# Adrian Vasquez BJJ > Duarte, United States ## Overview **Name:** Adrian Vasquez BJJ **Description:** Balance Mixed Martial Arts is a premier martial arts academy located in Duarte, California, offering comprehensive training programs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi grappling, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Judo, and Boxing. The academy is led by Professor Adrian Vasquez, a highly accomplished third-degree black belt who received his black belt in December 2013 under Freddy Sabbatini and Team Cia Paulista. In September 2018, Adrian joined Team Alliance under Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, bringing world-class training standards to the Balance MMA community. The academy's coaching staff includes an impressive roster of experienced instructors. Professor Gilbert Ramirez, a fourth-degree black belt with over two decades of dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, trained under renowned figures including the Machado Brothers, Wander Braga, and Rodrigo Medeiros. He also holds a brown belt in Judo and has earned silver medals at major IBJJF competitions. Diana Rogel, a brown belt, specializes in coaching the kids and toddler BJJ programs. The team also includes Coach Steven Hoang (purple belt) for kids BJJ, Micah Giron (brown belt under Craig Turner) for No-Gi, Spencer Augustine (black belt in Judo who competed internationally and at the U.S. National Championships), Malik Cano (youth yellow belt and accomplished competitor), and Andy Bocanegra (2023 Southern California State Champion Boxer) for kickboxing instruction. Balance MMA offers a structured progression system for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, taking practitioners from white belt through black belt with a focus on action/reaction principles and maximum efficiency. The academy provides specialized programs for all ages and skill levels, including Toddler BJJ (ages 3-5), Kids BJJ (ages 6-14), Kids Kickboxing (ages 5-14), adult Gi and No-Gi classes, Muay Thai/Kickboxing, and Judo. With over 1200 square feet of mat space, five heavy bags, and plenty of free parking, Balance MMA provides a professional training environment for students pursuing fitness, competition, or personal development goals. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 1148 E Huntington Dr, Duarte, Ca, United States of America Duarte, MI 91010, United States **Phone:** (626) 540-6171 **Email:** balancebjj84@gmail.com **Website:** https://Balance-mma.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balance_mma_azusa - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049216221336# - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGg4dsE5JRAbbBcIQtWMrxg ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 AM -8:30 PM - Tuesday: 4:00 PM -8:30 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 AM -8:30 PM - Thursday: 4:00 PM -8:30 PM - Friday: 5:00 PM -8:30 PM - Saturday: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM ## Pricing ### Drop-in - Adult: $30/class ## Facilities & Amenities Kickboxing ## Instructors ### Adrian Vasquez - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Adrian Vasquez is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, currently holding a third-degree black belt. He received his black belt in December 2013 under Freddy Sabbatini and Team Cia Paulista, where he trained for 13 years. In September 2018, Adrian joined team Alliance under Rubens 'Cobrinha' Charles. Throughout his Jiu-Jitsu career, he has achieved great success in various regional tournaments and IBJJF competitions. Adrian's love for grappling began in high school where he wrestled for South Pasadena High School, then transitioned to Judo under his former wrestling coach Mike Verdugo and earned his brown belt. After achieving his purple belt in BJJ, Adrian began competing in MMA and reached a top 10 rank in the 155lb class for the California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMMO). ### Andy Bocanegra **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Coach Andy Bocanegra brings years of consistent kickboxing and boxing experience to Balance MMA, with a style heavily influenced by Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, and strong boxing fundamentals. As a certified massage therapist, he integrates recovery, body awareness, and injury prevention into his coaching—helping students build confidence, power, and long-term durability. ### Diana Rogel - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Diana Rogel began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2012 under the tutelage of Freddy Sabbatini. In 2013, as a white belt, she earned a bronze medal in the featherweight division at the Copa Pacifica tournament. In 2019, she switched to training under Adrian Vasquez at Balance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where she competed and earned a silver medal in the light-weight division at the Orange County International Jiu Jitsu Open. In 2022, Diana was promoted to brown belt by Adrian Vasquez. ### Gilbert Ramirez - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Gilbert Ramirez is a 4th-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over two decades of dedication to the art. Throughout his journey, he has had the privilege of training under renowned figures such as the Machado Brothers, Wander Braga, Rodrigo Medeiros, and Alberto Crane. In 2010, he was awarded his black belt by Professor Alexandre Novaes, a protégé of Jorge Pereira, a Rickson Gracie Black Belt. Gilbert also holds a brown belt in Judo, having honed his skills under the guidance of Sensei Tony Mojica. ### Malik Cano - White **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Malik Cano began his martial arts journey at the age of 10, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Adrian Vasquez at Balance MMA. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill, he earned his gray belt at 12 and was promoted to yellow belt in 2024 at the age of 15. He also started wrestling at 13 as part of Northview High School's wrestling program. A true all-rounder, Malik trains in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no-gi grappling, kickboxing, and boxing. ### Micah Giron - Brown **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Micah Giron is a dedicated martial artist who holds a brown belt under the esteemed guidance of Craig Turner, a black belt under Lucas Leite. With 16 years of training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 7 years in MMA, Micah has honed his skills and competed successfully at high levels. ### Spencer Augustine - Blue **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Spencer Augustine is a seasoned martial artist and a black belt in judo. His journey began at just 8 years old under the mentorship of his grandfather, Mel Augustine, at the Hanabi Judo Club in Albany, California. During his college years in Massachusetts, Spencer honed his skills at Tohoku Judo Club and trained under the renowned former Olympic coach Jimmy Pedro. Throughout his career, Spencer has competed on both national and international stages in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, and Morocco. He represented the U.S. as a member of the U21 Pan-American Judo Team in 2012 and 2013, and achieved an impressive 2nd place finish at the 2014 U.S. National Championships. In 2023, Spencer began his Brazilian jiu-jitsu journey under Professor Adrian Vazquez at Balance MMA. ### Steven Hoang - Purple **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Steven Hoang has always had a passion for martial arts. He began his journey as a Varsity Wrestler and later discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in October of 2019. Under the guidance of Professor Adrian Vasquez of Balance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Coach Steven has quickly risen through the ranks and is currently a purple belt. He holds a BA from Cal State Northridge where he uses his education to perform audits and write technical training materials for operations staff. ## Programs ### Toddler BJJ **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Perfect for kids between the ages of 3-5 who are just starting their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. Two 30-minute sessions per week with fun drills and games to help set the foundation for your child's future in BJJ. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for kids ages 6-14 designed to take young students through a five-step process from white belt to green belt. Strong emphasis on discipline, focus, and integrity with practical techniques through high repetition. **Classes:** ### Kids Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Dynamic and engaging class for children aged 5 to 14 combining the best techniques from Muay Thai, Dutch Kickboxing, Boxing, and Freestyle Striking. Improves strength, agility, cardiovascular health, self-discipline, and confidence. **Classes:** ### Gi BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program designed to take you through a five-step promotional process from white belt to black belt. Highly structured with techniques taught, drilled, and put into practice. Focus on action/reaction principles for maximum efficiency. **Classes:** ### No-Gi BJJ / Submission Grappling **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu follows a structured five-step progression from white belt to black belt. Relies on adept utilization of body mechanics and leverage without Gi grips. Focus on fluid control, wrestling techniques and targeted submissions. **Classes:** ### Muay Thai/Kickboxing **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Kickboxing class suitable for all levels teaching proper form and technique for kicks, punches, and knee strikes. Full-body workout incorporating strength training and conditioning exercises set to high-energy music. **Classes:** ### Judo **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** all_ages **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Judo, meaning 'the gentle way,' is a modern martial art and Olympic sport rooted in Japan. Focuses on techniques like throws, pins, and submissions. Emphasizes discipline, respect, and physical fitness while providing self-defense training and confidence building. --- **Last Updated:** March 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/michigan/duarte/adrian-vasquez-bjj)