Coaches — 3 Embers Grappling Academy

BLACK BELT INSTRUCTORS

MEET OUR OWNERS AND HEAD INSTRUCTORS

All our instructors undergo annual criminal background checks.

JAMES CAMPBELL

A man wearing a blue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi standing in front of an American flag and a Texas flag.

Professor James Campbell is our morning adult jiu jitsu instructor. He began training at Combat Base Texas in 2015 and received his black belt under Professor Shebaro in September of 2023.

James was born in Tulsa and raised in North Dallas.

Coach James has previous martial arts experience with Karate and Boxing and is currently a Sankyu (brown belt) in Judo through Eastside Dojo.

He has competed in several local Jiu Jitsu and Judo tournaments over the years.

MATT ROBERTS

A man in a patriotic MMA or jiu-jitsu uniform with red, white, and blue colors, standing in a gym, giving two thumbs up and smiling at the camera.

Professor Matt Roberts began training at Combat Base Texas in January 2016 and received his black belt under Professor Shebaro in September of 2023.

Matt is originally from Oklahoma, but has made Texas home for over 20 years.

Coach Matt has also obtained a Black Belt certification in Krav Maga and is currently an advanced instructor at Krav Maga Dallas.

ELA ZALO

A Black Belt woman with curly hair wearing a black martial arts gi, smiling in a martial arts training center.

Professor Ela Zalo is a 3rd degree Black Belt. She was born in Croatia, where she trained Muay Thai under Branko Croatian Tiger Cikatić and was a member of the Croatian Olympic Weightlifting team training under Bosko Čavka and Nikolaj Pešalov. In 2001, she was wrestling for New York City Athletic Club.

In 2008 she moved to Dallas and started her BJJ career while getting her level 1 CrossFit training certification. Ela is also a Nikyu (intermediate brown belt) Judo competitor under Russ Hogan at Eastside Dojo.

STEVE PHARR

A man sitting in a martial arts gi with patches on the shoulders, smiling at the camera, and leaning on his knees, appearing to be in a dojo or martial arts training facility.

Professor Steve Pharr has immersed himself in the world of martial arts for an astounding 37 years. This extensive experience has provided him with a unique and comprehensive approach to teaching and practicing martial arts.

For the past 18 years, Steve has focused his training and expertise on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He received his black belt under Professor Shebaro in September of 2023.

Coach Steve is not just a seasoned practitioner but also a passionate teacher. He believes in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive.

JOSH PERRY

Man with beard wearing a blue Judo gi, standing against a black background, holding the collar of his gi with both hands, looking serious.

Professor Josh Perry, a Marine Corps Veteran, began his Judo journey in 2016. He recently achieved the Judo rank of Nidan (2nd-degree black belt) under the guidance of Ken Scialo, Ken Patteson, and Russ Hogan.

In 2020, he obtained his USA Judo Coaches Certification and has since coached athletes at regional and national competitions.

In 2021, Josh earned his Jiu-Jitsu Blue belt. He currently trains and coaches Judo at Eastside Dojo while teaching Judo for Jiu-Jitsu on Wednesday Mornings at 3 Embers Grappling Academy.