Elite Team Jiu Jitsu is the premier BJJ  training facility in Big Sur, California, located at The Grange Hall.

Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch training and building a strong community of Jiu Jitsu practitioners.

We offer classes for all levels and ages, led by experienced instructors who are passionate about the art of Jiu Jitsu. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where families and members can learn, grow, and achieve their fitness and martial arts goals.


 

Coach Kane Vandal
 

Kane Vandal is a lifelong grappler whose journey began on the wrestling mats in middle school. A dedicated competitor through high school and college, Kane moved from Fall River, MA, to Monterey in 2001, where he initially made his mark as a wrestling coach. In 2010, he expanded his martial arts horizons by diving into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and began officiating professional Mixed Martial Arts bouts.

In 2023, Kane reached a major milestone in his martial arts career, earning his Black Belt from Mark Gutierrez at Elite Team Monterey (pictured in Pink). Throughout his decades in competitive sports, Kane credits his growth to the mentorship of exceptional coaches who empowered him to become the best version of himself. Today, his primary mission is to provide that same level of mentorship and inspiration to every student who steps onto his mats.

Beyond his martial arts expertise, Kane is a devoted father to two daughters.
 

His passion for service extends into his professional life as a Special Education Teacher, where he holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Clear Ed Specialist credential.
 

To Kane, the mats are more than just a place to train; they are a sanctuary and a constant reminder that with persistence, any obstacle can be overcome. He leads his classes with the philosophy that no matter the struggle, you simply have to keep going.

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Credentials & Experience:
 

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt (Elite Team Monterey)

• Licensed Mixed Martial Arts Referee

• Master of Arts in Education

• Clear Ed Specialist

• Collegiate Wrestling Background

• 20+ Years of Coaching Experience

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Coach Alex Mouzouris

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Alex Mouzouris brings a unique and disciplined perspective to the mats, with a martial arts journey that spans continents and decades. His training began in 1998 at the Meadway Jiu Jitsu Academy in London, UK, under the tutelage of Professor Steve McDade of the British Army Special Forces. As the youngest member of the academy at the time, Alex was forged through rigorous training alongside elite military professionals. This high-pressure environment instilled in him a foundational sense of discipline and a deep-seated belief in the power of empowering others.
 

After a hiatus, Alex returned to his roots in 2018 upon moving to Monterey, California, where he resumed his training under Mark Gutierrez at Elite Team Monterey. Now a dedicated Purple Belt, Alex balances his passion for the "gentle art" with a successful twenty-year career as a professional in the international beverage industry.

As a father, Alex’s approach to coaching is driven by a personal conviction: he believes that Jiu Jitsu is the single greatest gift a child can receive.

To Alex, the sport is more than just technique; it is a vital tool for building the mental and physical strength necessary to navigate the complexities and challenges of life.

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Credentials & Experience:
 

• Father

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt (Elite Team Monterey)

• 10+ Years of International Martial Arts Training

• Youth Mentor

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