BLACK BELT INSTRUCTORS
MEET OUR OWNERS AND HEAD INSTRUCTORS
All our instructors undergo annual criminal background checks.
COACH JAMES CAMPBELL
Professor James Campbell is our early morning adult jiu jitsu instructor. He began training at Combat Base Texas in 2015 and received his black belt under Professor Shebaro in September of 2023. James was born in Tulsa and raised in North Dallas.
Coach James has previous martial arts experience with Karate and Boxing and is currently a green belt in Judo. He has competed in several local Jiu Jitsu and Judo tournaments.
COACH MATT ROBERTS
Professor Matt Roberts began training at Combat Base Texas in January 2016 and received his black belt under Professor Shebaro in September of 2023. Matt is originally from Oklahoma, but has made Texas home for over 20 years. Coach Matt has also trained and taught Krav Maga for over 12 years.
COACH ELA ZALO
Professor Ela Zalo is a 2nd degree Black Belt. She was born in Croatia where she trained Muay Thai under Branko Croatian Tiger Cikatić and was member of Croatian Olympic Weightlifting team training under Bosko Čavka and Nikolaj Pešalov.. In 2001 Ela moved to New York to attend college and was wrestling for New York City Athletic Club . In 2008 she moved to Dallas and started her BJJ training and got her level 1 CrossFit training certification. Ela also currently holds a Judo Green Belt under Russ Hogan. When she is not working or training, Ela spends her free time training dogs and competing in different dog sports.
COACH STEVE PHARR
Professor Steve Pharr has immersed himself in the world of martial arts for an astounding 37 years. This extensive experience has provided Steve with a unique and comprehensive approach to teaching and practicing martial arts.
For the past 13 years, Steve has focused his training and expertise on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was awarded his black belt in September 2023.
Coach Steve is not just a seasoned practitioner but also a passionate teacher. He believes in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive.
COACH BEN KROSKEY
Professor Ben Kroskey achieved his jiu jitsu Black Belt in the Spring of 2022, adding to his previous accomplishment of being a Black Belt in Luta Livre since 2021. He has served as a DFW firefighter for the past 4 years, and is also a combat veteran. Ben's dedication to martial arts and his experience in emergency response make him a well-rounded and respected individual in his community. His expertise in both jiu jitsu and Luta Livre make him a valuable asset as a coach.
COACH JOSH PERRY
Professor Josh Perry, a Marine Corps Veteran, began his Judo journey in 2016 in Plano, Tx. He recently achieved the rank of Nidan (2nd-degree judo black belt) under the guidance of Ken Scialo, Ken Patteson, and Russ Hogan. Josh has received training and coaching from Olympic Judo athletes and USA Judo national team members, which has fueled his competitive spirit. In 2020, he obtained his USA Judo Coaches Certification and has since coached athletes at regional and national competitions. In 2021, Josh earned his Jiu-Jitsu Blue belt under Professor Shebaro. He currently trains and coaches Judo in Plano while teaching Judo for Jiu-Jitsu and training Jiu-Jitsu at 3 Embers Grappling Academy.
