.