Robbie Boyle - MMA Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Steve Polidoro - RMA Instructor
Steve has been training in Small Circle Jujitsu at Defensive Edge for over twenty years. His dedication to the art and his students shines through every class he teaches, where he focuses on practical application and personal growth. Outside of the dojo, Steve serves as the lead teacher of the Auto Collision Department at Whittier Regional Vocational School, bringing the same patience and clarity from the classroom into his martial arts instruction. He is passionate about sharing his love for jujitsu with others and helping students develop both skill and confidence.
- 4th Degree Black Belt in Small Circle Jujitsu
- 3rd Degree Black Belt in Castoldi’s Street Defense
John Cardone - RMA Instructor
John has been studying martial arts for over 20 years, beginning his training at the original school on Albion Street under Sensei Larry Ruisi and Sensei Rick Alford. His long-term dedication reflects his commitment to growth and mastery both on and off the mats.
Outside of martial arts, John has built a successful career in the financial sector, where his analytical skills and calm, methodical approach have earned the trust of clients and colleagues. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, finding balance, clarity, and inspiration in nature. Whether in the boardroom or on the mat, John is guided by a pursuit of excellence and continuous self-improvement.
- 4th Degree Black Belt in Small Circle Jujitsu under Sensei Larry Ruisi
- 3rd Degree Black Belt under Professor Dave Castoldi
Pat Irwin - Muay Thai Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Chris "Vice" Mooney - Muay Thai Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Noah Sweeney - Jr. Youth Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Mike Bulger - Boxing Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Tyler Lopinsky - Muay Thai Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Anthony Tedesco - Muay Thai Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Phil Colangelo - Muay Thai Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Molly Passerini - FightFit Instructor
Employee Bio coming soon!
Erica Garland - FightFit Instructor
Erica has been working as in the fitness industry since 2014. After discovering a love of movement and exercise she was motivated to change not only her lifestyle, but eventually her career. Erica began her journey as a group fitness instructor here at Defensive Edge, teaching strength & conditioning and HIIT style classes. Over time her love for this industry only grew and she added certifications in yoga, personal training, and nutrition. When not coaching, you’ll likely find her enjoying time outdoors, hiking, running, traveling, and petting ALL the dogs.
- ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher
- NASM Certified Nutrition Coach
- Wilderness First Aid Certified
- NH48 (Completed 2024)
With over a decade of martial arts training, Logan brings both experience and enthusiasm to the mat. After earning the Student of the Year award in 2023, he transitioned into a teaching role, helping students understand techniques and occasionally leading classes. Known for his fun and positive attitude, he strives to make training both educational and enjoyable, especially for younger students. Outside the academy, Logan is a drummer in an alternative metal band that performs at various venues throughout the Middlesex area.
- Black Belt in Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ
- Yellow Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Josh Johnson
- 2023 Defensive Edge Student of the Year
Andrew Mac - Office Administrator
Mac has been training in martial arts for over a decade, beginning his journey at age 11. With a strong foundation in Kempo Karate, Mac brings structure and purpose to not only his martial arts, but his work at our front desk. As the Office Administrator, he prioritizes a clean, efficient, and welcoming environment, ensuring both students and families feel supported from the moment they walk in.
Outside the gym, Mac holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Merrimack College, where he served as Vice President of the Pi Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honors Society. As an award-winning MMA journalist covering the New England fight scene for Trial by Combat, MMA Island, and FiteHaus Media, Mac brings a well-rounded perspective to the combat sports world.
- 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) in Shaolin Kempo Karate
- Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Josh Johnson
- Blue Belt in Japanese Jujutsu
- 6x Gold Medalist with 18 total podium placements in Karate
- 2x Gold Medalist with 6 total podium placements in Grappling & BJJ
- Zodiac Combat Sports 2023 Kumite Champion
- Cage Titans 2023 Media Member of the Year
Max Casa – Muay Thai Guest Coach
- Blackbelt 2nd Degree Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Shihan Rick Alford
- Blackbelt 1st Degree Joe Lewis Fighting Systems
- Brown Belt iCAT RMA Under Walt Lysak & Richard Ryan & Rick Alford
- Level I iCAT Instructor Certified
- Muay Thai Level V Certified Kru Under Kru Ciano Delucia
- Blue Belt BJJ Under Josh Johnson
Calvin Dalton – Wrestling Coach (summer)
- MMA Fighter
- #10th ranked Cage Titans Amateur Pound-for-Pound Fighter (August 2025)
- 2-Time MIAA Wrestling State Champion
- Former Division 1 Wrestler at Bucknell
Ciano DeLucia – Muay Thai Head Coach
- Over 30 Years Muay Thai Experience, 33 in Martial Arts
- Trained at Fairtex, Revere MA
- Trained under Jongsanan Fairtex
- Trained Under Master Toddy
- Trained Under Ajarn Apidae (Fairtex)
- Professional Record of 6-2
- 4th Degree Blackbelt in Shotokan Karate
George Demers – Youth Instructor
- Kickboxer
- Professional MMA Fighter
- Trained in Kenpo Karate and Kickboxing since age 10
- 5-time NAGA Champion
- 5-time Hybrid Fighting Alliance Champion
- Fastest knockout in Ammo Fight League history (30 seconds/ Welterweight)
Elias Diaz – Youth Instructor
- Level III Muay Thai
- 3-Time Grappling Industries Champion
- Blue Belt BJJ Under Josh Johnson
- MMA Fighter
Jake Stats – Head Youth Instructor & General Manager
- 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) in Kempo Karate
- Purple Belt BJJ Under Josh Johnson
- Multiple tournament wins and medals in Karate and BJJ
- MMA Fighter
Mikey Titus – Head Youth Instructor
- Black Belt Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Josh Johnson
- Purple Belt BJJ Under Josh Johnson
- Jiu Jitsu World League Champion
- Two-Time NEC/Cal Wrestling Champion
Dana Sharpton – NO-GI Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Dana is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, earning his rank in just four and a half years through relentless dedication. As an active competitor, Dana brings a competition-tested approach to every class, specializing in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. His goal is to equip students with techniques that not only work in theory but hold up at the highest levels of competition.
With a focus on conceptual learning, Dana emphasizes understanding the “why” behind each position and movement, helping students of all levels progress quickly and effectively. He continually studies the newest systems in Jiu-Jitsu to keep the program current with the evolving landscape of the sport, ensuring no student gets left behind.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
- Active regional and national competitor
- Wins at IGC Invitational, Enigma Invitational, and Zichelle Invitational
- Winner at SOGI Invitational
- Winner at RCS Grappling
- Multiple-time Advanced Division Winner – Grappling Industries
- Multiple-time Winner – Good Fight
Sensei Larry Ruisi – Head Instructor Small Circle Jujitsu
- 7th Degree Blackbelt Castoldi’s Street Jujitsu under Professor Dave Castoldi
- 4th Degree Blackbelt Small Circle Jujitsu under Soke Ed Melaugh
- Studied White Crane & Long Fist Kung Fu Under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (5 Years)
- 1st Degree Blackbelt in Chung Moo Quan
- Tribal Leader Level II under Guru Michael Williams
Michelle Marques – Women’s BJJ Classes
Michelle is a lifelong martial artist and dedicated coach with a professional background both on the mats and in the classroom. A former professional judo athlete, she brings decades of experience and high-level competition to her coaching. She also has experience in amateur MMA, which adds a versatile and practical edge to her skill set.
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, where she developed a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and athletic performance to better support the needs of her students. Her passion lies not only in competition but in teaching—she is especially dedicated to working with women and children, creating a supportive and empowering environment where students can build confidence, discipline, and skill.
- Black Belt in Judo & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Jiu-Jitsu World Champion (Gi & No-Gi), Pan-American Champion (Gi & No-Gi), Brazilian Nationals Champion, South American Champion, and multiple-time World medalist
- Former Professional Judo Athlete
- Amateur MMA Fighter (2-1 record)
- 22 years of grappling experience
Fernanda Araujo – Women’s Classes/ MMA Fight Camps
- Black Belt 2nd Degree Judo and Pro Athlete (4x Regional National Champion, 7x Brazilian National Medalist, Quebec Open Champion)
- Black Belt Defensive Edge Under Shihan Rick Alford
- Black Belt Shotokan Karate (3rd at World Championships, 4x National Champion)
- Brown Belt BJJ (2x Pan-Am Gi Champion, 2nd place No-Gi Pan-Am, 3x 2nd place Gi World Championship, 2x 2nd place No-Gi World Championship, 3rd place open class No-Gi World Championship)
- Pro MMA Fighter (12 Amateur Fights and U.S. National Champion, 7 Professional Fights)
- Pro Boxer (7 Amateur Fights, 2 Professional Fights)
Brandon Montella – Boxing Head Coach
Brandon Montella is a former U.S. Marine who has always pushed himself to new limits, both physically and mentally. During his time in the Marine Corps, he rose quickly through the ranks, earning the title of Sergeant in under three years. His experience instilled discipline, resilience, and the belief that “every goal has a way,” values that have guided him ever since.
After leaving the military, Brandon pursued a successful corporate career but felt called to serve others through fitness and challenge himself once again. At the age of 31, he became an ACE-certified personal trainer and took up boxing, proving his philosophy by winning three tournaments, including the New England Golden Gloves, within his first year of training. He went on to compete professionally, retiring undefeated with a 9-0 record and 8 knockouts.
Beyond competition, Brandon has dedicated himself to coaching, running a boxing gym with his wife for over a decade while training athletes of all levels, from charity fighters to Golden Gloves champions to professionals competing on major promotions. He also finds passion in obstacle course racing, ultra running, and mentoring athletes and community members alike through their toughest challenges.
Brandon is a committed husband, father, and leader in his community. He is the Executive Director of Mission Ready, a nonprofit supporting youth and veterans, and continues to live by his motto: “Together we are limitless.”
- U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant (served until 2003)
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer (since 2010)
- New England Golden Gloves Champion in first year of competition
- Retired Professional Boxer (9-0, 8 KOs)
- Over 10 years of coaching experience, training Golden Gloves champions, charity fighters, and professional boxers (including titleholders)
- Founder & Executive Director of Mission Ready, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting at-risk youth and veterans
- Completed a 100-mile ultramarathon in 2022 to raise funds for Mission Ready
- Inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in 2021 for community dedication
- Advocate for building confidence, resilience, and personal growth through boxing and fitness
Dave Lyons – Muay Thai Head Coach
- Blackbelt 3rd Degree Defensive Edge RMA/SCJ under Shihan Rick Alford
- Muay Thai Level V under Kru Ciano Delucia
- Amateur Muay Thai Fighter
- 2024 US MTO Champion
Sensei Josh Johnson – Owner and Head Instructor
Josh has been training in martial arts for over 25 years. He began his journey at Defensive Edge, originally Lynnfield Martial Arts, studying Small Circle Jujitsu under Rick Alford. He later transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Andre “Dedeco” Almeida and Muay Thai under Luciano Delucia. After several years competing in MMA, Josh shifted his focus to coaching and cornering up-and-coming fighters. Today, he serves as the head coach of the F5 Fight Team and leads both the youth and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs at Defensive Edge under Team Forsa.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (1st Degree)
- Defensive Edge Black Belt (4th Degree)
- Small Circle Jujitsu Black Belt (2nd Degree)
- Muay Thai Level V Certified (Kru)
- Former MMA Fighter
- Active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competitor
Master Rick Alford – Founder of Defensive Edge
- Founded Defensive Edge Martial Arts 1999
- Black Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Andre “Dedeco” Almeida
- 5th Degree Black Belt Lysak’s Sento Method under Walt Lysak Jr.
- 6th Degree Black Belt Castoldi’s Street Jujitsu under Professor David Castoldi
- 4th Degree iCAT Reality Martial Arts Under Richard Ryan and Walt Lysak Jr.
- 3rd Degree Black Belt Small Circle Jujitsu under Soke Ed Melaugh
- 2nd Degree Black Belt Joe Lewis Fighting Systems under Grand Master Joe Lewis
- Muay Thai Level III under Ciano Delucia
- Tribal Leader Level II under Guru Michael Williams
- Studied White Crane & Long Fist Kung Fu under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (1990-1994)
- 1st Degree Black Belt Chung Moo Quan
- Training Judo Privately with Olympian Rick Hawn
- iCAT RMA National Director
- iCAT RMA Certified Level V Pro-Coach
- iCAT Team Elite & Masters Alliance Member
- Certified in F.I.G.H.T. (Fierce Israeli Guerrilla Hand-to-Hand Tactics)
- NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
- NRA Certified Home Safety Instructor
- NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor
- Mass State Police Licensed LTC Firearm Safety Course Instructor
- NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
- Team Captain Wrestling CRLS (1986)
- MVP Wrestling CRLS (1986)
- Licensed MMA Trainer – Massachusetts, RI, NH, ME, CT, AL, FL,
- Former E.M.T. (15 Years)
- Former Emergency Communications Operator City of Cambridge, MA (Police, Fire, EMS)
- Featured Martial Arts Instructor on Lifetime TV’s “Teen Trouble” Hosted by Josh Shipp (January, 2013)
- Featured on Radio Disney (November, 2012)