INSTRUCTORS
James Bejer
Founder & Head Instructor
James Bejer is the founder and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando. James has been training for over 8 years. James started his training at Linxx Academy in Virginia Beach, VA under Frank Cucci where he obtained the rank of Blue Belt. In 2014 he started his own Gracie Garage to teach and train others in the Gracie University system. After starting his Gracie Garage and opening up Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando he earned his Combatives Belt, Blue Belt, Blue Belt Stripe 1, Blue Belt Stripe 2 and 3rd Stripe. In January 2022 James was promoted to Purple Belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie.
James was born and raised in Orlando and attended University H.S. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served for 5 years. Off the mat, James is a devoted husband to his wife, Julie and a dedicated father to his daughters Brooke and Grace.
Chris Bershad
Certified Instructor
Chris Bershad is a Gracie University Certified Instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orlando. He has been training Gracie Jiu Jitsu since 2017. Chris loves to encourage people to grow in their Jiu Jitsu journey, and he enjoys teaching both children and adults. Learning about, and teaching, Gracie Jiu Jitsu has given Chris a greater appreciation for understanding the concepts about leverage and “working smarter, not harder”. Chris has earned his Combatives Belt, Blue Belt, Blue Belt Stripe 1, Blue Belt Stripe 2. In January 2024 Chris was promoted to Purple Belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie.
Chris was born in Tampa, Florida and has lived in Orlando for 20 years. Chris is a full time Program Analyst for NASA, and loves spending time with his wife, 2 daughters, and their Pitbull, Bella.
Alex Carranza
Certified Instructor
Alex Carranza is a Gracie University Certified Instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orlando. One of Alex’s passions in life is serving the community. He actively finds ways to help and add value to people’s lives. Alex started his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu career in 4 years ago and has earned his Combatives Belt and Blue Belt and his 1st stripe under Ryron and Rener Gracie.
Alex was born in Queens, New York and has lived in Orlando, FL for 13 years. Alex is a family man; happily married to his wife Madelyn and together they are raising a jr. grappler in their son, Sebastian. Alex manages a successful real estate business.
Benito Avendano
Certified Instructor
Benito (Ben) is an instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando and is a graduate of the Gracie Instructor Certification Program (ICP). He is also a certified Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) instructor which focuses on teaching self-defense to law enforcement and military personnel. Benito’s 8-year martial arts journey encompasses karate, boxing, and jiu jitsu, reflecting his passion for self-discipline and continuous growth.
Outside of the mat he manages complex engineering programs for a leading Aerospace company and volunteers as Chapter Advisor for the University of Central Florida (UCF). A proud member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 20 years, he has deployed in support of various contingency operations to include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Freedom Sentinel. He currently serves as a commissioned officer for the 920th Combat Rescue Wing.
Finally, Benito is the father of four amazing girls and is married to Athena who also shares the love for martial arts as a black belt in Taekwondo and a boxing enthusiast.
Hernan Mendez
Certified Instructor
Bio coming soon!
James started the first Gracie Garage in Orlando back in 2014. Since starting his Gracie Garage, James has grown a strong passion in life to educate others on how to protect themselves in any situation. His prior experience in the Navy and the knowledge he has gain through Jiu-Jitsu experience he sees it as a duty to himself to educate and equip people in his community on how to defend themselves in a street fight situation.