Trainers
Our team is headed by Daniel Pilewski but consists of a number of other, dedicated individuals to keep things running smoothly. Our staff is friendly, experienced, and dedicated to the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Daniel Pilewski
Owner/Head Coach
Black Belt
Army Veteran
Army Combatives Instructor
Daniel is a former Berlin High School graduate who returned to Connecticut after retiring from the United States Army with 23 years of active service. He is a Level IV Tactical Combatives Instructor and was the Brigade NCOIC for the Combatives program while at Ft Hood, Texas. He is a Black Belt under Phil Cardella.
Jason Smith
Assistant Coach
Brown Belt
Jason has been training at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Connecticut since 2014, earning his purple belt in mid-2017. Jason trains most week-nights and often interrupts his own practice to walk his teammates through a technique. He has as much enthusiasm for teaching others as he does for improving his own abilities, making him a valuable member of the team.
Marty Pirog
Assistant Coach
Brown Belt
Marty has been training at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Connecticut since early 2015 and is currently a brown belt. While we may not have an official staff picture for him yet, don’t let that fool you into thinking that he’s any less important than our other trainers! Marty is quick to jump in and help whenever needed, often before we can even ask. He has a fun personality and does a great job helping new members feel welcome.
Drew Violette
Assistant Coach/Youth Coach
Purple Belt
Drew started training at Gracie JJ CT in 2019 as a blue belt and earned his purple belt in 2023. Coaching the kids class has become his passion as well as cornering anybody looking to compete. Drew prides himself in making a fun training environment any time he is on the mats!
Ian McMahon
Assistant Coach
Brown Belt
Ian has been training at the Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2019 as a purple belt. “My previous school closed down and I was looking for a school that fostered a friendly and safe atmosphere along with good technique, instruction, and a place that everyone was free to roll at their own pace.” He is currently an Army Combatives Level I & II instructor and a US Air Force Security Forces Combatives instructor. He has been in the Air National Guard for over 19 years. Ian mainly attends the afternoon classes and has a focus for defenses and escapes.
Jhul Darwin Lim
Assistant Coach/Youth Coach
Purple Belt
Jhul’s Jiu-Jitsu journey started late 2016 in the Philippines under Riberio Jiu Jitsu. Earned his blue belt in 2020, moved to the United States and started training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Connecticut. He earned his purple belt in June 2024. He says its become his passion to teach the art of Jiu Jitsu to kids and adults.
Therese Roos
Youth Coach
Blue Belt
Therese started her Jiu Jitsu journey in February 2023.
