About us

At Manos Jiu Jitsu, leadership starts at the top with co-owner and  professor Jonathan Lo Russo — a dedicated martial artist, mentor, and community leader with over a decade of experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Jonathan is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who has spent years sharpening his craft both on and off the mats. His journey in BJJ has been built on discipline, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to growth. With more than a decade of training, competition and coaching experience, he brings a deep technical understanding of the art, combined with the ability to break down complex techniques into clear, practical instruction for students of all levels.

As a coach, Jonathan is known for his high standards, attention to detail, and passion for helping others succeed. He believes Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport — it’s a vehicle for building confidence, resilience, and strong character. Whether he’s working with youth students learning discipline and focus, beginners stepping onto the mat for the first time, or advanced competitors preparing for tournaments, Jonathan leads with patience, integrity, and a genuine investment in each student’s progress.

Beyond his technical skill, Jonathan is respected for his character. He leads by example, values loyalty and hard work, and fosters a culture of accountability and respect at Manos Jiu Jitsu. His commitment to his family, his students, and his community reflects the same principles he teaches every day on the mat: consistency, humility, and strength through discipline.

With Jonathan’s leadership, Manos Jiu Jitsu is more than a gym — it’s a place where individuals grow stronger physically and mentally, build lifelong friendships, and become part of something bigger than themselves.

Giancarlo Lo Russo began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at just 14 years old, stepping onto the mats with a passion that quickly grew into a lifelong commitment. From the very beginning, he showed a deep respect for the art — not only for its technical complexity, but for the discipline, humility, and character it builds.

By 15, Giancarlo was already giving back, working closely with children and helping them develop confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation both on and off the mats. His natural ability to connect with young athletes, combined with his patience and leadership, has made him a trusted mentor to the next generation of practitioners.

With extensive competition experience, Giancarlo has tested himself at every level, gaining valuable insight through both victory and adversity. His time on the competition circuit has sharpened his technical skill, mental toughness, and strategic understanding of the sport — knowledge he actively shares with his students.

In January 2025, Giancarlo earned his black belt — a milestone that reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the art. Achieving this rank stands as a testament not only to his technical ability, but to his character and consistency on and off the mats.

Known for his true love and respect for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Giancarlo is deeply committed to paying it forward. Whether guiding newcomers through their first class or preparing competitors for the big stage, he pours his experience, passion, and hard-earned lessons into every student he teaches. For Giancarlo, Jiu Jitsu is more than a sport — it’s a lifelong journey, and his mission is to help others navigate and thrive in that journey.