Who we are

Schedule for classes with our expert trainers today to elevate your combat sports skills. Benefit from personalized guidance tailored to enhance your performance in your chosen discipline.

Our Team

A young man sitting cross-legged on the floor in a martial arts gi, with a serious expression, against a dark wall.

Mirko Zevallos

Professor Mirko Zevallos is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt with nearly a decade of experience in training and coaching students at all levels. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2015 and has been actively teaching since 2017, developing his own students independently since 2018.

He was promoted to Black Belt in September 2024 by Brian Schutzer, a 3rd-degree Black Belt.

Lineage:
Mirko Zevallos
—> Brian Schutzer
—> Lincoln Pereira
—> Rolles Gracie
—> Renzo Gracie
—> Hélio Gracie
—> Carlos Gracie

Professor Zevallos has taught across multiple academies, including OCFC in New Windsor and Renzo Gracie Middletown, where he spent over a year refining his instructional approach. He is currently an instructor at All Circles Jiu-Jitsu in Chester and serves as Professor and Head of the Jiu-Jitsu Program at Fight Farm Academy in Ellenville.

Professor

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Jason Lee

Instructor Lee has trained in martial arts for nearly 40 years, bringing creativity and a deep understanding of the arts to every class. He connects effortlessly with both children and adults, creating a supportive environment where students of all ages and experience levels can thrive.

Jason has competed in both striking-based disciplines and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He currently holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Karate and a 1st-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, fitness, or simply having fun, Jason’s high-energy classes are designed for you. Each class is scalable to meet you where you are, while consistently challenging you to grow and move forward.

Professor

A man in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi with a black belt stands outdoors against a concrete wall, holding his belt with both hands, with a brick wall and some dried plants in the background.

Ben Dixon is a dedicated head coach and co-owner of Mushin Martial Arts. An instructing black belt under the respected Team Balance lineage, Ben brings nearly a lifetime of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and various combat sports to his students. Known in the community as “Durty Dixon”, he competed in numerous regional and national BJJ tournaments, earning accolades on the mats and showcasing his skills in the cage. His competitive drive and real-world fight experience shape his teaching, offering students not just techniques but the mindset to succeed.

As a coach, Ben focuses on making martial arts accessible to all ages and backgrounds. He’s especially passionate about youth programs, anti-bullying initiatives, and building a strong, supportive community. Outside of the gym, he’s a dedicated family man and creative entrepreneur, always looking for new ways to blend martial arts with life lessons and bit of fun.

Affiliate Professor

Benjamin Dixon

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Heather Knapp

Instructor & Competition Coach

Heather Knapp is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who has been training since 2012. She received her Black Belt under legendary professor Marcio Bittencourt and proudly represents the Fight Club Jiu-Jitsu affiliation. With over a decade of dedication to the art, she has become a cornerstone of Mushin Martial Arts community, where she is known for her leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to growth. She is recognized as the first female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in both Delaware and Otsego counties, and widely regarded as one of, if not the first, female black belts in the Catskill region, marking a historic milestone for women in martial arts within the area.

Her mission as an instructor and competition coach is simple: to build stronger athletes, stronger minds, and a stronger community — one roll at a time.

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Founder
Conditioning Instructor

Sergio A. Saravia, Esq.


Sergio is a USA Wrestling–certified coach, Jiu Jitsu blue belt, USA Boxing-certified coach and certified CrossFit instructor dedicated to developing well-rounded athletes on and off the mat. His conditioning approach emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and consistent hard work, helping athletes build confidence, strength, and technical mastery.

A young male boxer training in a gym, wearing boxing shorts, hand wraps, and boxing shoes, practicing punches near a punching bag.

Tyler Lee

Instructor Lee has trained mixed martial arts for over 12 years and developed his skills through training at Renzo Gracie in Middletown, New York. His background includes experience in both striking and grappling arts, with a particular passion for boxing and kickboxing.

Tyler is dedicated to helping students build confidence, discipline, and technical skill in a positive and supportive environment. He enjoys working with individuals of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners to those looking to sharpen their competitive abilities.

Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, or personal growth, Tyler’s classes are designed to challenge and motivate you while helping you reach your full potential.

Instructor

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Harley Davis

Instructor

Harley Davis was introduced to submission grappling in 1999 Training Catch Wrestling under the late Johnny Husky at Hybrid Academy in Asheville, NC. He later trained BJJ and Muay Thai at Grudge MMA in Denver, CO. He earned his blue and purple belt at Oneonta Jiu Jitsu Academy in Oneonta, NY under Matt Martindale. He earned his brown belt under Professor Rob Smith and Fabio Costa at Contact Sports Club in Mansfield, PA. Harley has been refereeing BJJ/Grappling competitions for 9 years officiating over 100 events.

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