More than a gym. More than jiu jitsu.
Structured training, supportive coaching, and a room where people actually enjoy showing up.
Built for people who want more from training
SAS Philly is for people who want to train with purpose, without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.
From your first day, you are coached and guided. You are not left guessing, and you are not expected to keep up with anyone else. The room is structured, the expectations are clear, and the energy stays focused without feeling chaotic.
People walk in from all kinds of backgrounds, and everyone is treated with respect. Some are stepping onto the mat for the first time. Others are looking to sharpen their skills.
You will not feel lost when you start. And you will not feel stuck once you get going.
Hello
Meet Our Instructors
Professor Anton Gotsmanov
Black Belt, 2nd Degree / Co-Owner
I moved to the United States from Russia in 2000 and started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2007 while I was in college. What began as a hobby quickly became a huge part of my life.
I actively compete at all levels, and in 2017, I earned my black belt under Francisco Daniel Tavares on the podium of the IBJJF Master Worlds Championship.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students of all levels, helping them grow as athletes, competitors, and individuals. I also bring a background in holistic nutrition to support overall health, performance, and body composition.
I love teaching both adults and kids, especially breaking down techniques in a way that makes sense for different body types and styles. I eat, sleep and breathe Jiu-Jitsu, and seeing people improve and gain confidence is what keeps me motivated every day.
Whether you’re brand new or more experienced, you can expect consistent coaching, attention to detail, and a positive training environment.
Competition Highlights
IBJJF Open Champion (Multiple-time)
Tap Cancer Out Champion (2024)
IBJJF American Nationals Silver Medalist
IBJJF World Master Bronze Medalist
FUJI NY State Champion
Full Competition History
Black Belt
2025 IBJJF NJ Fall Open Champion
2024 Tap Cancer Out Champion
2024 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open Champion
2024 IBJJF NJ Summer Open – 2nd
2024 IBJJF NJ Winter Open – 3rd
2023 IBJJF NY Summer Open Champion
2021 IBJJF American Nationals – 2nd
2019 FUJI NY State Champion
2019 IBJJF NY Spring Open – 2nd
2018 IBJJF NY Fall Open – 2nd
2018 Pride BJJ Champion
Brown Belt
IBJJF NY Summer Open Champion
IBJJF NY Spring Open Champion
IBJJF NY PRO Champion
IBJJF World Master Championship – 3rd
IBJJF NY Summer Open – 3rd (absolute)
Earlier Competition
2013 NJBJJF Spring Open Absolute Champion (Purple)
2011 NAGA Wildwood Champion (Blue)
Coach Nnena (“Nay-nuh”)
Brown Belt / Co-Owner
I’m a Minnesota native and a lifelong athlete. I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 after an assault left me feeling unprepared to defend myself. I committed fully and started competing just four months later. Jiu-jitsu didn’t just teach me self-defense, it gave me a level of confidence and strength I didn’t know I was missing.
Before that, I was always active. I grew up playing outside with my brothers and competing in soccer, track, and cross country. In the winter, I traded cleats for a snowboard, a passion I’ve kept for over 25 years. After moving to the East Coast in 2004, I stayed involved in long-distance races, local dodgeball and kickball leagues, and anything that pushed me physically and mentally.
Now, as a coach and co-owner of SAS Philly, I love helping others build that same confidence. Working with our kids programs is especially meaningful to me. Seeing them grow, feel accepted, and gain confidence on and off the mats is the best part of what I do.
My favorite part of every day is still walking through the gym doors. Come train with me!
Competition Highlights
IBJJF Pan Champion
IBJJF World Master Silver & Bronze Medalist
IBJJF American Nationals Gi & No Gi Champion
Multiple-time IBJJF Open Medalist
Grappling Industries Champion (Gi & No-Gi)
Full Competition History
Brown Belt
2026 IBJJF Pans Championship – 3rd
2025 IBJJF World Master Championship – 2nd
2025 IBJJF No-Gi Pans Championship – 3rd
Purple Belt
2025 IBJJF NJ Summer Open Champion
2025 IBJJF Boston Spring Open – 2nd
2024 Tap Cancer Out NJ Fall Open Champion
2024 IBJJF Pans Championship – 3rd
2024 IBJJF NJ Winter Open – 3rd
2024 IBJJF NJ Summer Open – 3rd
2024 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open – 3rd
2023 IBJJF Charlotte Fall Open – 3rd
2023 Grappling Industries Philly Summer Open Champion (Gi)
2023 IBJJF NY Summer Open – 2nd
2023 Grappling Industries Philly Spring Open – Gold (Gi), 2nd (No-Gi)
Blue Belt
2022 IBJJF Pans Championship – 2nd
2022 IBJJF New Haven Fall Open – Gold (Absolute), 2nd (Division)
2022 Grappling Industries Philly Summer Open Champion – Gi & No-Gi
2022 Grappling Industries Monroe Winter Open Champion
2021 American Nationals Champion – Gi & No-Gi
2021 IBJJF World Master Championship – 3rd
2021 Fuji Allentown Fall Champion
2021 IBJJF Orlando Open – 2nd
White Belt
2021 Grappling Industries Philly Spring Champion (Gi & No-Gi)
2021 Fuji Allentown Spring Champion (Gi & No-Gi)
2021 Fuji Allentown Winter Champion
2020 IBJJF Pans Champion
2020 IBJJF Orlando Open – 2nd
2020 Grappling Industries Philly Fall Champion
2020 Daniel Tavares Winter In-House – 3rd
2020 Grappling Industries Philly Winter Open – 3rd
Coach Mike
Brown Belt
I grew up in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, and started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2009 thanks to my friends Connor and Felipe. Anton later pushed me to keep going, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Before jiu-jitsu, I was all about sports. Playing soccer and wrestling varsity all four years of high school, plus a short (and not very successful) run with baseball in the spring. Jiu-jitsu showed me you can keep competing, improving, and staying in shape well into adulthood.
As a coach, I enjoy breaking techniques down into small, clear steps. Teaching has made me sharper as a student too. One of my favorite moments was showing Kamari the Ezekiel choke and hearing a few days later that he hit his first submission with it.
Outside the gym, I spent eight years as a commercial fisherman. These days, I play piano and trumpet and try to catch live music whenever I can.
At SAS Philly, I focus on an old-school approach to training—helping students build grit, stay consistent, and give their best effort. The community here is what makes it special: great people and hard training, all in one place.
Competition Highlights
Grappling Industries Philly Open 2x Champion (Purple)
Grappling Industries Philly Open – 2nd (Purple)
Grappling Industries Philly Open – 3rd (Purple)
Fuji Championship Champion (Blue)
NAGA Championship – 2nd (Blue)
NAGA Championship – 2nd (Blue)
Coach Julio
Purple Belt
I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in October 2020 during quarantine. I was stuck at home, needed a change, and wanted to be more active. I joined SAS Philly and quickly felt at home with the team and the culture.
I’m a true Philly guy. I was born and raised just a few minutes from the gym. Growing up, I played football, basketball, and soccer, but baseball has always been my first love. I’ve played my whole life, from peewee to the D1 college level, and hope to coach little league one day.
Outside the gym, you’ll usually find me playing in a softball league, cooking and hanging out with friends, or playing video games.
I love working with the Little Ninjas and Big Kids, especially seeing that moment when something clicks. Helping students build confidence and push themselves, on and off the mats, is what it’s all about for me.
Competition Highlights
2020 Fuji Allentown Winter Championship – 2nd
Coach Luis
Blue Belt
I was born and raised in Philadelphia and have been on the mats since high school. Wrestling was my main sport through high school and college, and in 2023 I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to stay on the mats and keep challenging myself.
Jiu-jitsu has taught me that progress comes from consistent effort and hard work, not just results. As a coach, I enjoy helping students work through positions, build confidence, and improve step by step.
Outside the gym, I stay connected to the sport as a fan of college wrestling, and I like to unwind with video games when I can.
My goal is simple: help every student understand that in training, you’re either winning or learning.
Competition Highlights
2025 United Arts In-House Tournament Champion (Blue)
2024 IBJJF NJ Winter Open – 2nd
2024 Grappling Industries Philly Fall Open – 2nd (Gi)
2024 Tap Cancer Out Fall Championship – 3rd
2024 Grappling Industries Philly Summer Open – 2nd (Gi)
2024 Naga Winter Championship – 3rd (Gi), 3rd (No Gi)
Coach Julia
Blue Belt
I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about two and a half years ago because I wanted to do something for myself and something where I could see real progress both physically and mentally. Jiu-jitsu quickly became that outlet. It’s challenging, rewarding, and always gives you something to work toward.
What stands out most to me at SAS Philly is the community, especially the group of women who continue to support and push me to get better. That environment has played a huge role in keeping me consistent and motivated.
I didn’t come from an athletic background, which makes the progress even more meaningful. One of my first injuries was actually from an ankle lock, and I won’t lie, it felt a little cool being able to say it happened during jiu-jitsu.
I enjoy helping others get started, stay consistent, and build confidence through training, just like I did.
Coach Jon
Blue Belt
I was born and raised in North Philadelphia. I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu two years ago, driven by the environment I grew up in and the need to push myself in a better direction.
Before jiu-jitsu, I stayed active playing basketball, baseball, and soccer, always for the love of the game. Once I stepped on the mats, I was hooked.
Jiu-jitsu has been a constant challenge in the best way. I enjoy the challenge of training and the constant reminder that there’s always more to learn. Jiu-jitsu humbles you every day, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back. I’m especially drawn to submission-focused training, with triangles being one of my go-to submissions.
At SAS Philly, what stands out most is the community. It’s a place where you can grow, stay focused, and be surrounded by people who push you to improve.
Outside the gym, I like to keep things simple…good music, good food, and time to recover. Then it’s right back to training.
Competition Highlights
Blue
2026 Grappling Industries Philly Spring Open – 3rd (Gi)
2026 Grappling Industries Philly Winter Open – 2nd (Gi), 3rd (No Gi)
2025 Daniel Tavares Summer In-House – Gold (division), 3rd (alternate division)
White
2025 Grappling Industries Philly Winter Open – Champion (Gi), 2nd (No Gi)
2025 Naga Winter Championship – 3rd
Coach Austin
Blue Belt
I’m Coach Austin, from Conshohocken, PA. I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in October 2024, looking to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself with something new. Since then, jiu-jitsu has taught me the importance of showing up, staying consistent, and always being open to learning.
I grew up playing football, basketball, and running track, so being active has always been a big part of my life. Now, I bring that same energy into coaching.
I started coaching because I wanted to give my time back to the community. What I enjoy most is watching kids build toughness and work through challenges, especially when they push past something they didn’t think they could do.
Outside the gym, I’m into art, hiking, camping, and traveling. I also like to draw and paint when I get the chance.
My goal is to help students build real confidence and start believing in what they’re capable of, on and off the mats. That’s also what I love most about SAS Philly: seeing people grow, trust themselves, and support each other.
Competition Highlights
Blue
2026 NAGA Winter Open – 2nd (No Gi)
White
2025 Daniel Tavares Summer In-House – 2nd
Training Philosophy
How we teach and how you improve
We focus on clarity, consistency, and progress you can actually feel.
Classes are built around fundamentals, repetition, and understanding what you are doing. You are shown how techniques work, how to apply them, and how to build on them over time.
We are not chasing flashy moves or short-term wins. We are building skill that lasts.
Everyone trains at their own pace, but no one stands still. Whether you are brand new or more experienced, you are always moving forward.
Culture
What it’s like to train here
The environment matters just as much as the training.
This is a room where people support each other, push each other, and actually enjoy being here. Coaches are present. Teammates help. No one is trying to prove something at your expense.
People come from all kinds of backgrounds, and everyone is treated with respect. New students are welcomed in and taken care of. More experienced students are given the space to grow and be challenged.
You can train hard here. You can take it seriously. And you can still look forward to walking through the door.
Because at the end of the day, people do not stick with something unless they enjoy it.
More than a gym. More than just jiu-jitsu.
Our Story
A connection to something bigger
SAS Philadelphia is part of the SAS Team, following the lineage and philosophy established by Master Francisco Sá and carried forward through generations of instructors.
The team emphasizes technical development, structured training, and the standards of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mat.
The SAS Team promotes the philosophy of Professor Sá and honors the legacy of the family that helped shape Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northeast Brazil. The focus is not only on technical skill, but also on the etiquette, discipline, and standards expected in training.
By maintaining this tradition, students are part of a larger team that supports one another through training, seminars, and competition.
TEAM & LINEAGE
Part of the SAS team
Master Francisco Sá
Red Belt
A pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northeast Brazil, Master Sa originally started training under Takeo Yano and achieved the Red Belt status in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was a Black Belt for 54 years and passed away in 2013 leaving the legacy to his oldest son, Professor Carlos Pinto Sá “Sazinho”.
Professor Carlos Pinto Sá “Sazinho”
7th Degree Black Belt
Founder of the SAS Team and a central figure in maintaining its philosophy and technical standards. Sazinho was born in Fortaleza and formed the SAS Team in 2009. His brother, Guybson Sá is an accomplished Black Belt who runs the SAS Team US Headquarters in Columbia, SC.
Professor Daniel Tavares
4th Degree Black Belt
From Fortaleza, Brazil, Daniel has been practicing, teaching, and competing for over 20 years. In addition to earning countless Black Belt titles, Daniel became a Masters World Champion in IBJJF 2018. Daniel was promoted to Black Belt by Master Francisco Sá in 2005.
Anton Gotsmanov
2nd Degree Black Belt
Joined the SAS Team in 2007 under Professor Daniel Tavares and continues to lead and develop SAS Philadelphia.
Our Sponsors
Proud to work with local and industry partners
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