BETA Academy Instructor Bios

Nakapan Phungephorn, Founder & Head Instructor of Thai Boxing & Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Nakapan Phungephorn is a seasoned fighter with over 15 years of experience teaching,
studying and competing in the martial arts. He began his life-long journey to develop the
BETA program at the early age of 11, when he began training Kung Fu. After a fruitful
competitive career in this soft art, which stretched over 3 years and included over 50
championship titles, he found that point sparring left something to be desired beyond
discipline and formation. Although he competed with, and often defeated, black belts many
years his senior, he felt that the sport lacked a sense of real combat and therefore began
seeking other forms of martial arts that offered more effective self-defense techniques.

At the age of fifteen, Nakapan beckoned to his true calling by starting his study of Brazilian Jiu-
Jitsu and Muay Thai. His intense training schedule-twice a day, six days a week-allowed him
to quickly evolve into a feared competitor in these practical arts. After 8 years of dedication,
hard work, and competition, Nakapan earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the
tutelage of Professor Pedro Sauer, whose lineage is directly derived from the legendary
Rickson Gracie who helped popularized the art in the United States. Nakapan continues to
hone his grappling skills under the guidance of Master Lloyd Irvin and Master Leo Dalla.

Watch Nakapan use the BETA methodology to defeat his opponent in the ring.

Nakapan also mastered the art of Thai Boxing under the instructorship of Khun Kru Mike
Moses. Kru Moses made him endure grueling examinations and tested his competitive spirit
before presenting Nakapan for full certification to Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, founder of
the National Thai Boxing Association who brought the art of Thai Boxing to the United States.
Nakapan remains one of the few instructors in the DC area who are fully certified under this
honorable association. In an effort to become a well-rounded fighter, Nakapan also cross-
trained in Judo, Sombo, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. He adapted the most effective techniques
from each martial art and blended them into his own systematic application of fighting
methods, which he has tested time and again in the ring. Nakapan earned one of his greatest
titles during the Summer of 2001, when he won the chance to represent the United States in
the World Championships of Muay Thai. Despite suffering from a severe case of the flu that
left him in an extremely weakened state, Nakapan won the gold medal for the United States
as a middleweight, after fighting three grueling matches. He proved the efficacy of his fighting
style in the final match, by delivering a stunning knockout punch to his challenger just 2:58
seconds into the 1st round.

In addition to his stunning victories in Muay Thai at both the World and National level,
Nakapan has faced off against many famous MMA fighters, such as Matt Hughes, Nate Quarry,
Pablo Popovitch, and Kron Gracie, in the cage and in professional grappling events. His two
most noteworthy battles include a grappling match against 2007 Abu Dhabi Silver Medalist
Pablo Popovitch (Nakapan won via points) and an MMA fight against UFC Fighter Nate Quary
(Nakapan was narrowly defeated in a judge’s split decision after a grueling seesaw battle.)

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

In order to prepare for up-coming competitions, Nakapan taps into the network of BETA
Academy affiliates, such as Team Lloyd Irvin and Team Leo Dalla. During specialized training
sessions, Nakapan continues to hone his skills while working with UFC Veteran and long-
time training partner, Brandon “The Truth” Vera, as well as Elite XC and WEC Fighter, Musin
Corbrey. Although Nakapan continues to compete in the martial arts, his true passion is for
teaching others. Since he began his coaching career in 1999, Nakapan dreamed of opening his
own academy that would allow him to share the BETA program with others who share his
passion for learning and for the martial arts.

Nakapan holds that not everyone should have to test their skills in the ring, as he did.
However, he hopes that his students will apply the core principles and warrior spirit taught
through BETA classes to succeed in other aspects of their lives.

Certifications and Ranks:
▪ Certified Thai Boxing Instructor under USA Thai Boxing Association
▪ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Pedro Sauer
▪ Judo Brown Belt (Ikkyu) under James Takemori and Tad Nalls

Competitive Accomplishments (Abbreviated):
▪ 2001 WKA Amateur Middleweight Muay Thai World Champion
▪ Multiple Time Grapplers Quest National Champion
▪ Kimono Kombat Challenge Superfight Champion
▪ Grapplers Quest East Coast Grappling Champion
▪ Mixed Martial Arts Record of 6-1
▪ Two Time Grapplers Quest National Team Trials Finalist
▪ Two Time Maryland State Judo Champion
▪ 2008 USJA Most Outstanding Competitor
▪ 2009 Virginia State Judo Champion
▪ 2009 Eastern Open Judo Champion
▪ 2009 IBJJF New York Open Bronze Medalist
▪ Undefeated Muay Thai Record 6-0
▪ 2011 IBJJF New York Open Gold Medalist (Masters)
▪ 2011 IBJJF New York Open Bronze Medalist (Masters Absolute)

Melanie Phungephorn, Program Director & Instructor of Thai Boxing

Kru Melanie Phungephorn has a decade of experience in studying and teaching the art of
Thai Boxing. She studied under the instruction of Khun Krus Mike and Amy Moses, Nakapan
Phungephorn, and Ajarn Chai. In 2010, Melanie became a certified instructor of Thai Boxing
by Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, President of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA (TBA).
See footage of her testing rounds here, at the Mixed Martial Arts in DC News Blog.

Kru Melanie has also successfully proven her superior skills inside of the ring. Melanie’s

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

most notable win was against the 2003 WKA National Muay Thai Champion. In what was
originally going to be an amateur match turned out to be Melanie’s professional debut when
her opponent refused to wear protective head or shin guards. With Khun Kru Nakapan in her
corner, she accepted the match and for the next three rounds, out pointed her opponent with
pin point accurate kicks, punches and knees, which left the champion dazed. Despite being the
underdog, Melanie triumphed and was awarded a unanimous victory.

Melanie has now turned her attention to teaching others and furthering her study of Brazilian
Jiu-jitsu, in which she recently earned her blue belt after winning multiple Gold medals
in competition. Aside from being a talented martial artist, she also utilizes her extensive
background in international development to contribute to the work of local community
development organizations in Washington DC. Her experiences working with organizations
such as Save the Children in Ethiopia and Morocco have motivated Melanie to develop and
continually improve the BETA Academy Kid’s Martial Arts Program.

Daniel “Danny” Chacon, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu & Thai Boxing

For some, training in the martial arts is a hobby but for Coach Daniel Chacon, it is a lifestyle.
Daniel’s martial arts training history began in 2006, when he sought out an intense
competitive sport that would test his rapidly acquired skills in the ring. Danny has learned
several fighting styles under the tutelage of great trainers and masters, including Lloyd Irvin
and Mike Moses. Mixed Martial Arts not only provided him with the physical and mental test
he longed for; it also proved to be a spiritual voyage for him. This is because, unlike other
sports, martial arts instilled respect, focus, and discipline in his life.

Now, with the experience he has gained in competing in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and
Mixed Martial Arts, Coach Danny helps others achieve their goals on the mats of BETA
Academy while he continues to improve under Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn. Daniel is
honored to be an instructor at BETA Academy and enthusiastically shares his knowledge with
students.

Competitive Accomplishments:

Muay Thai/ Thai Boxing Record of 4-1:

2010 WKA National Championship Silver Medalist

2011 WKA MMA National Silver Medalist

Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu:
• NAGA No- Gi Champion

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

Copa Nova Medalist
Mid- Atlantic Grappling Championship Medalist
Mission Submission Medalist
Grapplers Quest Veteran
Battle Ground Martial Arts Champion

Isaac Rehner, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Coach Isaac Rehner has been with the BETA Academy family for only two short years but has
already become an integral member of the kids and adult Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu programs alike.
This is due not to his great talent but to his unwavering dedication to training and teaching.
Being able to teach and train full- time has been a dream come true for him. And taking
the lead on the Kids Grappling Champions Program is where his enthusiastic approach to
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really comes alive.

As a former swimming instructor, Coach Isaac has years of experience working with children
and their parents. And the only thing that he enjoys as much as teaching is training. Isaac
has set some lofty goals on the tournament scene for himself and for the Kids Grappling
Champions Team. So we expect to see great things soon!

Masai McDougal, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Masai McDougal began training Thai Boxing at age 16 with Master Mike Moses of
Evolve Academy. After getting hooked into the sport during his first sparring session, Masai
soon found himself competing in local tournaments. After going 4-0 (one TKO by leg kick) in
two small venues, Masai entered the second annual World Kickboxing Association Amateur
National Championship in 2001. After winning his first fight, Masai met his first loss by judge’s
decision in the final bout.

Without a chance to compete while at college, Masai started the Wesleyan Thai Boxing club for
anyone who had an interest in learning more about the sport. After graduating from Howard
Law School, Masai reconnected with his old training partner, Nakapan Phungephorn and
started working out in the basement of Capital City Charter School, building the foundation for
what is now the premier martial arts gym in Washington, D.C.

Masai enjoys training and teaching others to practice martial arts without utilizing simple
aggression. Drawn to the martial arts by a love of challenge and self-expression, Thai Boxing
and Jiu-Jitsu provide Coach Masai with dynamic outlets for mental, physical, and emotional
energy.

Aaron France, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Coach Aaron France began training in Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu (BJJ) over a decade ago. In late 2001,
career changes forced him to stop training and he spent the following seven years wondering
what would have happened if he had continued. Now Coach Aaron is back on the mats and, as

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

his teammates can attest to, he trains BJJ as if it is his second job. In October of 2010, he was
the first student to be awarded a purple belt at BETA Academy. Since then, he has dedicated
everyday on the mat to setting a positive example for BETA students.

Coach Aaron’s approach to Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu is that “practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect
practice makes perfect.” He also strives to instill the idea that physical conditioning and the
psychology of winning are just as important as technical proficiency. Any student who has
attended Coach Aaron’s Combat Athlete BJJ classes can tell you that just showing up to train is
not enough. When he teaches he pushes each one of his students to their personal best, both
physically and technically.

Aaron’s style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily sport- oriented, focusing on sweeps,
submissions, competitive strategy and technical detail. He believes that the hard work
involved in preparing for a tournament, both physical and psychological, is of enormous
benefit for the practitioner who is also motivated by practical self-defense. As a Police Officer,
Coach Aaron had adapted BJJ to safely gain the compliance of combative individuals in real-
life, real-risk situations. He has therefore been chosen to serve as a Defense Tactics Instructor
for his police department.

Competitive Accomplishments:
• 2011 Copa Nova, First place, Purple belt 30+, Absolute
• 2011 Copa Nova, Second Place, Purple belt, <179
• 2011 Copa Nova, Second Place, Purple belt, <179
• 2010 Copa Nova, First Place, Blue Belt 30+, <179
• 2010 Copa Nova, Second Place, Blue Belt, <179
• 2010 US Grappling, Second Place, Blue Belt 30+, Absolute
• 2010 US Grappling, Third Place, Blue Belt 30+, <175
• 2010 US Grappling, Third Place, Blue Belt, <175
• 2009 Copa Nova First Place, Blue Belt 30+, <179
• 2001 Kimono Kombat First Place, White Belt, <165

Chuck Yetter, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Chuck Yetter epitomizes the discipline, dedication and focus required of a true Mixed
Martial Arts champion. After only six months of consistent training at BETA Academy, Coach
Chuck made his remarkable debut inside of the Muay Thai ring.

Coach Chuck wrestled competitively for a decade before embarking upon an academically
challenging college education. Bored of the gym and with no background in striking, he began
his training at BETA Academy in 2010. Because he wanted to develop his stand- up skills
without falling back on his strong wrestling foundation, he restricted himself to training and
competing in Muay Thai for 1 ½ years before testing his well- rounded skills inside of the
MMA cage. Thus far, he has accumulated three impressive Muay Thai victories (two of which
were won by TKO) as well as one MMA conquest (by TKO).

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

With great enthusiasm, Coach Chuck now teaches Muay Thai Foundations and Intermediate
Level classes to both adults and children at BETA Academy. In preparation for his next MMA
fight, he also continues his training in Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu and Muay Thai. During each and
every BETA Fight Team training session, he pushes the pace on his team, propelling each and
every one of his training partners to perform at their best.

In addition to training towards his dream of becoming a professional fighter, Coach Chuck
stays very active. He has competed in a Triathlon for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has
done countless runs to raise money for charity. He is also an avid skier.

Andy Vietan Tran, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Ever since he was a young child in Canada, Coach Andy Tran has been immersed in the
world of martial arts. At the age of 5, his father enrolled him and his siblings into a local Judo
program. His father wanted to show them that even though they were small, there was always
a way to beat a much larger and stronger opponent through the use of martial arts. After a few
years, Andy’s family moved back to the United States and settled in Burtonsville, Maryland.
Even before his family enrolled him into the local school system, Andy was practicing at a local
Kung Fu school. Under Sifu Tai Yim, Andy studied the Hung-Fut style of Kung-Fu and attained
the rank of 2nd degree Red Sash. He continued his studies throughout middle school. Andy was
then introduced to his first grappling art – Folk style wrestling. He wrestled competitively at
a local powerhouse, Springbrook High School, and lettered all four years on its varsity team
under Head Coach Rob Wendel. Andy ended his senior year with a 35-9 record and placed at
the County, Regional, and State level.

Andy was then recruited to play lacrosse at Catholic University, where he is currently
majoring in Architecture. However, he yearned for the competitive martial arts. By chance,
Andy stumbled upon BETA Academy, fell in love with everything about it, and decided to
discontinue his Lacrosse career in order to pursue his true calling. After a year of rigorous
training under Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn and his wife, Kru Melanie Phungephorn,
Andy made his Mixed Martial Arts debut at the WKA North American Championships. Fighting
in a weight class above his own, Andy won a total of three fights in a span of 24 hours and
claimed the North American MMA Bantamweight championship belt the age of young age of
19! Andy is now an Instructor at BETA Academy and continues to train, compete, and fight
under its banner.

Tim Dawson, Instructor of Wrestling

Coach Tim Dawson is an enthusiastic competitor who teaches well-structured, high- intensity
wrestling classes to BETA Academy’s Combat Athletes. His fervent coaching arms students
with a powerful and fluid stand- up game that melds offensive and defensive techniques
together for sport Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

A varsity wrestler and gymnast, Coach Tim was drawn to both sports due to their emphasis on
developing an explosive, balanced, and flexible physique while simultaneously cultivating the

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

mental toughness needed to excel in intense individual competition. Throughout college, he
focused on academics but further developed his balance, dexterity and power through cross
training with the U.S. Army and break dancing.

Coach Tim discovered BETA Academy after moving to Washington D.C. to pursue his Juris
Doctor at Georgetown University. He immediately fell in love with the beauty and complexity
of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu (BJJ). After only 8 months of consistent hard training and increasingly
strong performances in competition, Tim earned his Blue Belt from Master Nakapan
Phungephorn.

His strong wrestling foundation helped Coach Tim to dominate the initiative; immediately
put his opponents on their heels, and; repeatedly put himself in a position to win in BJJ
competition. His love of teaching and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge with BETA
Academy students shows in each and every one of his classes.

Competitive Achievements
• Louisiana State Wrestling Champion
• Louisiana State Gymnastics Champion, Still Rings and Parallel Bars
• 2011 Copa Nova Spring Championships Medalist (Gold, Beginner No-Gi Light
Heavyweight; Bronze White Belt Light Heavyweight)
• 2011 U.S. Grappling Maryland Medalist (Gold, Intermediate No-Gi Light
Heavyweight, Silver Intermediate No-Gi Absolute (closed out division with BETA
teammate)
• 2011 Copa Nova Fall Championships Medalist (Gold, Intermediate No-Gi Light
Heavyweight; Gold White Belt Light Heavyweight)

Jay Donelson, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

After a lifetime spent playing just about every sport imaginable, Coach Jay Donelson found
Leo Dalla Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu and immediately became hooked. The humility and respect
that someone with Master Dalla’s pedigree in the art exhibited towards students was both
surprising and refreshing. Even better, the students showed the same attitude towards each
other. Soon after starting BJJ with Master Dalla, Jay met Master Nakapan, who is a good
friend of Master Dalla’s. Master Nakapan helped Jay immensely even within Dalla’s classes,
teaching him the knee cut guard pass and coaching him in many tournaments, including IBJJF
tournaments such as the Pan American Championships and the New York Open. Jay earned
his purple belt from Master Dalla in the summer of 2010, thanks in part to Master Nakapan’s
instruction.

Jay also became certified as a NASM Personal Trainer. When BETA Academy founded its
Combat Strength and Conditioning (CSC) Program, Coach Jay started making the trip to
the Academy to learn how to put strength-training programs together. He also took this
opportunity to resume training with Master Nakapan in BJJ while remaining a student under
Master Dalla. That connection led to Jay becoming a certified instructor at BETA in both the
CSC and BJJ programs.

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

Coach Jay considers himself very fortunate to be able to train under both Master Dalla and
Master Nakapan. As an instructor at BETA Academy, Jay makes a concerted effort to spread
not only the knowledge of BJJ that he has attained under such great instructors; he also hopes
to spread the love of this martial art.

Competitive Accomplishments

Purple Belt:
• 2011 IBJJF New York Open Lightweight (Senior 1) – Gold

Blue Belt:
• 2010 IBJJF New York Open Lightweight (Senior 1) – Bronze
• 2010 IBJJF New York Open Absolute (Senior 1) – Bronze
• 2009 Copa Nova <179.9 (Master’s) – Silver

Kale Blessum, Instructor of Thai Boxing

A former collegiate football and rugby player, Coach Kale Blessum began training Muay
Thai in 2010. Developing his skills alongside his team of BETA Academy Combat Athletes
challenged him technically and provided him with a welcomed change of pace from lifting and
running. With less than one year of dedicated training under his belt, Kale decided to test his
newly acquired skills inside of the ring.

After several hard-fought matches, Coach Kale ultimately became the 2011 WKA North
American Champion of Muay Thai. As a result of his striking demonstration of Muay Thai
skills, he was personally invited by world- renowned champion, Rob “The Dutchman” Kaman,
to represent the United States at the WKA World Championships of Muay Thai. Despite
his relative inexperience, Coach Kale’s heart and determination drove him all the way to
Germany, where he entered this world-class tournament and won the 2011 Bronze Medal.

As he shares his knowledge and experiences with students at BETA Academy, Coach Kale
prepares for another chance to become BETA Academy’s next Muay Thai World Champion.

Elyse Goldberg, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

After ravaging the local tournament scene, Elyse Goldberg launched Washington, D.C.’s first
Women’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class at BETA Academy. Elyse’s effective, free style of Brazilian
Jiu-jitsu is described as creative and fun with a strong emphasis on technical details that are
seamlessly applied to a “flow roll.” In addition to fiercely competing in local and international
tournaments, Elyse authors www.gringabjj.com.

Elyse acquired her unique style of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by following her passion to train all over
the East Coast and in Europe during her five-year and continuing BJJ career. Her career began
during her freshman year of college at Boston University, where she also ran the BJJ club and
served as an assistant instructor after being promoted to blue belt. In 2008, Elyse moved back

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

to her hometown of Philadelphia, PA to join BJJ United, where she earned her purple belt
under Jared Weiner and Sharon Bonewicz. Elyse transferred to Washington, DC in the summer
of 2009 and now proudly trains under Nakapan Phungephorn and Leo Dalla.
Carrie Moskal, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Carrie Moskal came to BETA Academy to try out a more aggressive martial art after a
yearlong flirtation with Aikido. She promptly fell in love with Muay Thai, and when she was
offered the opportunity to join the fight team, she accepted without hesitation. Less than a
year after joining the school, Carrie became the 2011 WKA North American champion, was
offered a position on the U.S. National Team, and became the first female fighter produced by
BETA Academy.

Coach Carrie is also one of only a few certified jump rope instructors in DC and created a
jump rope conditioning class at the Academy. She is an unwavering believer in the utmost
importance of physical conditioning in the martial arts and pushes her students to attain the
highest level of fitness–a demanding standard she holds herself to at all times.

As an instructor, Coach Carrie brings her intense focus and dedication to all of her classes. She
believes strongly that, with practice and discipline, anyone can excel in Muay Thai and fitness,
and she hopes especially to inspire more women to participate and compete.

Andrew Viloria, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Andrew Viloria has been training Muay Thai since 2007. He began his journey
in Princeton, New Jersey and after moving to Washington, DC in 2010, he found BETA
Academy. Following months of hard work and learning new skills under Khun Kru Nakapan
while practicing with BETA Academy’s Combat Athletes, Andrew expressed his desire to step
into the ring.

Coach Andrew fought his first amateur Thai Boxing match in January of 2011. Although
he lost by a close split decision, he put on an impressive display of Muay Thai skills. The
following month, Andrew participated in the 2011 World Kickboxing Association’s (WKA)
North American Championships. He fought hard and emerged as the 2011 Bronze Medalist in
the light welterweight division.

Following the WKAs, Coach Andrew’s skills and passion for Muay Thai continued to grow at
BETA Academy, where he also teaches Foundations classes. He has also attended multiple
seminars held by Ajarn Chai, the founder and president of the Thai Boxing Association of
America. Coach Andrew believes that Muay Thai is one of the most efficient of the martial arts
in terms of self-defense and fitness.

Bud Kiamie, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jtsu

Before the age of 39, Bud Kiamie’s martial arts experience was limited to high school
wrestling and one year of Tae Kwon Do classes taken while a freshman in college. Athletically,

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

he spent most of his 20’s and 30’s engaged in the sport of powerlifting, which gave him a solid
foundation in strength and conditioning methods and training. After suffering chronic hip pain
caused by repetitive overuse injuries, Bud decided to pursue a holistic training regimen that
utilized more athletic attributes than just absolute strength.

It was then, at the age of 39, that Bud began his study of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu under the
tutelage of Master Leo Dalla. While training BJJ under Master Dalla, Bud met Master Nakapan
Phungephorn. Impressed with Nakapan’s skill, athleticism and coaching abilities, Bud joined
BETA Academy upon its opening while also continuing his studies with Master Dalla. Having
earned his purple belt in BJJ, Bud embarked upon a new challenge by beginning his study of
Muay Thai at BETA Academy under Khun Kru Nakapan. He has since earned his Green Belt in
the BETA Academy Muay Thai curriculum. Today at 43 years old, Bud continues to train both
BJJ and Muay Thai. He enjoys sharing what he has learned with new students and pushing
himself beyond his comfort zone in order to continue progressing in his martial arts training.

Jason Stanley, Instructor of Thai Boxing

While stationed in Korea eight years ago, Jason embarked on his martial arts journey with
Tae Kwon Do. He soon added to his skill set by studying U.S. Army Combatives. His love of
competitive fighting brought him to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he also pursued while still in the
Army.

To add to his arsenal of weapons, Jason started training Muay Thai in 2009 at BETA Academy
under Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn and Kru Melanie Phungephorn and has successfully
proven his superior skills inside of the ring. Jason is undefeated with a 2-0 amateur record and
is the 2011 WKA National Combat Championship Super Heavyweight Champion.

In addition to his love of martial arts, Jason is an avid foodie and enjoys cooking as a way to
find balance with his competitive side.

Peter Schneider, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Coach Peter Schneider is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu and an Instructor at BETA
Academy. He was introduced to Jiu- Jitsu in California and has been a practitioner of
the martial art since 2006. Peter has won and placed in numerous Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu
tournaments.

Laurie Porsch, Instructor of Fitness

An Active Duty U.S. Marine who has deployed several times to Afghanistan and Iraq, Sergeant
Laurie Porsch brings the discipline and fortitude required of anyone who is serious about
meeting their fitness and athletic performance goals. Our Sergeant not only provides the
discipline of a real military boot camp; she also brings a ton of motivation and energy to each
one of her high- intensity interval training sessions. 


At BETA Academy, Sgt. Laurie provides the same level of service and dedication to Femme

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

Fatale Fitness Boot Camp that she provides to her country. Using her experience in the Marine
Corps, where she muscled through intense Boot Camp and combat training, she designed a
vigorous fitness program that makes no excuses and provides the results women are looking
for.

Sergeant Laurie is also an Instructor of Combat Conditioning and Martial Arts in the Marine
Corps. During her second tour in Al Anbar, Iraq, she earned her CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Certificate. Sergeant Laurie began training Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu at BETA Academy in June 2010
and recently began her Muay Thai training as well, hoping to one day soon join our highly
esteemed Fight Team.

Reginald “Reggie” Esteban, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Coach Reginald Esteban was one of the first people on the East Coast to begin training
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, in 1995, under Frank Cucci and Pedro Sauer in Virginia Beach. During these
early days of BJJ, Coach Reggie and his family of practitioners (including his older brother-
Oliver Esteban-who is a black belt, and his cousin – Nestor Bayot – also a black belt) competed
regularly in local tournaments. After graduating from college, Reggie continued his training
and earned his purple belt at Evolve Academy in Washington, DC, under Master Mike Moses.

It was at Evolve Academy where Reggie began teaching the technical aspects and philosophy
of BJJ to new practitioners, as an assistant instructor. Here, he also became friends with
Nakapan Phungephorn, a black belt instructor on staff. Reggie was forced to take some time
away from his BJJ career after a training accident, which required him to undergo major
reconstructive knee surgery.

In 2009, Reggie resumed his rigorous training and now serves as a part-time instructor at
BETA Academy, where he incorporates character building and strengthening of students’
mental and physical competition skills into every BJJ lesson.

Andrea Austin, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Before starting on her martial arts path, Andrea Austin danced (tap, jazz, ballet, modern, hip
hop) for 14 years, six of those years competitively. After moving to an apartment alone in the
city, she decided that she needed to learn self-defense. Andrea therefore studied Krav Maga.
She also dabbled in boxing and ground fighting.

Andrea loved Krav Maga and believes it is important for everyone to study of self-defense.
But she was also looking for something more competitive. Her search for sport fighting led
her to BETA Academy. Since fall of 2010, Andrea has brought her determined and upbeat
attitude to studying Muay Thai under the instruction of Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn and
Kru Melanie Phungeporn. Due to her great form and positive attitude, she was selected to be
a Muay Thai Foundations Instructor at BETA. And with the experience she has gained in Muay
Thai, she helps others reach their fighting potential while continuing to improve herself as a
fighter. Andrea plans on making her amateur Muay Thai debut in the coming year.

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

When not teaching or training, Andrea has a successful career in human rights work. She also
has aspirations of growing something beyond a Chia Pet in her garden.

Jon Christophel, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Coach Jon Christophel is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an assistant instructor at Beta
Academy. His initial introduction to martial arts was through Karate and Kung Fu. In 2008,
he found Brazilian Jiu jitsu and realized that is what he wanted to pursue. Since then, Jon has
competed in many tournaments. He has a strong passion for the sport and wants to share the
knowledge that he has accumulated over the years to others.

Michael “Mike” Batenga, Assistant Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Mike Batenga is a martial arts practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in
several disciplines including Thai boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Personal Defense Systems (PDS),
Filipino Kali/Escrima, Shorin-ryu Karate and TRIAD, a martial system that blends handgun
tactics with martial arts. Coach Mike is currently the Chief Defensive Tactics Instructor for
Deonovich and Associates, a Thai boxing instructor for BETA academy, a personal defense
instructor and a highly trained bodyguard who’s past clients include several local and federal
law enforcement agencies. He also travels extensively, providing security for TV and movie
personalities, corporate executives foreign dignitaries and diplomats.

Francisco “Cisco” Crespo, Instructor of Thai Boxing

Inheriting a lifelong passion for the martial arts from his father (who was a competitive full-
contact kickboxer), Coach Francisco Crespo has been a martial arts practitioner for as long
as he can remember. From the days of the Karate Kid and his Tae Kwon Do classes, his father
exposed him to the styles of Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and Benny “The Jet” Urdiquez. Coach
Cisco has settled in Washington, D.C., where he found Beta Academy and started training with
Khun Kru Nakapan and other champions. He continues to hone his kickboxing skills while also
continuing in his Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.

Tyler Stough, Assistant Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Tyler Stough began his journey in the martial arts during a Taekwondo Summer Camp
in 2002. He continued with it, eventually earning his Black Belt. After achieving his goal, he
started assisting in children and adult classes and helping run the After School Program and
Summer Camps. And after receiving his Second Degree Black Belt, he began teaching classes
and developing lesson plans.

Besides his experiences training and teaching Taekwondo, Coach Tyler wrestled his freshman
and sophomore years of high school, eventually being elected to Co-Captain of the Junior
Varsity team by his peers. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from continuing wrestling
competition. However, he continued searching out seminars in different martial arts
including Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts.

BETA Academy Instructor Bios

After moving away to college, Coach Tyler sought out an academy that could help him reach
his eventual goal of becoming a champion Mixed Martial Artist. His search led him to BETA
Academy. Being asked to instruct under Khun Kru Nakapan and Kru Melanie and the other
highly skilled coaches at BETA Academy is an honor for Coach Tyler and he looks forward to
imparting the knowledge and experience he has gleaned from training to everyone he meets.

Ponciano “Jino” Manalo, Assistant Instructor of Thai Boxing

Coach Ponciano Manalo, also known as Jino, has always carried a desire to learn the martial
arts, since he was a toddler performing sidekicks in his bedroom mirror. First exposed to Tae
Kwon Do, Jino’s martial arts practice needed to take a back seat as he and his family traveled
to Poland and England from New Jersey. It was only during college when Jino was able to start
practicing Martial Arts seriously and with regularity. First with the Tulane Martial Arts Club,
Jino studied Modern Arnis and Ed Parker’s American Kempo. After four years of training with
this club, Jino relocated to Houston, where he started training in Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai and
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Elite MMA.

In 2009, after five years in Houston, Coach Jino relocated to Washington D.C. to attend the
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Searching for a school within the DC
city limits, Jino found BETA Academy and started training with Khun Kru Nakapan and BETA
Academy’s Fight Team. Coach Jino is extremely excited to be training and teaching at BETA
Academy for now, and far into the future.