meet the team
Liliana sanchez-
Lilian Sanchez
Owner and Founder
BJJ Blue Belt, Running & Fitness Coach, and Successful Entrepreneur
coach, Owner and founder
Liliana Sanchez, or Lily for short, is a native of Toluca, Mexico, an area rich in Aztec history and culture. She grew up climbing Aztec pyramids, listening to her grandmother speak Nahuatl, and absorbing the warrior spirit of her ancestors values that later shaped her journey.
A lifelong athlete and coach, Lily has competed in triathlons, Ironman races, Spartan events, and ultra-marathons. She thrives on pushing limits and mentoring others to achieve their own athletic goals. Her martial arts journey led her to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she is a blue belt. In September 2023, she competed in her first jiu-jitsu tournament at Grappling Industries in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taking 1st place a stepping stone for many more to come.
​At the end of 2022, she founded Ocelotl Martial Arts Academy, not just as a training facility, but as a sanctuary of empowerment, support, and resilience. Lily was bullied relentlessly as a child, leading her to drop out of high school in 10th grade. She knows the pain of feeling powerless and built Ocelotl to be a place where people—from bullied kids to adults seeking confidence can transform their struggles into strength.
The name “Ocelotl” comes from Nahuatl, meaning jaguar, inspired by Aztec Jaguar Warriors, the empire’s elite fighters. To earn their rank, they had to capture—not kill—four to five enemies in battle, proving their skill and control. This mirrors martial arts today, we train to submit, not harm; to control, not destroy. Ocelotl embodies this philosophy: strength with discipline, power with purpose.
In October 2023, Lily became a mother to her beautiful daughter, Valentina, deepening her drive to create a legacy of resilience and empowerment.​
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Beyond martial arts, Lily is a successful entrepreneur. She has built a career in the medical field as a consultant, helping private practices grow. Most recently, she founded Arbora Woodworks, specializing in custom kitchens, cabinetry, and fine woodwork, blending craftsmanship with innovation.
From overcoming childhood struggles to becoming an athlete, coach, and business owner, Lily’s journey is proof that resilience, hard work, and passion can transform lives. She continues to push boundaries, in business, on the mats, and in life, while embracing her greatest role yet: being a mother.
IVAN RIOs-
Head COACH and
Co-Owner
Ivan “The Terrible”
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Professor Ivan has been actively training and competing for the past 10 years under the tutelage of Professor Jacob Benitez (Three Crosses Jiu Jitsu, Las Cruces, NM). In January 2023, Professor Ivan received his Black Belt from his Professor Jacob Benitez. Professor Ivan has participated in numerous BJJ competitions both on the regional and national levels. He as also competed in amateur and professional MMA bouts as well.
Along with his love for the Martial Arts, Professor Ivan also carries a passion for endurance training having completed a marathon and partaking in various other endurance challenges. Still, his main obsession remains with the art of BJJ and the burning desire to strive for greatness both on and off the mat. He is forever grateful to have the opportunity to coach and the privilege to teach all who are willing to learn. This is exemplified in his ability to instill the techniques, virtues, and values that he has learned over his years of being a student.
"As a Coach, I will always cultivate my students to continually strive towards personal growth and development. Anything is possible. OSS!"
“Martial Arts Saves Us”
Head Coach Professor
Ivan Rios
BJJ Black Belt Belt, MMA Pro Fighter, Endurance Athlete, Runner.
Sensei
Justin Winn
Fourth Degree Black belt in Judo, BJJ Purple belt, Triathle Coach
Sensei Winn has experience as a Continental & National Referee and a Master's Degree in Exercise Science
sensei
Justin winn
Sensei Winn is a Fourth-Degree Black belt through USA Judo. He is a continental Judo Coach and National Referee. After wrestling for years, he started Judo to continue with combat sports. His passion for combat sports and coaching led him to his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science to better serve the conditioning needs of his athletes. That education afforded him the opportunity to teach at the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, where he started to transition to health coaching by looking at the individual and their goals holistically. Credentials include Personal Trainer, Special Needs Judo Coach, and many more.
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On July 9, 2023 Sensei Winn received his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple belt from Professor Ivan Rios.
Sensei
Ricardo Colon
Sensei
Ricardo Colon
Judo Black Belt First Degree
BJJ Blue Belt
Sensei Ricardo Colon is a dedicated martial artist holding the esteemed rank of Shodan Black Belt, First Degree, in Judo. With over a decade of experience in the art of Judo, Sensei Colon embodies the principles of discipline, respect, and perseverance both on and off the mat.
Having immersed themselves in the world of martial arts for more than ten years, Sensei Colon has honed their skills and expertise, earning recognition for their commitment to the craft. Their journey in Judo has not only been about personal growth but also about sharing their knowledge and passion with others.
Sensei Colon finds immense joy in teaching, seeing it as an opportunity to pass on the invaluable lessons and traditions of Judo to future generations. Their teaching style is characterized by patience, encouragement, and a deep understanding of the art.
Beyond teaching, Sensei Colon is an active competitor in Judo tournaments, continually challenging themselves and pushing the boundaries of their abilities. Their competitive spirit fuels their dedication to self-improvement, inspiring those around them to strive for excellence.
In the dojo, Sensei Colon serves as a mentor and role model, instilling in their students not only the technical skills of Judo but also the core values of integrity, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Their leadership and guidance enrich the martial arts community, shaping the next generation of judokas with passion and dedication.
coach
luc nguyen
Luc Nguyen began training at age 7 in various forms of Karate and Kung Fu until the age of 14. In 1994 he was introduced to Muay Thai, Boxing, and Jeet Kune Do and dabbled in various martial arts expanding his striking range which included more elbows, knees, clinches, and throws.
He gained grappling experience from traveling over 30 miles on a weekly basis to train with his black belt BJJ sensei and spent the other 6 days of the week training under a purple belt. coach Nguyen is skilled at NoGi for Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense including wrestling and leg-locks providing a well-rounded IQ for close-quarter combat.
After taking a hiatus, Nguyen returned to BJJ training in 2018 and after 2 years received and was ranked a purple belt by Professor Carlos Freire. In July 9, 2023 Coach Luc received his brown belt from Professor Ivan Rios.
Nguyen has learned from the best coaches of Jiujitsu and created a simplified curriculum that is cohesive, easy to learn for beginners, and also great at finding new concepts for himself and those with more experience.
"Learning how to learn is important and I have been very fortunate to be allowed the freedom to teach a more modernized Jiujitsu grappling system. As of November 2022 I now have 20 years of martial arts experience and am truly grateful to share my Journey with everyone."
Coach
Luc Nguyen
Brown Belt in BJJ, skilled in MMA, Kickboxing and Self-defense
coach
Terry cutler
​​"Even when you are in the worst position during a roll, you know that there is a way out. That perspective has given me hope in the gloomiest situations in life." – Terry Cutler
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As a leader in OMAA’s Women’s Program, she understands the unique challenges women face in training, from balancing careers and family life to overcoming self-doubt. Her teaching style is repetitive, collaborative, and fun, ensuring that her students not only retain techniques for a lifetime but also enjoy the process—music and dancing included!
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"Women have multiple competing priorities—kids, work, family—we tend to put everything above ourselves, and BJJ often takes the hit. That’s why a women’s program is so important, so we can train in an environment that understands our mental load." – Terry Cutler
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Throughout her Jiu-Jitsu journey, she has faced injuries, pregnancy, military moves, and life’s many ups and downs. Yet, BJJ has remained a constant source of strength, discipline, and growth. She encourages every woman to give it a try, reminding them that Jiu-Jitsu is a skill that no one can take away from you.
For Terry, OMAA is more than a gym—it’s a positive, safe, and welcoming community that meets you where you’re at.
Coach
Terry Cutler
4th Degree Purple Belt in BJJ
Coach Terry Cutler – Women’s Program Leader at OMAA.Terry Cutler is a retired U.S. Navy Officer with 22.5 years of service, holding a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA).
A single mother of three, she balances her passion for Jiu-Jitsu with a dynamic lifestyle that includes coaching basketball, traveling the world, restoring furniture, and even riding motorcycles. She’s an entrepreneur, athlete, and all-around powerhouse who can fix almost anything and thrives in both competition and personal growth.
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Her martial arts journey began in 2012 at the age of 35 in San Antonio, Texas. After starting Muay Thai as a New Year’s resolution in 2011, she quickly fell in love with combat sports, even stepping into the cage for a fight. It was during this time that she was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and after a year of striking, she transitioned fully into grappling, where she’s been ever since. Now a 4th-degree purple belt, Terry is ranked #66 in the world for Masters 4 and #54 in Masters Grand Slam under IBJJF. She believes in the lifelong benefits of BJJ, not just as a sport but as a tool for personal resilience and mental strength.​​​​
Sensei
Travis A. Rogers
Travis Rogers is a true embodiment of martial arts excellence, holding the esteemed rank of Shodan Black Belt First Degree. With over two decades of unwavering dedication to the discipline, Travis has cultivated not only impressive skill but also profound wisdom within the realm of martial arts.
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A native of New Mexico, Travis's journey into martial arts began in the spring of 1997. His passion for the sport led him to delve into various disciplines, including Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, where he honed his abilities and expanded his knowledge base.
Travis's commitment to martial arts was further solidified during his time in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010. Serving in Camp Pendleton, California, with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Travis demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. His service included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he exhibited courage and resilience in the face of adversity.​
Sensei
Travis A. Rogers
Judo Black Belt First Degree
National Judo Coach 2024
National Judo Referee
Following his military service, Travis pursued further education at Dona Ana Community College before embarking on a journey that took him to Idaho and Wyoming. While there, he engaged in farming, tire shop management, and even served as a firefighter and EMT, showcasing his versatility and commitment to serving others.
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Travis's martial arts journey continued to evolve as he ventured into teaching and coaching roles, becoming a valuable assistant in Judo and MMA classes. His expertise in self-defense, weapons tactics, and martial arts instruction earned him respect and admiration within the martial arts community.
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Today, Sensei Rogers contributions to the martial arts world extend beyond his personal achievements. Holding the titles of National Judo Coach and National Judo Referee, Travis plays a pivotal role in guiding aspiring athletes and ensuring the integrity of competitions.
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Travis's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of martial arts, embodying values of discipline, resilience, and leadership. His dedication to the martial arts community and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire and shape the next generation of practitioners.
Coach
Oscar Galicia
BJJ Blue Belt
Judo Brown Belt
Coach
Oscar Galicia
Coach Oscar Galicia has been a vital part of Ocelotl Martial Arts Academy since day one. As Liliana’s nephew and right hand, he has played a crucial role in shaping Ocelotl into what it is today. His leadership, dedication, and passion for martial arts make him an irreplaceable part of our academy.
A fierce competitor and a kind mentor, Coach Oscar is a dedicated athlete in both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. In January 2025, he was awarded his brown belt in Judo by Sensei Nathan Westbrook. Just a month later, in February 2025, he competed in a regional tournament in College Station against schools like Texas Tech and UT Austin, where he secured 1st place, earning him a spot to represent his university and Ocelotl Martial Arts at the National Collegiate Judo Championships in New Hampshire. On April 5, 2025, Oscar proudly earned 3rd place at Nationals, a testament to his discipline, talent, and relentless drive.
​In Jiu-Jitsu, Oscar continues to push his limits and has earned his second-degree blue belt under Professor Ivan Rios. A seasoned competitor, he has won multiple medals, consistently proving his skill, resilience, and determination on the mats.
At Ocelotl, Coach Oscar generously volunteers his time to help with operations and student instruction. He leads our Cubs classes for ages 3 to 5, mentoring our youngest athletes and helping instill confidence, focus, and discipline from an early age. His commitment to the academy and our students comes from a place of genuine love for the martial arts and the Ocelotl community.
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Outside of training, Oscar is a devoted football fan, with the Dallas Cowboys holding a special place in his heart. His dedication, warmth, and competitive spirit continue to inspire the entire Ocelotl family pushing everyone around him to grow both on and off the mats.