Our Instructors
Mike Sanda
Mike started training in 2002 under Ricardo Ica Medina, and received his black belt from Bruce Shepherd in 2014. Mike loves to train jiu jitsu not only because it is a beautiful art , but when properly trained it can allow one to live a more confident and healthy life. Mike’s favorite techniques are defensive as he believes this is the true strength of the art - total defense through control. Mike's professional background is in aviation, and he is now focused on Holy City Jiu Jitsu and raising his son Katsuo with his wife and two dogs, Cheddar and Brie.
Jeff Robertson
Jeff is the head instructor at Holy City Jiu Jitsu. He has been training since 2002, beginning with Jerry Brewer and Grand Master Relson Gracie. He subsequently trained under Ica Medina and Master Rigan Machado before he started training under Scott Devine in 2013, receiving his black belt in 2015. Jeff is a veteran law enforcement officer who lives with his wife, his son (who also trains!) and their dogs Tyson and Waylan.
Tony Licari
Tony began training in 2008 in SC with the Rigan Machado team. After moving to FL he joined a Rodrigo Pinheiro affiliate, and subsequently opened his own affiliate. Upon retiring from the Navy, Tony relocated back to Charleston and received his black belt from Scott Devine in 2018. He is married and father of 4 children, and is currently pursing his Masters in English from the Citadel.
Dave Rosenmarkle
In all that he does, Dave emanates his life motto, "Non Nobis Solum" - Latin for "Not for ourselves alone". He strives to use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to reach and inspire others to fully live out their true potential on and off of the mats. Drawing from a myriad of life experiences (collegiate athlete, Iraq war veteran, entrepreneur, BJJ competitor, Dave finds ways to connect with others on a personal level in order to help facilitate positive change in their in lives.
Clinton Sparks
Clinton is from Summerville, SC where he began training martial arts at the age of 17. After a few years of striking he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and subsequently the lack of grappling in his training, and from there he was hooked. His "no stone unturned" approach on the mats coupled with his love of Musashi's "The Way" fuels his passion for the art and his desire to share it.
Mychael Smith
Mychael is a purple belt in jiu jitsu under Michael Sanda. He is an assistant wrestling coach at Military Magnet School. Mychael's focuses include dynamic movement and funk wrestling. He loves cinnamon rolls.
Carin Bloom (Warrior Yoga)
Carin has been practicing yoga for 13 years and is a certified 200hr RYT since 2015. As a Isshinryu Karate and jiu jitsu practitioner, her style of yoga always incorporates a warrior mindset. The balance of mind, body, and spirit is a goal that shapes the way Carin sees and moves through life and she hopes that her fellow warriors will also find that balance. Carin's day job is as a historian and archaeologist at Middleton Place, where she's been interpreting the past and engaging the community since 2015.