Meet our Assistant Coaches

Having our assistant instructors at Harbor Jiu Jitsu adds tremendous value—not just for the gym’s operations, but more importantly, for the members’ growth and overall experience. Assistant instructors help maintain a strong student-to-coach ratio, ensuring more personalized attention, faster progress, and better technique development. They reinforce our head instructor’s teaching philosophy, offer different perspectives, and help foster a welcoming and supportive training environment.


  • Assistant Instructor

    Nick is a Jiu Jitsu purple belt with over five years of training at Harbor Jiu Jitsu. With a strong background in wrestling from Egg Harbor Township High School and the Rutgers University club team, Nick has successfully competed in events like NAGA and the ADCC Open, earning multiple medals. While known for his competitive spirit, he’s equally passionate about teaching and mentoring others. Nick shares his knowledge with both adult teammates and the kids program, helping students grow on and off the mats. He currently teaches the No-Gi Basics class on Wednesday nights.

Two men in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gis standing on a mat in a gym, smiling and making shaka signs. They are wearing purple belts, indicating intermediate level, and appear to have just finished a training session.

  • Assistant Instructor

    Jairo Prado, Jr. has been with Harbor Jiu Jitsu since day one, training under head coach Albruce Touaev since the academy’s founding in 2019. A dedicated original member, Jairo has grown into a respected purple belt with over six years of experience on the mats.

    Known for his positive energy and welcoming demeanor, Jairo goes out of his way to ensure every new student feels at home from their very first class. He views Jiu Jitsu as “chess with people,” appreciating the mental challenge it brings and the life skills it develops—such as problem-solving, adaptability, and confidence under pressure.

    Jairo takes pride in helping beginners build a strong foundation while also supporting long-term members in their growth, promoting longevity and enjoyment in training. His passion for the sport and commitment to community make him an invaluable part of Harbor Jiu Jitsu both on and off the mats.

Two men practicing Muay Thai in a gym, one executing a high kick towards the other, who is in a defensive stance, with several people exercising in the background.

  • Assistant Instructor

    Earl Jones Jr. is a dedicated assistant instructor with over five years of experience in training, teaching, and competing. He began his martial arts journey in Mount Vernon, New York under former Glory Kickboxing champion Elvis Gashi and Peter Simone, developing a strong foundation in kickboxing. Earl has competed in several regional events, gaining valuable insight as both a student and competitor. Now training and teaching at Harbor Jiu Jitsu, Earl shares his passion by coaching kids classes and teaching MMA fundamentals. He takes pride in helping students build confidence, master the basics, and grow through discipline and challenge.