Jiu-Jitsu Instructors

Frank Cucci

Frank Cucci is the Founder and Head Instructor of the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts. He is a veteran of the elite U.S. Navy SEAL Team and has over 25 years of martial arts experience. He is considered by many to be one of the most experienced, highly skilled, and well-rounded martial artists in the country. Mr. Cucci holds a Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Pedro Sauer. His competition record includes a gold medal at the 1999 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is certified as a senior instructor in Thai Boxing under Ajarn Chai Sirisute, president of the Thai Boxing Association of the United States. Mr. Cucci also holds full instructor certifications in both Kali (stick and knife fighting) and Jeet Kune Do (art of fighting created by Bruce Lee) under the legendary Dan Inosanto.

Nestor Bayot

Nestor Bayot began his training at LINXX in 1996 and today is widely recognized for his technical expertise and effectiveness as an instructor. Nestor holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and his understanding of the art is second only to his experience as a competitor. He also holds a Black Belt in Muay Thai under the LINXX Academy and is a certified instructor under the Thai Boxing Association of the United States. His competition experience includes the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Nestor was also a representative for Team USA vs. Brazil in 2004 and 2005.

Scott Turner

Scott Turner began training with LINXX in 1994 and he currently holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. He also holds a Black Belt in Muay Thai under the LINXX Academy and is a certified instructor under the Thai Boxing Association of the United States. Scott has competed at various events and is a four-time winner of the Virginia Free Fighting Championships and a silver medalist in the 2002 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships. He studies Kali and Jeet Kune Do as well.

Brett Thompson

Brett Thompson began his training with LINXX in 1997 and he currently holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. He was an All-American high school wrestler, and was ranked among the top-10 wrestlers in the nation. Brett received a full scholarship to Virginia Military Institute where he continued to wrestle at the Division 1 level. Brett’s wrestling background, along with his great determination and natural ability, contributes to his unprecedented level of skill and technical expertise in Jiu-Jitsu. Brett has competed in various Jiu-Jitsu tournaments including the 2003 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

George Hornyak

George Hornyak has been studying Jiu-Jitsu at LINXX since 1998 and currently holds a Black Belt. He began studying Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 34, and has trained consistently ever since, never letting injuries or other obstacles prevent him from attending classes. Prior to his Jiu-Jitsu training, George competed in power-lifing, winning numerous state titles and qualifying for nationals.

Oliver Esteban

Oliver Esteban began training at LINXX in 1996. In 1998, he relocated to California for school. During that time, he trained under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Rick Lucero and UFC Veteran Joe Moreira. Since his return to Virginia, Oliver has obtained the rank of Black Belt under Pedro Sauer. He has competed in various local and regional Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, including the 2009 Dominion Grappling Championships.

Ari Miller

Ari Miller is currently ranked as a Judo Black Belt Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt). He has competed and placed in many nationally ranked Judo tournaments, and has represented the USA in several international Judo tournaments. Ari was the 1997 Pan American Sambo Champion as well as the 1997 American Sambo National Champion. He is also a National Judo Coach certified under USA Judo. Prior to his martial arts career, Ari was a seasoned wrestler and competed at the collegiate level while attending the University of Oklahoma.

James Gamble

James Gamble has been training at LINXX since 2003 and currently holds a Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. James’ hard work, dedication, and attention to detail have made him a technical student and effective instructor. He has competed in numerous local, regional, and national tournaments, including the 2004 Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships. James has won one gold medal and two silver medals in Grapplers Quest tournaments as well as one gold medal in a North American Grappling Association tournament. James is currently a Warrant Officer in the Navy.