Founder & DIRECTOR OF MARTIAL ARTS OPERATONS
VINI BELIEVES IN LIVING JIU JITSU AS A LIFESTYLE AND HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT SHARING THE BJJ BENEFITS WITH EVERYONE!
PROFESSOR
He has competed in top promotions like Bellator, PFL, and King of the Cage, securing titles in both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. Known for his submission skills, Jason has achieved 8 wins by submission and 7 by knockout. As a Jiu-Jitsu professor at Essence BJJ, Jason is passionate about sharing the art that profoundly impacted his own life. He believes Jiu-Jitsu fosters a healthier lifestyle, builds confidence, and unites people in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.
PROFESSOR
I love being part of a team where people grow together on and off the mats.” Camilo Mejia is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under MMA legend Jake Shields with over 14 years of experience in BJJ and mixed martial arts. A San Francisco native, Camilo is a former Bay Area Combat welterweight champion with a 5-2 combined amateur and professional MMA record. He has competed in countless no-gi tournaments throughout California and remains active on the competition scene today. Outside the gym, Camilo serves as a full-time San Francisco firefighter. He currently teaches at the Walnut Creek and Danville Essence Jiu-Jitsu locations, where he brings intensity, precision, and a deep love for the art to every class.
PROFESSOR
Originally drawn to Jiu Jitsu to fill the gap left by rock climbing and skiing, he soon found it offered profound lessons in personal growth and resilience, fueling a passion that continues today. Brian’s journey has been marked by rich experiences across diverse academies and renowned instructors. Brian spent three formative years living in São Paulo and Indaiatuba, Brazil, training alongside many high-level black belts. Traveling extensively for work and training, Brian earned his belts under esteemed professors Eliot Marshall, Jurandir Vieira Conceição, and Vini Nunes. As a professor at Essence in Walnut Creek, Brian emphasizes consistent, incremental improvement as the path to mastery in both Jiu Jitsu and life. He believes firmly in Jiu Jitsu’s transformative potential, empowering his students to become healthier, stronger, and more resilient individuals. For Brian, the greatest reward comes from witnessing students’ breakthroughs — those moments when understanding sparks lasting change, both on and off the mats. Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Armando Wridt > Ataíde Junior > Vini Nunes > Brian Epstein
ASSISTANT COACH
Not only has it helped me get in better physical condition but it’s also helped with problem solving and remaining calm in stressful situations both on and off the mat. One of the best things about working with kids is not only watching their jiu jitsu skills grow but also their confidence.
ASSISTANT COACH
Jiujitsu has helped me build values that I will always carry, such as discipline and consistency. Training with people from many age ranges, similar to my own or even older, gives me insight into how everyone can improve, not just in one aspect. Training here at Essence Jiujitsu over the years has improved my self-esteem and confidence, as well as taught me humility and control. I was given a chance to help teach our younger classes, and I am proud to do so. I feel a sense of happiness because these kids are eager and willing to improve at jiujitsu, and seeing them apply what we’ve taught during our rolls shows that they are willing to listen. I hope that everyone who trains here at Essence continues to improve, grows as a person overall, and helps further strengthen our community.
ASSISTANT COACH
Jiu jitsu has been amazing to learn and has helped me develop my agility and stamina. I got the great opportunity to help teach jiu jitsu to the younger classes of the gym, and it has helped me work on life skills, as well. Teaching jiu jitsu especially to younger kids has helped me practice patience, and how to communicate more effectively. These kids are very eager to learn jiu jitsu and I enjoy seeing how proud they are when they are able to do the moves we teach effectively. Teaching jiu jitsu has brought me so much pride not only from the kids I help but also for being offered this amazing opportunity to work with people who have great skills, are amazing teachers and overall care greatly for every person who comes to our gym.
