Brett Oteri
Brett Oteri is the Owner/ Head Instructor at The Lab. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with over 15 years of experience in MMA including 20+ fights as a professional mixed martial artist and multiple Pan American IBJJF first place and top medal finishes. Most recently Brett took home multiple Gold Medals at the IBJJF Miami Open GI and NOGI and 2nd place in the Open Class division for GI and NOGI.
Brett’s passion for grappling and martial arts began with his high school wrestling career. He proudly shares his passion with wife Kristen and daughter Isabella who have begun their BJJ journey under his instruction.
Brett holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor Degree in English.
Kristen Oteri
Kristen is the Co-Owner of The Lab, Head Coach of the Women’s Self Defense Program, Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and one of the assistant instructors for the children’s program. Kristen placed 2nd at NOGI Worlds and 3rd at Masters Worlds for her purple belt debuts. She wrapped up her blue belt journey with a 2nd place finish at the IBJJF Pan Americans, 1st place at the Miami Open, and Double Gold (Gi and NoGi) at Grappling Industries. When she is not at The Lab she is working as a Clinical Nurse Leader within one of the local Emergency Departments. She brings to the academy her education with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is currently enrolled in a Functional Medicine Program.
Jeff P (Black Belt)
Jeff is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu sharing his passion and knowledge learned over the last 15 years of training martial arts. He has been a cornerman for multiple high level fighters competing for Bellator and World Series of Fighting. Jeff is a martial art enthusiast always evolving his game with the goal of providing his students a well rounded education.
Jeff is also a Registered Nurse who enjoys staying in shape and spending time with his twin daughters.
Joey B (Black Belt)
Joe C aka Meat grinder(Black Belt)
Paul P (Black Belt)
Meet Paul Pinto, a dedicated and passionate Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, who holds a Black Belt, received from none other than Professor Brett Oteri.
With over a decade of training and a personal commitment to excellence, Paul’s expertise and dedication to his students shine through in every class.
In 2011, Paul’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began, and since then, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the art. In 2022, his hard work and dedication were recognized with the highest honor—a Black Belt bestowed upon him by the esteemed Professor Oteri, marking a historic moment as the first-ever promotion to Black Belt by the professor.
As a Kids’ Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, Paul understands the profound impact martial arts can have on children’s lives. With his Black Belt and extensive experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his classes, ensuring that each child receives top-notch instruction and guidance.
With a warm and approachable demeanor, Paul easily connects with his young students, building trust and rapport with each child. He continuously hones his teaching techniques, staying abreast of the latest developments in martial arts instruction, and always looking for opportunities to enhance the learning experience for his students.
Doug L (Black Belt)
Keelan B (Brown Belt)
Matt Y (Brown Belt)
Eddie M (Purple Belt)
Adult NOGI Coach
Born in New York, Eddie fell in love with Jiu-jitsu at his very first class five years ago, while looking for a new sport to compete in after he stopped playing baseball. He is an avid competitor and multiple time gold medalist at Grappling Industries and Medalist (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) at Tap Cancer Out. As a coach, he strives to share his passion for Jiu Jitsu, the many personal connections he has made through training, and the satisfaction that comes from incremental improvement, day over day.
Lorenzo F (Blue Belt)
Adult Kickboxing
James D (Blue Belt)
Kids Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing
Hunter K (Blue Belt)
Adult wrestling and NoGi BJJ coach