About Monarch
What We're All About
At Monarch Academy, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts, fostering a strong sense of community, and promoting personal growth. Our focus is on building confidence, discipline, and resilience, helping students improve both on and off the mats and reach their full potential in all aspects of life.
We desire to help our students become unburdened by life’s daily stresses and unleash their inner greatness. We call this the Monarch Mentality.
Our Mission
To deliver the best martial arts experience possible while empowering our students to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter, we are committed to your growth, discipline, and success.
Our Core Values
- Faith
- Integrity
- Discipline
- Courage
- Perseverance
- Humility
- Respect
Who We Are
Monarch Jiu Jitsu Academy San Antonio
Led by a team of experienced martial arts professionals, Monarch has a passion to see our students develop the Monarch Mentality which brings a Kingdom mindset to the individual student. Monarch is about personal growth, creating community, and showing compassion.
We are excited for this next season and we invite you to join us and build a disciplined foundation in your life through our classes.
- Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- Wrestling
- Kids' Jiu Jitsu
- Kids' Kickboxing
- Kids' Wrestling
Meet The Team
Andrezo Ramos
Head Jiu Jitsu Coach
Andrezo Ramos is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor with 17 years of experience on the mat. He brings a deep understanding of fundamentals, pressure-based technique, and real-world applicability to every class he teaches. Andrezo emphasizes disciplined movement, positional control, and intelligent decision-making, breaking down complex techniques into simple, repeatable steps that students of all levels can understand and apply.
As an instructor, Andrezo is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and technical efficiency—whether they are stepping on the mats for the first time or refining advanced skills. He fosters a supportive, high-accountability training environment where safety, respect, and continuous improvement are core values. Andrezo’s goal is to help every student develop strong fundamentals while discovering their own style within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Angel Soto is a dedicated Muay Thai kickboxing instructor known for his technical precision, disciplined mindset, and passion for developing strong, confident fighters.
With a deep respect for the art of eight limbs, Angel blends traditional Muay Thai fundamentals with modern striking strategies to help students sharpen their skills and build real-world confidence.
Whether training beginners or seasoned athletes, he emphasizes proper technique, conditioning, ring 1Q, and mental toughness. Angel believes martial arts is more than just fighting — it’s about discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
In every class, he brings intensity, structure, and motivation, creating an environment where students are pushed to level up physically and mentally.
Angel Soto
Head May Thai Coach
BRYANT ELLIS
Wrestling Coach
Coach Bryant Ellis brings a rare combination of combat-tested discipline, world-class experience, and lifelong athletic mastery to every athlete he trains. A wrestler since childhood, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner since seventeen, and a strength and conditioning student since his early teens, Bryant built his foundation long before he ever stepped onto a battlefield or into a coaching role.
Bryant served in the U.S. Army Infantry before moving into specialized units and the intelligence and counter-terrorism community. He became one of the original members of Blackwater, spending over a decade deployed across the world from 2002 to 2014—operating in war-torn regions, leading high-risk missions, and protecting high-value diplomats. As a Federal Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service, he directed executive protection programs and managed teams operating under extreme pressure.
Since returning home, Coach Ellis has committed himself to developing wrestlers, BJJ athletes, and young competitors through a coaching style defined by discipline, technical precision, and mission-driven leadership. His philosophy is simple and uncompromising: “Show me through your actions, not your words.”
Coach Tony Hernandez is a veteran coach with over 25 years of experience developing athletes across football and combat sports. He made history as the inaugural head coach of the San Antonio Gunslingers, leading the launch of the city’s professional arena football franchise and setting the foundation for the organization’s culture, discipline, and competitive identity.
Beyond football, Coach Hernandez has built a strong reputation in mixed martial arts, coaching both amateur and professional fighters. His coaching philosophy blends toughness, accountability, and smart preparation, emphasizing physical conditioning, mental resilience, and relentless work ethic.
Known for his ability to connect with athletes and bring out their best, Coach Hernandez has spent decades shaping competitors not just to win games and fights, but to develop confidence, leadership, and discipline that carry beyond the arena.
Tony Hernandez
Kids May Thai Coach
Andrew Manzano
Monarch Manager
Andrew Manzano is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over six years of dedicated training. He began his journey wanting to learn how to defend himself, but what started as self-defense quickly became a passion. Andrew fell in love with the challenge the art demands — the pressure, the problem-solving, and the constant opportunity to grow. For him, Jiu-Jitsu became a test of how far he could push himself mentally and physically.
As a coach, Andrew is highly detail-oriented and principle-driven. Rather than having students simply memorize techniques, he focuses on teaching the underlying principles behind positions, pins, and transitions. His goal is to help students understand how Jiu-Jitsu works so they can think for themselves on the mats instead of just repeating movements. He believes that when students understand the “why,” their growth accelerates.
While he enjoys coaching all levels, Andrew primarily works with beginners and finds the greatest fulfillment in seeing progress — especially the moment when something finally clicks. Watching students gain confidence and realize what they are capable of is what motivates him daily.