THE TEAM

At Raul Castillo Martial Arts, our instructors and staff are the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for martial arts and fitness, creating a dynamic environment where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Whether you're looking to compete at the highest levels or simply want to improve your fitness, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Karate Boxing & Kickboxing Fitness Classes

THE TEAM

At Raul Castillo Martial Arts, our instructors and staff are the heart of everything we do. Each member of our team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for martial arts and fitness, creating a dynamic environment where students of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Whether you're looking to compete at the highest levels or simply want to improve your fitness, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Karate Boxing & Kickboxing Fitness Classes

RAUL CASTILLO

Raul Castillo is the founder and driving force behind RCMA. With a Black Belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, Raul has trained and competed at the highest levels, earning numerous championships and a professional MMA record. His passion for martial arts is matched only by his dedication to his students. Whether he’s teaching kids the basics of self-defense or training the next generation of competitors, Raul’s expertise, patience, and motivational style make him a sought-after instructor.

RAUL CASTILLO

Raul Castillo is the founder and driving force behind RCMA. With a Black Belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, Raul has trained and competed at the highest levels, earning numerous championships and a professional MMA record. His passion for martial arts is matched only by his dedication to his students. Whether he’s teaching kids the basics of self-defense or training the next generation of competitors, Raul’s expertise, patience, and motivational style make him a sought-after instructor.

IRIS VELA

Martial arts has been a part of Iris’ life since she was five years old. Through hard work and dedication, she earned her black belt at the age of twelve. Today, Iris is passionate about sharing her love for martial arts by mentoring and training the next generation of students. Her commitment to helping young martial artists grow both in skill and confidence makes her an invaluable leader at Raul Castillo Martial Arts.

MATT ARAGONI

Matt Aragoni began his journey in martial arts as a high school wrestler in 2002 and quickly found his passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his Black Belt in 2017 and 2nd Degree in 2024. A decorated competitor in BJJ, wrestling, and MMA, Matt holds titles including IBJJF American Nationals Gold and the Norcal Featherweight Championship, with an undefeated amateur MMA record and a professional win with Bellator MMA. He also holds degrees in Business Administration and Business Economics, is a Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Specialist, and has been a top-producing Realtor since 2014. Matt teaches martial arts and fitness classes weekly. Lastly, he loves assisting with kids’ programs—especially when his daughter, Madeleine, is on the mat. He balances his time between family, surfing, and giving back to his community.

IRIS VELA

Martial arts has been a part of Iris’ life since she was five years old. Through hard work and dedication, she earned her black belt at the age of twelve. Today, Iris is passionate about sharing her love for martial arts by mentoring and training the next generation of students. Her commitment to helping young martial artists grow both in skill and confidence makes her an invaluable leader at Raul Castillo Martial Arts.

MATT ARAGONI

Matt Aragoni began his journey in martial arts as a high school wrestler in 2002 and quickly found his passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his Black Belt in 2017 and 2nd Degree in 2024. A decorated competitor in BJJ, wrestling, and MMA, Matt holds titles including IBJJF American Nationals Gold and the Norcal Featherweight Championship, with an undefeated amateur MMA record and a professional win with Bellator MMA. He also holds degrees in Business Administration and Business Economics, is a Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Specialist, and has been a top-producing Realtor since 2014. Matt teaches martial arts and fitness classes weekly. Lastly, he loves assisting with kids’ programs—especially when his daughter, Madeleine, is on the mat. He balances his time between family, surfing, and giving back to his community.

FERNANDO DIAZ

Fernando Diaz is a talented amateur MMA fighter with an undefeated record of 5-0. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with a strong wrestling background, Fernando brings a well-rounded skill set to both competition and coaching. His passion for martial arts is matched by his dedication to teaching, as he leads both adult and children’s classes at Raul Castillo Martial Arts. Whether helping beginners build a strong foundation or sharpening the techniques of more advanced students, Fernando’s energy, experience, and commitment to his students make him a valuable part of the RCMA family.

ADAM PICCOLOTTI

Adam is not only a champion Brazilian Jiujitsu Blackbelt, but he is also a professional MMA fighter with a record of 14 wins and 6 losses. Adam fought at the highest levels of the sport, continuing to showcase his elite grappling and well-rounded skill set. Additionally, he helps train up-and-coming fighters and lends his vast experience to everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Adam is available for private lessons at Raul Castillo Martial Arts.

FERNANDO DIAZ

Fernando Diaz is a talented amateur MMA fighter with an undefeated record of 5-0. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with a strong wrestling background, Fernando brings a well-rounded skill set to both competition and coaching. His passion for martial arts is matched by his dedication to teaching, as he leads both adult and children’s classes at Raul Castillo Martial Arts. Whether helping beginners build a strong foundation or sharpening the techniques of more advanced students, Fernando’s energy, experience, and commitment to his students make him a valuable part of the RCMA family.

ADAM PICCOLOTTI

Adam is not only a champion Brazilian Jiujitsu Blackbelt, but he is also a professional MMA fighter with a record of 14 wins and 6 losses. Adam fought at the highest levels of the sport, continuing to showcase his elite grappling and well-rounded skill set. Additionally, he helps train up-and-coming fighters and lends his vast experience to everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Adam is available for private lessons at Raul Castillo Martial Arts.

RYAN MOLYNEAUX

Contramestre Montanha (Ryan) has studied the art of Capoeira for over 20 years, under the guidance of celebrated Mestre, Urubu Malandro, a graduated student of Mestre Suassuna. Montanha embraces all the facets and layers of Capoeira and has been teaching adults and youth on the coast and in San Francisco for the last 8 years.

NANCY ECONOPOULOS

Nancy earned her 1st degree Aikido Black belt in 2004 under Professor George Marenco in the style of Kami-Do-Ryu. She continued her training in karate with Professor Marenco and has achieved the rank of 3rdDegree. She is also currently a student of Iaido, or the Art of the Sword under Roger Engle and Scott Kalkin. She has taught karate, aikido, and self-defense and believes that practicing these ancient styles of martial arts will benefit people of all ages and abilities. This study will develop a strong mind and strong body, and most importantly, the belief in oneself.

LIAN COX

Lian has been studying and competing in BJJ since 2009 and currently holds the rank of purple belt. She has been ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified since 2015 and is also TRX certified. She is available for private lessons and teaches small group TRX/circuit training classes here at the dojo.

MARIE GARNIER

CERTIFICATIONS: International Sports Medicine Association Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, SCW Group Exercise Certification, American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Marie's class focuses on cardio training using, Intensity Interval Training & High Intensity Interval Training techniques; they include functional fitness with calisthenics (body weight resistance), free weights, balls and more . Each class is designed to perform to your best, so that you can achieve your fitness goals, in a positive atmosphere.

LIAN COX

Lian has been studying and competing in BJJ since 2009 and currently holds the rank of purple belt. She has been ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified since 2015 and is also TRX certified. She is available for private lessons and teaches small group TRX/circuit training classes here at the dojo.

MARIE GARNIER

CERTIFICATIONS: International Sports Medicine Association Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, SCW Group Exercise Certification, American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Marie's class focuses on cardio training using, Intensity Interval Training & High Intensity Interval Training techniques; they include functional fitness with calisthenics (body weight resistance), free weights, balls and more . Each class is designed to perform to your best, so that you can achieve your fitness goals, in a positive atmosphere.

JULIA MINKSTEIN

Julia Minkstein is a dedicated fitness coach, certified yoga instructor, ultramarathon runner, and nutrition enthusiast. Inspired by her own journey overcoming celiac disease through holistic health, Julia empowers others to harness strength and confidence through fitness, nutrition, and mindful practices. She currently leads the “Power of She” program at Raul Castillo Martial Arts, focusing on strength training, kickboxing, cardio circuits, nutritional education, breath work, and cultivating self-confidence for girls and young women. Julia’s passion and energy make her classes engaging, impactful, and transformative for all participants.