About Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Orange County’s #1 choice for adult and kids’ BJJ
The Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Orange County’s #1 source for BJJ, is is owned and operated by Professor Grant Collins in Laguna Niguel, California. Professor Collins has dedicated his life to marital art training for 33 years. He holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a first degree black belt in Hapkido, and a forth degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Mauricio “Tinguinha” Mariano.
Professor Collins has more than 20 years of teaching experience, creating stronger people through martial arts.
Grant began his combat training early when his parents placed him in wrestling at the age of 7. He wrestled for 7 years competing and winning several tournaments. At the age of 16 he began training Tae Kwon Do, achieving his 2nd degree black belt by the age of 24. Being a fierce competitor Grant dominated the local full-contact tournaments, winning over 20 titles.
Because of his performance in local tournaments he was invited to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs two years in a row. During his training at the OTC he perfected techniques and drills that enhance explosive power and devastating striking skills.
In 1998, Grant began his martial art career as head instructor at the Tae Kwon Do Institute (TKDI) in Santa Fe, NM where for 4 years he honed his teaching skills by instructing up to 300 students per week. During his instruction, Collins observed the positive change martial arts training had on all the students, young and old. He saw the weak become strong, the timid become confident and the lazy become disciplined.
After putting his teaching on hold at the TKDI, Grant heard about a talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighter, Alberto Crane, who was teaching classes nearby. Collins, who was very interested in this school, signed up and began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. Prior to training, Grant already had an ongoing interest in BJJ especially after he watched Royce Gracie (BJJ fighter) dominate at the early Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) where he used BJJ to submit his large opponents.
Needless to say, Collins had a wake-up call after his first experience on the BJJ mat.
He was amazed and shocked at how easily the beginner white belts could take him down and submit him. His 10+ years of training was no match for guys who had trained 6 months at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Being a true student of the martial arts he soon quit his job as head instructor at the Tae Kwon Do school, put his 2nd degree black belt on the shelf, and began his journey to learn the most effective martial art in the world, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy opens in 2011
After training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over 21 years and winning over 30 titles, including Silver and Bronze at Pan American Games, and Gold at the SJJIF World Championships, Grant opened his own school, the Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, which is central to Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach. Each day, he dedicates himself to building a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy with a community of disciplined, energized students.
- 33 years of martial arts training
- Forth Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
- First Degree Black Belt in Hapkido
- 20 Tae Kwon Do titles at the age of 24
- US Olympic Training Center invitee
- Over 30 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu titles, including..
- 2 x Pan American Bronze
- 1 x Pan American Silver
- 2 x IBJJF Nationals Gold
- 2 x SJJIF World Championships Gold
Professor Zach Wolivar
Professor Zach is a talented Jiu-jitsu black belt and a seasoned competitor. He was the fastest student to earn the black belt at Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has dedicated a majority of his adult life to Jiu-Jitsu training and competition. He is also a registered nurse, making him certified in CPR and First Aid. He is a world-class professional instructor with excellent technique.
Professor Adrian Cisneros
As a professional engineer, Professor Adrian brings a precise, analytical mindset to the mat. With over 13 years of martial art experience and as a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he is uniquely skilled at breaking down complex mechanics into actionable techniques.
Professor Adrian leads our Friday evening sessions, where he focuses on the finer points of Judo. His instruction helps students refine their leverage and improve their overall grappling game through his engineering – focused approach.
Professor Caleb
Professor Caleb is a former Marine and elite security professional. With real world insights he aims to equip students with essential mindset and skills for personal protection. Professor Caleb has been training various martial arts for the majority of his life. He is a certified Krav Maga instructor, a certified Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) instructor and a USPSA competitive pistol shooter. He earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Professor Collins in 2024. Professor Caleb is committed to the martial art lifestyle of strength, discipline and health. He ensures the students are well prepared to handle the rigors of jiu-jitsu and of life.
Coach Forrest Chang
With 47 years of experience, Coach Forrest is a lifelong martial artist dedicated to the development of the students. His diverse background includes a black belt is Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu. He currently holds the rank of brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
As the lead instructor for our MMA program, Coach Forrest brings a methodical, highly organized approach to training. He ensures every session is safe and well structured, focusing on the core fundamentals of both striking and grappling. His classes are inclusive and challenging for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced competitors.
Coach Eric Wackeen
Coach Eric is a primary instructor for our “Winning Attitude Kids Program”, bringing both a warrior’s spirit and a scholar’s understanding of human nature to every class. With a lifelong background in martial arts – including high school wrestling, a black belt in Taekwondo, and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – he understands what it takes to excel.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in sociology at Cal State Long Beach, Eric complements his martial arts experience with an academic background in sociology and behavioral sciences. He runs a well-structured, rigorous program that balances physical conditioning with high-quality kids’ jiu-jitsu instruction, ensuring every child feels supported and challenged.
