top of page

Our Mission

At Sunset Martial Arts, our mission is to empower individuals of all ages through the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts. We are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment where students can achieve personal growth, develop self-confidence, and enhance their physical and mental well-being.

We strive to provide the highest quality instruction, combining traditional techniques with innovative training methods. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of martial arts, promote the values of discipline and perseverance, and build a strong, supportive community that encourages each student to reach their full potential both on and off the mat.

Meet Our Instructors

Esteban Gonzalez

1st Degree Black Belt

Professor Esteban Gonzalez is a distinguished Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 15 years of experience. His journey in BJJ began at a young age, training under world-renowned instructors and immersing himself in the discipline and culture of the sport.

Experience and achievements

  • Early Training: Esteban started training BJJ as a teenager and quickly advanced through the ranks due to his dedication and natural aptitude for the sport.

  • Instructional Expertise: With over a decade of teaching experience, Esteban is known for his clear, methodical, and patient approach to instruction. He has a unique ability to break down complex techniques into understandable steps, making them accessible to students of all levels.​

  • Teaching Philosophy: Esteban's teaching philosophy revolves around the core values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the holistic development of students:

  • Technical Mastery: Emphasizing the importance of mastering fundamental techniques and gradually introducing advanced concepts to build a solid foundation..

​

Lineage 

Carlos Gracie -> Crolin Gracie -> Jorge
Popovitch -> Pablo Popovitch ->Vagner Rocha

Certifications:

Black Belt under Vagner Rocha 
Instructor of the Year at Vagner Rocha Martial Arts

angel website_edited.jpg

Angel Estrugo

Black Belt

Coach Angel is a talented Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 12 years of experience. Angel began training in BJJ with a focus on developing both technical proficiency and a strong understanding of the sport’s principles and philosophies.

Experience and achievements

  • Diverse Training Background: Angel has trained under several renowned instructors and at prestigious BJJ academies, gaining a well-rounded and comprehensive skill set.

  • Black Belt under Vagner Rocha.

  • Competition Success: With a successful competitive career, Angel has earned numerous accolades and medals at regional and national tournaments, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication.

  • Student of the year at Vagner Rocha Martial Arts in 2015,

  • Personal Development: Encouraging students to build self-discipline, confidence, and resilience through consistent training and personal challenges.

Lineage 

Carlos Gracie -> Crolin Gracie -> Jorge
Popovitch -> Pablo Popovitch ->Vagner Rocha

IMG_1235.jpeg

Matt Markowski

Lead Wrestling Instructor 

Coach Matt brings nearly 20 years of experience coaching athletes from beginners to national-level competitors. His knowledge, passion, and proven track record helps take our wrestling program to the next level.

Experience and achievements

As a competitor, Coach Matt is a:

  • ​3x FHSAA State Champion

  • Multi-Time All-American across Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Folkstyle

  • Proud alum of the University of Northern Iowa Division 1 Wrestling Program.
     

His success on the mats led to his induction into the Lee County Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and he was mentored by the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Gary Freis.​


On the coaching side:

  • Over 200 career dual wins

  • 7 State Champions coached

  • Florida’s 2017 Wrestling Coach of the Year

  • Led teams to 5 Top-10 State Finishes

  • Head/Assistant Coach for Team Florida Freestyle & Greco

  • 19 years of coaching experience, working with athletes from beginner youth to the international level
     

Coach Matt is passionate about building champions on and off the mat, and his experience will be a game-changer for our students looking to sharpen their wrestling for Jiu-Jitsu, competition or self-defense.

bottom of page