INSTRUCTORS

Benjamin Salas began formal martial arts study in 1982 while living in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He is an International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF) recognized BJJ under blackbelt Master Carlson Gracie Jr.

 

An internationally recognized instructor, Benjamin has presented courses in modern combatives and classical martial arts on four continents. He holds instructor level grades in White Crane Kung-fu (Black Sash), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (2nd Degree Black Belt), Mande Muda Pencak Silat (Instructor), International Style/Muay Thai Kickboxing (Instructor), Tigerclaw Chinese Kenpo (6th Degree Black Belt), and the Filipino Martial Arts (Guro).

 

A former police officer and law enforcement training specialist, Benjamin is certified to teach many Defensive Tactics and Firearms related skill sets. In addition to his domestic law enforcement experience, Benjamin has provided services internationally, both in the classroom and in the field to numerous municipal, state, and federal agencies including units from Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Pakistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and the United States. These services have included the facilitation of forward based sustainment training and field mentoring of specialized units during real world counter drug operations.

 

A sport martial arts enthusiast, Benjamin is an 18x International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Medalist, a 2X member of the U.S. National WEKAF Stick fighting Team, and a 14X North American Sport Karate National finalist. Over the past 30+ years he has competed in Submission Wrestling, Sport Karate, Hard Contact Kung-fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Vale Tudo, and Full Contact Stick Fighting.

 

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU / GRACIE JIU-JITSU

 

Prof. Benjamin Salas was awarded his Black Belt after 18 years of study by Master Carlson Gracie Jr. Benjamin's rank is recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF). Over the years he has trained from many other outstanding jiu-jitsu instructors including: Olavo Abreu, Geo "Freakahzoid" Martinez, Marcelo "Lapela" Mafra, Lucas Leite, Francisco “Ratinho” Maya, Alvaro Romano, JD Bigham, Alex “Mangueboy” Ferreira, Marcelo Allonso, Rodrigo Medeiros, Roger "Xuxa", Carlson Gracie Jr., Ricardo Murgel, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Pedro Sauer, John Lewis, Renato “Charuto” Verissimo, Thiago Veiga, Rodrigo Vaghi, Mario Roberto, Ricardo “Rey” Diogo, Carlson Gracie Sr., John Donahue, Pedro Carvalho, Marcelo Pereira.

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Promotion Dates/Ranks

• 2nd Degree Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. - 2019

• 1st Degree Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. - 2016

• Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr. - 2013

• Brown Belt - Carlson Gracie Jr. - 2010

• Purple Belt - Carlson Gracie Jr. - 2003

• Blue Belt - Pedro Carvalho - 1997

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CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS

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Benjamin began training in the Chinese martial arts in 1982, spending much of his youth competing and teaching these arts.

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PROMOTION DATES/RANKS

• Jun Fan Gung Fu from Dan Inosanto – 1998

• Jeet Kune Do from Rich Lamoureaux - 1998

• Jeet Kune Do from Ted LucayLucay -1995

• White Crane Kung Fu from Yao Ka Ho - 1990

• Chinese Kenpo from Ron Spanbauer - 1990

 

FILIPINO/INDONESIAN MARTIAL ARTS

 

Benjamin was initially introduced to these arts in 1986 and has since travel numerous times to the Philippines and Indonesia to increase his depth of knowledge. He has been lucky enough to train with some of the finest practitioners in the world including: Dan Inosanto, Ted LucayLucay, Larry Hartsell, Rick Faye, Burton Richardson, Greg Nelson, Fred Degerberg, Roger Luri, Rich Lamoureaux, Steve Tarani, Marc Denny, Herman Suwanda, Bambang Suwanda, Tubagus Bambang Sudrajat, Leo Giron, Edgar Sulite, Cacoy Cañete, Dionisio Cañete, Tom Sipin, Topher Ricketts, Ising Atillo, Remy Presas, Nick Elizar, Norman Elizar, Mike Inay, and Cronnie Cabatingan. Benjamin Holds the following Instructorships:

 

Promotion Dates/Ranks

• Filipino Martial Arts from Dan Inosanto - Associate Instructor 2001

• Filipino Martial Arts under Dan Inosanto - Apprentice Instructor 1998

• Filipino Martial Arts from Rich Lamoureaux - Instructor 1998

• Mande Muda Pencak Silat from Herman Suwanda - Instructor 1996

• LucayLucay Kali from Ted LucayLucay – Apprentice Instructor 1995

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

Benjamin's official law enforcement training records show he has completed of 1,800+ hours of recognized LEO training. During his career he worked as a detention officer, patrol officer, SWAT member, and a contract service provider (tactical trainer) to dozens of agencies world wide. Benjamin has presented defensive tactics training at various Regional (North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy, Fulton Country Public Safety Training Center, Georgia Public SafetyTraining Center, and more), Federal International Academies (FBI Academy, DEA Academy, ILEA Bangkok, Landespolizei Academy, Hamburg Germany, and more).

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTRUCTOR COURSE CERTIFICATIONS

• Advanced Tactical Baton Instructor

• ASP Baton Instructor Close Quarter Tactics Instructor

• Contact Weapon Defense Instructor

• Controlled FORCE F.A.T.S. Instructor

• Controlled FORCE Instructor

• Compliance Controls and Restraints Instructor

• Comprehensive Contact Weapon Instructor

• Comprehensive Weapon Retention Instructor

• Defensive Tactics Instructor

• Edged Weapon Defense Instructor

• Firearms Instructor

• General Law Enforcement Instructor

• Ground Defense and Control Train-the-Trainer

• Ground Control Instructor

• Ground Defense and Control Instructor

• Improvised Weapons Instructor

• Mechanics of Arrest

• Officer Folding Knife Safety Instructor

• Oleoresin Capsicum Instructor

• Simunition® Scenario and Safety Instructor

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SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT COURSE COMPLETIONS

• Advanced Urban Combat Tactics

• Close Quarter Tactical Carbine CQB Specialist

• Combat Pistol and Combat Shotgun

• Haught Tactical Shotgun Course

• High Level Resistance Control Tactics

• High Risk Warrant Service

• Detention Officer

• School Officer Survival

• Patrol Response for Active Shooters

• Patrol Rifle

• S.W.A.T. School

• Urban Tactics for Armed Confrontations

 

SIGNIFICANT LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• 2019 – F.B.I. Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (Marquette University) - Letter of Appreciation for Training

• 2016-2019 – North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy – Award of Appreciation • 2015 – U.S. Marshals Service - Certificate of Appreciation for Training and Support

• 2015 – Washington County SWAT - Letter of Appreciation for Training and Support

• 2013 – Afghan Border Police Kabul Airport Security Command – Letter for Training and Assessment

• 2010 – Royal Thai Police/Bangkok Metro Crowd Control Unit ‐ Letter of Appreciation for Training

• 2010 – Brazilian Groupo T.I.G.R.E. (Hostage Rescue Unit) Parana ‐ Letter of Appreciation for Training

• 2005, 2009 – U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Appreciation - International Training

• 2008 – Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan ‐ Certificate of Appreciation for Training

• 2007 – Italian Guardia di Finanza ‐ Letter of Appreciation for Professional Support

• 2007 – Afghan Border Police Western Command – Letter for Appreciation Training and Support

• 2006 – U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Teams ‐ Award of Appreciation for Training

• 2006 – Dominican Navy/National Drug Control Directorate ‐ Award for Training and Support

• 2004 – U.S. Marine Corps Letter of Appreciation for Pre‐deployment Training (Iraq)

• 2003 – U.S. Air Force Letter of Appreciation for Pre‐deployment Training (Afghanistan)

Suthasinee Vickstrom, also known as June or June Bug, boasts almost a decade of jiu jitsu dedication. Her journey showcases an array of accomplishments that underscore her commitment and skill.

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As a purple belt, June's excellence shone in the 2023 Chicago Summer International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, where she secured 2nd place in the Heavy division and 3rd place in the Open class. The 2021 Chicago International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship saw her clinch 3rd place in the Mid-Heavy and Open class categories.

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As a blue belt, at the Chicago Summer International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, June earned 1st place in the Mid-Heavy division and 2nd place in the Open class in 2019. Her prowess was further evident with a 3rd place medal in the 2019 Chicago Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

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As a white belt, she secured a 3rd place medal at the 2016 IBJJF Chicago Summer Gi & Kids IO Jiu-Jitsu. Her successes span NAGA and Grappling Games Gi & No-gi events.

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June's journey through jiu jitsu is one of perseverance and victory, serving as an inspiration to fellow practitioners and newcomers alike. Her accomplishments are a testament to her dedication and passion for the art.

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Hailing from Thailand, June returned home annually and using those visits to diversify her training experiences. Training across gyms and attending seminars in Bangkok, she relished in the opportunity to practice with the first Thai Homegrown Black Belt’s gym, nurturing enduring friendships with fellow practitioners.

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During visits to her hometown, she contributed to the BJJ community in Thailand, sharing her knowledge across the northeastern region. With a background in Judo, she further enriched her skill set by exchanging knowledge between Judo and Jiu Jitsu with her Judo Sensei (Sensei Sumo) and his students.

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The year 2023 presented remarkable opportunities – seminars with Master Carlson Gracie, Jr. and Professor Sergio Zimmermann. She also fulfilled a rock climbing  dream of climbing at Railay Beach alongside her sister.

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Through it all, Suthasinee's journey underscores the joy jiu jitsu brings. A shared passion with her husband, a network of friends, and the realization that jiu jitsu transcends mere martial art or sport – these threads compose the intricate fabric of her remarkable journey.