Phil Ryan Cardella

Phil Cardella is a dedicated martial artist and seasoned veteran in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Born on July 9, 1976, in South Houston, Phil began his martial arts journey at the age of 12 under Master Chad Glisson, achieving ranks in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. Master Glisson exposed Phil to various martial arts disciplines, including Shodo Kan Karate, Akido, Ryku Kenpo, Dillman theory pressure points, small circle Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, Jeet Kun Do, Kali, and Judo.

Phil's formal training in Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu began at the Aiea association under Sam Mahi, Chris & Mike Onzuka, and their assistant instructors. While serving as an assault amphibious vehicle crewman in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 1998, Phil competed extensively and became a champion on Master Relson's competition team starting in 1996.

Phil has fought in numerous prestigious arenas, including Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the Honolulu Convention Center, and open weight tournaments in Las Vegas. With over 13 years in MMA competition, Phil has secured several victories by first-round submission. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Relson Gracie, a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, and a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido.

A pioneer for the Relson Gracie Team, Phil was the first American fighter to represent the team in MMA competition. He has also coached fighters to victory in the UFC, StrikeForce, WEC, and GFC. Phil retired from active competition in 2011 and moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where he founded Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Florida. He continues to lead and teach at his academy, fostering a community of skilled martial artists.

Phil has contributed to training various branches of the U.S. Military in hand-to-hand combatives using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a coach, he has guided numerous professional MMA fighters, including UFC contender Kamal Shalorus, Strikeforce title contender Tim Kennedy, former UFC star Roger Huerta, and Bellator fighter Chris Spicer.

Despite a 0-2 record in the WEC, Phil gained admiration for his fight against Danny Castillo, where he became the first WEC fighter to win more than one round on a judge's scorecard purely by using an offensive guard. His contributions to martial arts and his community continue to inspire and elevate the standards of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.

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Steve Hordinski

Steve Hordinski has the profound privilege of offering and sharing the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art he firmly believes everyone should experience for its transformational impact on life.

Steve began his martial arts journey decades ago, starting with Kenpo Karate, where he earned his Black Belt. His path took a significant turn when he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Deep Sea Navy Diver. It was during this time that he first encountered Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, introduced by Relson Gracie Black Belt, Phil Cardella. This exposure changed his life forever.

Stationed in Hawaii, Steve was fortunate to train directly under Grandmaster Relson Gracie, the son of the founder Grandmaster Helio Gracie, and brother of UFC legend Master Royce Gracie. Training with Relson Gracie was an unparalleled experience, learning Jiu-Jitsu straight from the source. This opportunity, often described as “water is always purest closest to the source,” was a privilege that profoundly shaped his martial arts journey.

Steve earned his Black Belt from Grandmaster Relson Gracie and currently holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. His specialization lies in self-defense-based Jiu-Jitsu, with a strong emphasis on takedowns and striking. Over the years, he has taught seminars across the country, promoted individuals to Black Belts, and formed an affiliation of academies nationwide. His experience also includes teaching for the United States Army, private security contractors, and police, as well as supporting disabled veterans through a non-profit organization.

Primarily exposed to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Steve’s approach is simple yet effective. His teaching style has evolved into a concept-based methodology, allowing students to see immediate, noticeable results. With over 22 years of training, including 11 years as a competitor and 9 years as a head instructor and academy owner, his goal is to impact students' games and support them on their journeys.

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