Professors
And Coaches
Every instructor at RGA Frisco teaches within the Roger Gracie lineage: technical, patient, fundamentals-first.
with Professor Roger Gracie (Right)
Professor
Alex Faria
Professor Alex Faria is a Roger Gracie Black Belt. Handpicked by Roger to run his Academy, Alex was Roger's personal training partner for many years. At Roger Gracie Academy, Alex trained with UFC & World Champions such as Georges St-Pierre, Braulio Estima, Fabio Gurgel, Clark Gracie and many more greats. In 2015 he was ranked amongst the top 10 IBJJF competitors worldwide.
Alex began his study of BJJ in Brazil in 1992 under legendary black belt Zé Beleza, then trained 8 years under Roger Gracie at RGA HQ in London — with the added privilege of training under Roger's father, one of the "Famous Five" legendary Rolls Gracie black belts.
Professor
Rita Hicks
With over 20 years of experience in fitness and movement, Rita Hicks is a highly skilled personal trainer specializing in functional training, corrective exercises, Pain-Free Performance, Classical Pilates, and Adaptive Training. Her journey as a trainer began in 2004, driven by a deep passion for movement and helping others reach their full potential.
Rita holds an extensive list of certifications from Romana's Pilates, NASM, the Cooper Institute, and multiple adaptive training and Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC) certifications. She has been volunteering with the Adaptive Training Foundation since 2015, integrating adaptive training principles into her work with athletes of all abilities.
A dedicated martial artist, Rita earned her black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under 5th-degree black belt Antonio Cicconi. In 2024, she became an IBJJF Master Worlds Champion as a black belt.
Professor
Travis Johnson
Professor Travis Johnson began his journey in the art alongside Alex Faria in 2015. Not only does Travis excel on the mats, but he also balances the roles of a devoted father to triplets and an enthusiastic hunter. With roots firmly planted in the revered Roger Gracie lineage, Travis embodies the principles of resilience and skill that define the art of Jiu Jitsu. He received his black belt in 2024 from Alex Faria, with Roger Gracie in attendance.
At the helm of the 6AM classes, Travis imparts his knowledge and expertise, and shares the responsibilities of teaching the younger practitioners alongside the academy staff. His presence on the mat is truly invaluable.
Professor
Marc Botindari
With over four decades dedicated to the sport of wrestling, Professor Marc has built an impressive competitive and coaching legacy: 250 matches with a 193–47 record, Missouri State Medalist, Collegiate All-American, and coach of multiple Missouri State Champions, Medalists, and Collegiate All-Americans.
Expanding his expertise into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over 20 years ago, Professor Marc earned his black belt in 2019 under Professor Alex Faria. His BJJ highlights include nearly 100 matches, Purple Belt Masters Gi Worlds Champion, Brown Belt Masters No-Gi Worlds Champion, Black Belt Masters No-Gi Worlds Runner-Up, Black Belt Masters American Nationals Gi Champion, and 2x Black Belt Masters Pan No-Gi Champion.
Professor Marc's lifelong dedication to combat sports reflects not only his competitive success but also his impact as a mentor and coach.
Coach
Blade Steelman
Coach Blade Steelman helps Professor Alex Faria lead the kids program at Roger Gracie Academy Frisco, bringing a coaching background that began with youth baseball and later expanded into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Blade is also an experienced wrestler. He brings that wrestling knowledge into the BJJ curriculum where it strengthens students' takedowns, balance, base, hand fighting, positional awareness, and confidence during transitions between standing and ground positions.
He helps young students become more coachable, disciplined, resilient, and confident while learning how to be good training partners and teammates.