Meet your Coaches

OUR story

Where we come from

about us

Primal Striking and BJJ is built on a foundation of lineage and experience that extends over the decades. Our coaches personally have over 15 years of training and experience and are ranked under some of the most incredible and legitimate instructors anywhere. We are here to provide you quality training at any level that you wish to experience we are beginner friendly as well as capable of training pro fighters. What ever your needs are we are here for you.

Train With Experts

MEET THE TRAINERS

Joe "Formiga" Cortez

Coach Formiga is a veteran capoeirista of more than 20 years, a professional Muay Thai fighter, a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under World Champion Fabio Novaes, and a Judo Brown Belt. Coach Formiga is our head Muay Thai instructor and kids class coach.

Justin Terrell

Coach Justin Terrell started his martial arts journey in 2004 with Kru Dan Rawlings of Griffonrawl Muay Thai, after several years of Muay Thai he discovered his love for Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and started training No-GI in 2006. In 2011 he met Professor Fabio Novaes and has been under him ever since. Winning medals at Ibjjf, Naga and Newbreed competitions along his journey. He is now a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under World Champion Fabio Novaes, and has continued his study of Muay Thai and Judo for over 16 years.

Frank Anthony Alagna Jr

Coach Frankie is a high pace motivator who loves God and helping to build confidence and discipline in both youth and adults through boxing aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

(Frankie BoxCamp)

He has helped thousands of students reach their goals in weight loss, boxing, education, and in life. He has coached many amateur and professional fighters in Boxing and MMA. He has coached in State, National, and International boxing tournaments. His Central New York Golden Glove team have won 11 State titles since 2014. He has coached National Collegiate Boxing champions at Syracuse University in 2019, and brought a team to the WBC Vieques International Boxing tournament in Puerto Rico in 2018. Boxing is his passion and in just one class with him you will be hooked.

Boxing resume:

Undefeated Professional Boxer

100+ amateur bouts. 2X All Army Boxer, 5x Empire State Games medalist. NYS Fair tournament Champion 2003.

2004 Golden Glove Champion/National Quarter finalist.

International US Vs Canada

Joe "Jitsu" Campbell

Coach Joe Campbell is a Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Coach Justin Terrell and Joe Cortez, a level one Muay Thai practitioner, a NASM Certified personal trainer and expert in fitness and conditioning.

James Rugar

James Rugar has been training for 18 years! Experienced in Muay Thai and Dutch kickboxing and has Amateur fights in Muay thai and Sanshou. He has been coaching for 7 years.

Gabe Abbadessa

Coach Gabe is an experienced Muay Thai technician with a passion to inspire the next generation of martial artists locally and nationally. He received his Nak Muay Level One under the Khanomtom Muay Thai curriculum that is regarded worldwide. He spent time training in Thailand under Sitjaopho experts and brought back his learned skills to the States to share with his peers and prospects. He holds an IKF East Coast Classic Welterweight Title and will make his pro debut in the near future. “For the love of the art” drives Gabe to teach others this beautiful sport.