Marlton
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Cherry Hill & Collingswood.
"Ever since I can remember martial arts has played a big part in my life. At six years old I was enrolled in Tae Kwon Do. I achieved the rank of second degree black belt and was 3x state champion and 2x junior Olympic world champion. From there I moved onto other martial arts such as Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu."
— Tony Lascola
Professor Tony Lascola is a talented and technical black belt under Professor Pete McHugh, teaching world-class lessons in both the Adult BJJ and Junior Sharks programs. His martial arts journey started at six years old in Tae Kwon Do, where he achieved the rank of second degree black belt, became a 3x state champion, and 2x junior Olympic world champion. From there he pursued Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, MMA, and ultimately Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
"Keep moving, never stop. Find that thing, grab it with both hands, and get after it."
— Professor Peachy
Professor Peter "Peachy" Lingesso is a first-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Pete McHugh, teaching both the Adult BJJ and Junior Sharks programs. He came back to Jiu Jitsu at 43 after many years away and never looked back. He is passionate about teaching students of every age and experience level, using Jiu Jitsu to build confidence, resilience, and discipline that carry well beyond the mats.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Professor Peachy also serves as the Northeast Coordinator for the We Defy Foundation, a nonprofit that helps veterans heal, reconnect, and rebuild through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and community.
He has competed at the local level, in IBJJF tournaments, including a Masters division win at the New York Open, and in Fight to Win superfights. Drawing on that experience, he leads the academy's competition classes and helps students prepare for major tournaments.
"I love Jiu Jitsu, and this tribe is about so much more to me. I get to spend time with the best humans at the best part of their days, and I couldn't be more honored to share that time with them. My wife and kids train alongside me. There's nowhere else I'd rather raise my children, and no other tribe I'd rather have helping me raise them."
— Zach Ellis
Coach Zach has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for nine years and leads McHugh BJJ's 6:00 AM Adult Program while also instructing in the Junior Sharks Level 2 program.
His passion for Jiu Jitsu began in the United States Navy, where he served as a rescue swimmer and trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA in San Diego and across multiple deployments around the world. Even at sea he never stopped training. If there was someone to roll with, Zach found a way.
After returning to New Jersey, he joined McHugh BJJ in 2022. At one of his first belt promotions, he heard Professor Pete speak about doing something that sets your soul on fire. The next day, Zach told his Master Chief he would not be reenlisting. He left the Navy and devoted himself to becoming a McHugh BJJ instructor.
"My interest in Jiu Jitsu began with watching the UFC. My favorite fighter when I started was BJ Penn, and a big part of his autobiography was about how much Jiu Jitsu had done for him. As a high school wrestler, the transition made perfect sense. Walking into the original location on Saturday, September 14th, 2019 was one of the best decisions of my life. Remember to always govern yourselves accordingly."
— "RC" Pellot
Coach Jonathan "RC" Pellot grew up a huge martial arts movie fan, spending countless summers renting old Jackie Chan movies from Blockbuster to watch with his cousins in Puerto Rico. In high school, a friend introduced him to wrestling, and he competed for two years. In college he discovered the UFC and became fascinated with the exchanges on the ground. He knew that one day he would have to find a way to learn Jiu Jitsu.
Convinced by his now-wife to finally walk into the original McHugh BJJ location, he signed up on the spot and began his Jiu Jitsu journey. A few years in, he felt a calling to start helping out on the mats. From showing up to assist during class, to assistant coach, to full coach, RC hopes to bring as many people along on this journey as possible. He likes to recite the movie line, "I have served, I will be of service."
Cherry Hill
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Marlton & Collingswood.
Professor Russ brings a rare combination of professional teaching experience and deep martial arts expertise to the mat. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with local and regional competition experience, has served as an ADCC Open judge, and holds a black belt in Isshinryu karate.
Before opening the academy, he spent years as a high school business teacher, working with diverse student populations including students with special needs, and earning advanced certifications. As a purple belt he began teaching afternoon fundamental classes, and over time grew into his role as an instructor — teaching kids and adult classes at fundamental, intermediate, and advanced levels, and coordinating competition prep.
He's first-hand proof of what happens when the Jiu Jitsu transformation takes over: real confidence, a healthier body, improved focus, discipline, and resilience that carries into everyday life. His classes are safe, structured, and accessible, especially for those new to training.
Chris Callan has been a fixture of the Cherry Hill community for decades — a resident for 27 years, and a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department for 25, serving as Fire Chief for five before retiring in 2023.
Affectionately known as "Chief" by his peers and students, he earned his purple belt in 2024 and began giving back by assisting Professor James and Battle in Collingswood before helping open our Cherry Hill academy that same year. Chief earned his black gi and recognition as a certified McHugh BJJ instructor in the summer of 2025, and leads our Tiny Sharks program.
Collingswood
"I'm a firm believer in the adage 'people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.' I embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly, and I think it's apparent in everything we do at the academy."
— Peter McHugh
Professor Pete McHugh — owner and lead instructor — received his black belt from Professor Ricardo Almeida in December of 2013. As a full-time instructor at RABJJ headquarters for over 6 years, Professor Pete built one of the largest kids' Jiu Jitsu programs in the country. Since 2014, McHugh BJJ has grown into one of the largest Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.
During his speech at Pete's black belt ceremony, his teacher Ricardo said that he wasn't sure how, but that he was certain Pete would go on to make Jiu Jitsu accessible to those for whom it was once exclusive — that he'd find a way to encourage and enable more people to benefit from Jiu Jitsu. That's what Professor Pete has dedicated his life to.
Professor Pete also teaches at Marlton & Cherry Hill.
Coach James is a brown belt under Professor Pete McHugh, and has been teaching both kids and adult classes at our Collingswood academy since 2020.
John Battle is a first-degree black belt and a seasoned competitor with over a decade of experience on the mats.
Coach Kelly is a Collingswood resident who, along with his two kids, has been training with us since 2021.
Christian started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after college when a few of his friends began training. Looking for a new hobby, he decided to give it a try. What started as something fun to do with friends quickly became a passion.
He eventually began competing because he missed the competitive side of sports and wanted a new challenge. Since then, Jiu Jitsu has helped Christian lose weight, become healthier, and build discipline, confidence, and a stronger mindset. Competing continues to push him outside his comfort zone, and he's excited to keep growing on and off the mats.
Mount Laurel
"I told my wife I'd try it out once or twice a week for a month and see how it goes. Well, here I am!"
— John Kyrtatas
I was at a point in my life where I was overweight and very out of shape — about 40 pounds heavier — and, to be honest, very grumpy. I was just going through the motions.
I don't know what it was that pulled me into the academy, but one day I stopped in. I told my wife I'd try it out once or twice a week for a month and see how it goes. Well, here I am! Very happy, healthy, more excited, and better at every facet of my life.
I wanted to get into teaching not only as a way to give back to the academy and to Jiu Jitsu, but also to help people find what Jiu Jitsu has given me.
"A rising tide lifts all boats."
— Coach Kenny
I started training Jiu Jitsu because of the physical and mental challenge, but what truly captivated me was the unexpected sense of community. From my first class, I was drawn to the growth and camaraderie Jiu Jitsu fosters.
Jiu Jitsu has had a profound impact on me, teaching me valuable life lessons and helping me grow in many ways. What motivates me most as an instructor is helping my teammates learn and grow. I firmly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and seeing everyone improve together is what drives me.
My goal is to share the benefits of Jiu Jitsu with others — helping them experience overall wellness and personal growth, just as Jiu Jitsu has done for me.