ABOUT US
Roger Alex
Owner/ Head Instructor
The past 15 years, I've delved into the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the expert guidance of Professor Ross Kellin, proudly holding the rank of a second-degree Black Belt. In addition to my BJJ journey, I am also a Black Belt in American Jiu-Jitsu and Luta Livre, further expanding my expertise in grappling and martial arts. This journey has not only honed my skills but instilled in me a deep appreciation for the discipline and philosophy of martial arts.
My expertise isn't limited to the mats—I've dedicated 24 years to studying strength and conditioning, crafting programs that cater to individuals across the spectrum, from fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes, both amateur and professional. My aim is to empower individuals on their fitness journey, helping them unlock their full potential.
In my earlier years, I devoted six years to the sport of wrestling, learning invaluable lessons in discipline, resilience, and hard work. Additionally, I played collegiate football, further fueling my passion for physical fitness and sportsmanship.
While I love the art of combat sports, my true passion lies in coaching and mentoring children. As the head instructor of the children's program at Warrior Combat and Fitness Academy, I find immense joy in guiding young warriors, helping them navigate challenges, and pushing them to discover their true potential. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing their growth—not just in skill but in confidence, discipline, and perseverance.
The challenges they face on the mat and in training shape them far beyond their youth. Time and time again, I’ve seen how this early foundation of hard work and resilience sets them up for an amazing future. Many of our former students have gone on to become valedictorians, all-state wrestlers, college scholarship recipients, and even cadets at West Point. Watching these young warriors excel in all aspects of life—academically, athletically, and personally—proves that the lessons learned in our academy reach far beyond the gym.
My dedication to coaching has been recognized at both the local and national levels. I have been honored as an A++ Teacher in the Tampa Bay area and named a National Top Coach by the Positive Coaching Alliance. These recognitions reflect my commitment to creating a positive, impactful, and empowering learning environment for every child I teach.
I take great pride in being part of their journey, knowing that by pushing them today, we are preparing them for a lifetime of success. I look forward to continuing to mentor, challenge, and celebrate each child’s growth as a proud member of the Warrior family.
Melissa Hampton
Owner/ Instructor
I am thrilled to be a part of the Warrior Combat and Fitness Academy community, where my passion for martial arts and dedication to teaching children come together.
For the past 12 years, I have immersed myself in the world of martial arts, shaping both my skills and my love for coaching. I hold the rank of first degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of Professor Ross Kellin, a journey marked by dedication, perseverance, and continuous growth. But beyond belts and ranks, my greatest joy comes from working with children and helping them develop into strong, confident individuals.
For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of training and mentoring young warriors, witnessing their growth firsthand. I especially love working with our youngest warriors, seeing the excitement in their eyes as they learn and master new techniques. Their energy, determination, and joy remind me every day why I love teaching. Through martial arts, I strive to instill in them the core values of discipline, respect, resilience, and a love for the journey.
At Warrior Combat and Fitness Academy, our goal is to empower children to stand up for themselves and be confident. We want the next generation to not only defend themselves but also develop the self-assurance to excel in all areas of life. The challenges they overcome in training prepare them to take on the world with strength, courage, and determination.
As an instructor in our children's program, I bring this passion to every class, ensuring that each child feels supported, challenged, and empowered. In addition to our regular classes, I am actively involved in coaching our tournament team, helping young competitors refine their skills and build the confidence to excel in competition. This well-rounded approach allows me to provide personalized guidance, ensuring that every child—whether training for fun, self-defense, or competition—receives the tools they need to thrive on and off the mat.
I’m excited to be a part of your child’s martial arts journey at Warrior Combat and Fitness Academy. Together, let’s foster a positive, enriching, and empowering environment for our young warriors!
Jenna Loza
Instructor
As of November 30th, 2023, I achieved a major milestone by earning my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Roger Alex after nine years of dedication. My journey has been shaped by competition, including tournaments, super fights, and local MMA cage fights, all of which have strengthened my skills and passion for the art. Coaching children has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and resilience—qualities that also define my approach as a real estate agent. With seven years in real estate, I apply the same perseverance, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills I use on the mats to help clients navigate important life decisions. Balancing both professions, I find that martial arts and real estate complement each other—whether it's guiding students to push past limits or helping families find a place to call home. As I look ahead, I’m excited about the impact our future ‘crash’ (a group of rhinos) will make, building a stronger, more resilient community—one student and one home at a time.
Wrestling Coach
Andre Lawrence
Andre Lawrence brings a rich history of wrestling and martial arts to his current role as a coach at Warriors Combat Fitness Academy. With a notable start as an undefeated state champion in high school wrestling, Andre continued his passion for the sport by wrestling in college for two years. His expertise in wrestling didn’t stop on the mat, as he transitioned into coaching high school wrestling, imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes. In his personal life, Andre’s legacy in wrestling extends to his family, with his older son following in his footsteps to become a high school wrestling state champion. His younger son has also embraced the sport, continuing the family tradition. Beyond wrestling, Andre is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner, currently holding a brown belt. His diverse skill set in combat sports makes him a valuable mentor and coach, guiding athletes with a blend of discipline, technique, and strategic insight.
