Corey Brown Founder and Head Instructor:
Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Jorge Pereira > Leo Dalla > Chad Lebrun > Corey Brown
Corey Brown
Head instructor / founder of Black Tie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Corey holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in BJJ. He has competed against some of the best Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world proving his skills to be very effective. He is not only experienced in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu but also has a background in MMA and wrestling also holding a Brown Belt in Judo. He began wrestling at the age of 11. Competing in wrestling youth leagues and continuing through middle school and high school. This is a dream Corey has always wanted, spreading the knowledge of Jiu Jitsu and grappling wherever he can. In building his dream and meeting tons of wonderful people who have become family, he now has affiliate schools in Florida, Georgia and Michigan. When you get to know Corey you can really see the love he has for this sport as he is very passionate about his teaching and making true connections. Coreys hope is that he will only continue evolving. He started dream building in Virginia where he was born and raised, but always knew he would like to come down to Florida where he had visited family his entire life. In 2016 he moved to Cape Coral Florida with his wife and daughters and started his school with puzzle mats inside a fitness facility in February 2017. In 2018 he obtained a second location in Bonita Springs to continue building what he has always wanted, spreading positive aspects of Jiu Jitsu.
A few of Coreys record below:
Gracie Jiu Jitsu No Gi National Champion
ADCC Open Champion Pro
ADCC USA National Champion Pro
3X IBJJF Pan American Champion (Black Belt)
IBJJF World Silver Medalist (Black Belt)
SJJIF World Silver Medalist (Black Belt) No Gi
IBJJF World Bronze Medalist (Black Belt) No Gi
IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medalist (Black Belt) No Gi
IBJJF National Silver Medalist (Black Belt) No GI
MSOA Pro Absolute 16 Man Invite Champion
M.M.A.C. Light Absolute Champion
2X Sapateiro World Lightweight Championships Semi Finalist
IBJJF Tampa Open Champion weight and absolute (double gold)
2X IBJJF Atlanta Open Champion
IBJJF Charlotte Open Champion
Battle At The Boro 32 Man Absolute Champion and Superfight Winner
6x NAGA Expert Champion
Revgear World Open Middle Weight Champion 1st Expert Division
Revgear World Open Absolute Open Weight Finalist 2nd Expert Division
NAGA U.S. Open 1st Expert Division
NAGA Virginia Beach 1st Expert Division X2
NAGA Virginia 1st Expert Division
NAGA North Carolina 1st Expert Division
NAGA Myrtle Beach 1st Expert
Grapplers Quest Professional National Championship 8 Man Invite Only Competitor
Grapplers Quest U.S. Nationals (Runner-up) 2nd Expert Division
Grapplers Quest U.S. Nationals (Runner-up) 2nd Expert Division
Ultimate Grapplers Challenge Absolute 1st
Mix It Up Sports Welter Weight No-Gi World Champion x2
NAGA Worlds 3rd Expert Division
ADCC North America Quarterfinalist
NAGA New England 2nd Expert Division
UGC Nationals 2nd Absolute Division
NAGA U.S. Nationals 3rd Expert Division
Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Absolute Champion
Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Middleweight Champion X2
Grappling Pro 170 8 man invite competitor
Sapateiro Invitational Superfight Winner
Sapateiro Invitational / Gamblers 16 Man Semi Finalist
UGC All Stars Pro Super fight winner via submission.
Inkosi's Gym Wars 2 Super fight winner via submission
Fight To Win Super fight winner via submission (fastest submission of the night)
MMA Record: 3 and 1
Kids Program Instructors and Helpers:
Will Holzapfel
Will Holzapfel
Will Holzapfel
Will Holzapfel began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2008 and has been an integral part of Black Tie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2017. In 2021, he opened and operated Black Tie Jiu-Jitsu in Colorado, where he dedicated himself to building a strong and supportive community. Will received his black belt from Corey in 2023, a testament to h
Will Holzapfel began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2008 and has been an integral part of Black Tie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2017. In 2021, he opened and operated Black Tie Jiu-Jitsu in Colorado, where he dedicated himself to building a strong and supportive community. Will received his black belt from Corey in 2023, a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the art.
Will plays a key role in teaching both kids and adult classes, bringing his experience, enthusiasm, and technical knowledge to every session. He has a deep passion for coaching and continues to test his abilities in competition from time to time.
Robert Melin
Will Holzapfel
Will Holzapfel
Robert is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has 10 plus years experience in coaching children ages 6 and up along with adults. Coach Robert teaches our younger students to run drills that will aid in the training of proper techniques. He encourages self discipline to help mold their young minds and helps build their self esteem. He
Robert is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has 10 plus years experience in coaching children ages 6 and up along with adults. Coach Robert teaches our younger students to run drills that will aid in the training of proper techniques. He encourages self discipline to help mold their young minds and helps build their self esteem. He promotes respect of themself and others. Coach Rob instructs students for day classes and kids classes. He also does private lessons in Cape Coral and Bonita Springs.
DJ Maloney
Natalia Scimeca
Natalia Scimeca
Black Tie is so proud of DJ. He has been part of our family since our doors were open. DJ helps our coaches with the kids team. He does not only have a Jiu Jitsu background holding the rank of Purple belt but he is also part of his varsity wrestling team at his school and a black belt In Karate.
Natalia Scimeca
Natalia Scimeca
Natalia Scimeca
Natalia currently holds a Purple belt in Brazilian jiujitsu under Corey Brown. Her interest was sparked after her son trained for about a year and a half. While watching her son in the kids program It seemed to be a lot of fun and challenging at the same time. She also wanted to get in shape and loose some weight. She has been hooked ever since she started.
Dre
Grayson
Matt R
Dre began her training here at HQ Cape Coral in March 2022, alongside her daughter. She is currently a blue belt who helps assist in coaching kids classes and ladies classes. She is also a dedicated competitor who has longevity on her mind. She is interested in making her skill set more well rounded by incorporating other martial arts lik
Dre began her training here at HQ Cape Coral in March 2022, alongside her daughter. She is currently a blue belt who helps assist in coaching kids classes and ladies classes. She is also a dedicated competitor who has longevity on her mind. She is interested in making her skill set more well rounded by incorporating other martial arts like Judo, Wrestling and weightlifting. No doubt you will receive a warm welcome from Dre with a big smile on the side! She is such a big advocate for girls to be training any kind of martial art!
Matt R
Grayson
Matt R
Matt began his journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2023. Matt holds his blue belt underneath Professor Corey Brown. Coach Matt looks forward to being able to help the kids succeed and grow in the art of Jiu Jitsu. Matt is a Veteran and proudly served as an Infantry Team Leader in the United States Marine Corps. Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Coach
Matt began his journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2023. Matt holds his blue belt underneath Professor Corey Brown. Coach Matt looks forward to being able to help the kids succeed and grow in the art of Jiu Jitsu. Matt is a Veteran and proudly served as an Infantry Team Leader in the United States Marine Corps. Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Coach Matt owns a Handyman Business here in Cape Coral, and can usually find him with friends, family, or out in his gardens and yard with his dog Mila!
Grayson
Grayson
Grayson
Grayson started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2023, inspired by his son, Nash, who began training first. It quickly became a shared passion for his family, allowing them to bond over not just the sport, but its physical and mental benefits. Grayson is currently a blue belt and believes in patience and understanding when training and coaching.
When he’s not at the gym, you can find him spending time with his family, friends, or enjoying one of his other passions—skating and surfing.
Chris
Darrell
Grayson
I began my jiu-jitsu journey in 2021 when my son encouraged me to join him on the mats. What started as a way to support his interest quickly became a passion of my own. Today, I’m proud to train alongside both my son and daughter, sharing the discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie that jiu-jitsu fosters.
As a dedicated blue belt, I bri
I began my jiu-jitsu journey in 2021 when my son encouraged me to join him on the mats. What started as a way to support his interest quickly became a passion of my own. Today, I’m proud to train alongside both my son and daughter, sharing the discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie that jiu-jitsu fosters.
As a dedicated blue belt, I bring commitment, resilience, and a continual drive for growth to every training session. Jiu-jitsu has not only strengthened my skills on the mat but also deepened my appreciation for mentorship, family connection, and the value of lifelong learning
Darrell
Darrell
Darrell
Competition kid Instructors and Helpers:
Ryan Q
Ryan Q
Ryan Q
Coach Ryan is a black belt who started his Jiu jitsu journey in 2004. He has competed at all belt levels. His goals for Jiu Jitsu are to help the next generation of young Jiu Jitsu talent and enthusiast learn good technique help build confidence in themselves
and develop discipline that will last a life time , that will help his students
Coach Ryan is a black belt who started his Jiu jitsu journey in 2004. He has competed at all belt levels. His goals for Jiu Jitsu are to help the next generation of young Jiu Jitsu talent and enthusiast learn good technique help build confidence in themselves
and develop discipline that will last a life time , that will help his students go further in life whether they continue with Jiu Jitsu or move on to something else he looks to build the essential building blocks in his students success. Confidence discipline hard work and respect for others.
PJ
Ryan Q
Ryan Q
Currently holding black belt in BJJ under the Corey Brown. PJ has been training in martial arts for over 2 decades now. His current goal is to spread his passion for the martial arts to the new generation of Black Tie. PJ helps run the kids competition classes on Tuesday and Thursday.
Mike V
Ryan Q
Mike V
Black Belt under Professor Corey Brown
Studied under Master Pedro Sauer, Master Leo Dalla, Master Julio Oliveira and Master Lloyd Irvin
2010 IBJJF No-Gi Masters Purple Belt World Champion
2010 IBJJF No-Gi Masters Purple Belt Pans Silver Medalist
1991 Virginia HS AAA Wrestling State Qualifier
Black Tie Kids Competition Coach
Bishop Verot HS Wrestling Coach
Adult Instructors :
Robert Melin
Robert Melin
Robert Melin
Robert Sr., is a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu.
Since Robert Sr. retired after 30 years from the U.S. Coast Guard, he has become a welcomed addition to our team.
Robert currently coaches our beginner students the basic techniques along with any advanced students that would like to fine tune their techniques. He coaches at our Bonita S
Robert Sr., is a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu.
Since Robert Sr. retired after 30 years from the U.S. Coast Guard, he has become a welcomed addition to our team.
Robert currently coaches our beginner students the basic techniques along with any advanced students that would like to fine tune their techniques. He coaches at our Bonita Springs location but train between both Bonita Springs and CapeCoral.
AJ Schaffer
Robert Melin
Robert Melin
Aj has been a student of Jiu Jitsu since 2015. He started out doing mainly gi Jiu Jitsu. He has fallen in love with no-gi and especially Corey's leg lock systems. He currently holds the rank of black belt under Corey and has recently won the 2020 Orlando pro division <190lb in the AGF. AJ teaches our fundementals program which includes ba
Aj has been a student of Jiu Jitsu since 2015. He started out doing mainly gi Jiu Jitsu. He has fallen in love with no-gi and especially Corey's leg lock systems. He currently holds the rank of black belt under Corey and has recently won the 2020 Orlando pro division <190lb in the AGF. AJ teaches our fundementals program which includes basic positions and moves, as well as leg lock fundementals and defenses.
Alejandro
Robert Melin
Alejandro
Jake
Oscar (Muay Thai Instructor)
Oscar (Muay Thai Instructor)
Jake started wrestling in 6th grade and fell in love with it. Made states every year of middle school and couldn't stop competing all year. High School he started going to lots of instructional and seminars at Ohio State. " I found freestyle wrestling in high school and joined our countries freestyle team". He is now a Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Corey Brown.
Oscar (Muay Thai Instructor)
Oscar (Muay Thai Instructor)
Oscar (Muay Thai Instructor)
Oscar has been a great addition at Black Tie for our Muay Thai program here in the Cape. He is happy to answer any questions you may have on his program.
Youth Wrestling Program
Frank
Frank Meringolo is a dedicated wrestling coach with a lifelong connection to the sport. He began wrestling at the age of seven and transitioned into coaching during his college years, gaining extensive experience training alongside and mentoring athletes at all levels. Throughout his career, Frank has worked with and coached some of the t
Frank Meringolo is a dedicated wrestling coach with a lifelong connection to the sport. He began wrestling at the age of seven and transitioned into coaching during his college years, gaining extensive experience training alongside and mentoring athletes at all levels. Throughout his career, Frank has worked with and coached some of the top wrestlers in his region, helping athletes refine both their skills and their mindset.
Frank’s wrestling journey began in youth programs and continued through junior college before transferring to a teaching college, where he made the pivotal shift from competitor to coach. He returned to his roots by coaching under his former high school head coach, starting as a JV coach and eventually taking on the responsibility of running practices for both JV and Varsity teams for six years. During this time, Frank played a key role in expanding the program into a year-round training environment, providing off-season development to help athletes reach their full potential.
In addition to team coaching, Frank taught at high school wrestling camps for students in grades 3 through 8, further reinforcing his commitment to developing young athletes and growing the sport from the ground up. In 2014, Frank fell in love with Florida and relocated permanently. He married the love of his life and has 3 wrestlers of his own.
Frank is deeply passionate about wrestling and believes the sport instills lifelong values such as discipline, resilience, accountability, and confidence. He is committed to training, mentoring, and connecting with athletes of all ages, and looks forward to helping each wrestler grow both on and off the mat.
Wrestling Lineage
Mario Meringolo > Vin Altebrando > Vougar Oroudjov & Paul Schmidt
Coaching
JV Wrestling Coach WWHS 6 years
7 Century Club Win Wrestlers
Multiple All-State Honors
Multiple All-County Honors
Collegiate
Nassau Community College
2x NJCCA National Qualifier
3x Long Island Open Champion 149lb, 157lbs, 184lbs (unatt)
2nd Place at Northeast District/Regional Championship
3rd Place at Northeast District/Regional Championship
2x NYS Collegiate State Tournament (D1,D2,D3, NJCAA )Place Finisher: 3rd 157lbs & 5th 149lbs
2 yrs NJCAA Nationally Ranked
High School
5 Year Varsity Wrestler (8,HS)
4x All League 96lbs, 103lbs, 125lbs, 140lbs
3x League Champion 103lbs, 125lbs, 140lbs
1x Section XI County Finalist 103lbs
3x All County 103lbs, 125lbs, 140lbs
5th Place Section XI D1 County Tournament 125lbs
3rd Place Section XI D1 County Tournament 140lbs
Team League 2 Champions 179 points 2002-2001
1st Walt Whitman Wrestler in the Century Club (107 total wins) (107-11 record)
2x Empire State Place Finisher- Freestyle & Greco-Roman
Member of Tom Ryan, Elite Program at Hofstra
Newsday's Wrestlers to Watch List
JUDO Instructor
Sergio Sanchez
Sergio Sanchez, 6th Dan ( Rokudan), began his Judo journey in Cuba at the age of 6 under Sensei Ronulfo Tamayo and other distinguished Cuban Judokas. He earned multiple medals in tournaments before moving to the United States in 1988, where he became an US citizen and dedicated his life to teaching and promoting Judo.
In 2006, he founded
Sergio Sanchez, 6th Dan ( Rokudan), began his Judo journey in Cuba at the age of 6 under Sensei Ronulfo Tamayo and other distinguished Cuban Judokas. He earned multiple medals in tournaments before moving to the United States in 1988, where he became an US citizen and dedicated his life to teaching and promoting Judo.
In 2006, he founded Ryoku Judo Club, which represented Nevada and Las Vegas with distinction, producing champions at State and National levels. The club was recognized among the Top Martial Arts Schools in Nevada and won the Nevad State Championships multiple times.
Sergio has hosted and organize events as the Ryoku Judo invitational and the Mike Cochigian Memorial Tournament and conducted clinics with Olympic and World Champions including Hidehiko Yoshida, Driulis Gonzalez, Amarilis Savon and Israel Hernandez.
He is USJA Lifetime Member, certified examiner, National Coach, and an inductee into the Nevada Judo Hall of Fame.
In 2024, Sergio moved to Cape Coral, Florida beginning a new chapter by teaching at Black Tie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he wants to share his knowledge, experience, and passion for the art.
Sergio combines technical expertise, competitive experience, and a lifelong passion to inspire the next generation of judokas. Sergio strongly believes in cross-training in martial arts and grappling, and emphasizes the unique benefits that Judo brings to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners, enhancing their takedowns, balance, and overall game. He Has more than 50 years involved in judo.