OUR COACHES
oUR LEADERS
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Rafael Pinheiro
Like most Brazilians, I grew up chasing a dream of soccer greatness. But I always struggled with the fact that the outcome never fully depended on me. At 14, I started Judo, made it to green belt, and then had to stop when my family moved.
That’s when I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At first, I resisted — I thought it wasn’t for me. But a friend kept pushing me until I finally took a class just to get him off my back. And I’ve never looked back.
I lost 55 pounds, entered my first tournament a month later, and even changed my college major from Law to Physical Education so I could build a life around this art. Now, 22 years later, I’m a 3rd-degree black belt. My whole family trains. Jiu-Jitsu is who we are.
It’s an honor to be part of Dino Jiu-Jitsu and to help pass this life-changing art to the next generation.
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Marie Ellensohn
I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2020, and it completely changed the way I see strength, discipline, and community. Since then, I’ve earned my purple belt and found a true passion for helping others grow through this art.
Before Jiu-Jitsu, I spent over 20 years working in childcare and teaching yoga — that background shapes the way I coach. I focus on creating a space that’s calm, encouraging, and structured, where kids feel safe to challenge themselves and be proud of their progress.
At Dino Jiu-Jitsu, I lead our Homeschool Program, and it’s honestly one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. Watching these kids light up when they realize what they’re capable of that’s the magic.
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Tim Nicolls III
I’ve been obsessed with martial arts since I was a kid. I studied Taekwondo early on, and earned my 2nd-degree black belt at 36. In 2019, I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with my two sons — and I was all in from day one. I jumped into training and started helping with the kids' classes in 2020.
In 2023, I competed at my first IBJJF World Masters tournament in Las Vegas, took gold, and was awarded my purple belt on the podium. That moment was unreal. But honestly, nothing compares to coaching. Watching kids grow tougher, more confident, and more disciplined on the mat — that’s what keeps me going.
Being part of the Dino Jiu-Jitsu team is a blessing. These kids are the future, and I’m proud to help shape it.
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Sam Rives
I started training Jiu-Jitsu after falling down the YouTube rabbit hole of old-school Gracie Challenge videos. I didn’t grow up in martial arts — but something about Jiu-Jitsu grabbed me. That curiosity turned into commitment, and I’ve been on the mats ever since.
Over the years, I’ve poured everything into training and competing. I’ve earned podium finishes at some of the toughest tournaments in the country, but what matters most to me is showing up, doing the work, and helping others grow through this art.
At Dino Jiu Jitsu, I help lead the kids program — and I take a lot of pride in making sure every student feels seen, supported, and pushed to be their best. We train hard, we stay humble, and we take care of each other on and off the mat.
Competition Highlights:
• Gold – IBJJF Pans (2023, 2024)
• Gold – Austin Open (2025)
• Silver – Pans (2022), New Orleans (2024), Austin (2024), Houston (2025)
• Bronze – Austin Winter Open (2024) -
Keelie Ellensohn
I’ve been on the mats for five years, and most of that time has been spent competing — testing myself at tournaments all over the country. I started helping with the kids’ classes at just 13 years old, and learned by doing, growing up in the world of coaching and training.
My Jiu-Jitsu is built on grit, hours of drilling, and a deep love for the sport. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this art can be, especially for kids who are just starting to find their confidence.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I compete in archery at a high level — and just like on the mats, I bring that same focus and discipline to everything I do.
At Dino, I’m proud to help coach the next generation and create the kind of environment I would’ve wanted when I started. Supportive, structured, and full of people who want to see you win.
Dino Jiu Jitsu Coaching Philosophy
At Dino Jiu Jitsu, our coaching is rooted in one simple belief: every person who steps on the mat matters — whether they're four years old or forty. We don’t just teach techniques; we teach people.
Our coaching team brings decades of combined experience not just in martial arts, but in child development, competition, education, and personal growth. We’re a tight-knit crew of coaches who train hard, lead by example, and care deeply about every student who walks through our door.
We believe in:
Discipline without ego
Structure without rigidity
Challenge without shame
Progress without pressure
You’ll see us coaching toddlers, homeschooling kids, college students, parents, and competitors — all under one roof, all treated with the same respect and attention. We meet people where they are, and help them grow from there.
We don’t yell. We don’t humiliate. We don’t play favorites.
We coach with calm authority, clear boundaries, and high expectations.
We earn our students' respect by showing up, doing the work, and never asking them to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves.
And at the core of everything we teach is the idea that Jiu-Jitsu is not just self-defense or a sport — it’s a tool to build better humans.
If you're looking for a place to train where people remember your name, where your kids are truly seen, and where the mats feel like home, you just found it.
