Ark Academy is a martial arts academy founded by Isaac Mass, creator of the Kosher Clash Jiu Jitsu Tournament and the Jews of Jiu Jitsu Project.
Built on a foundation of empowerment, Ark Academy is dedicated to providing premier Jiu Jitsu training for all men, women, and children through structured programs, expert instruction, and a strong sense of community.
Isaac Mass – Ark Academy Owner and Director
Isaac Mass is the Owner and Director of The Ark Academy and a lifelong martial artist. His journey began in 2012 with Tae Kwon Do and Aikido, eventually leading to Krav Maga and, in 2017, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—his true passion. Since discovering BJJ through Balance Studios in Philadelphia, he’s been fully immersed in the art, training daily and embracing its philosophy.
Isaac is the founder of Jews of Jiu Jitsu, a global community uniting Jewish practitioners in a welcoming, competitive, and respectful space. He also founded and leads KosherClash, a premier Jiu Jitsu tournament series in New Jersey designed for Jewish athletes, with Sunday events that honor Shabbat observance.
Off the mats, Isaac is known as The Holistic Dog Coach, having helped thousands of clients connect with their dogs through personalized, intuitive training. He brings the same thoughtful, adaptive approach to his Jiu Jitsu coaching, working closely with kids and adults alike.
Isaac lives in Teaneck, NJ with his wife Sarah and their two sons. He currently trains under renowned instructors Tom DeBlass and Sean Yadimarco, continuing to grow as both a practitioner and a teacher.
Will Lannon – Ark Academy Coach
Will Lannon has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for seven years and was recently promoted to brown belt under Professor Luca Atalla at Renzo Gracie Upper West Side. He has competed extensively at every belt level and is an active competitor. Will sees jiu jitsu as a powerful metaphor for life: to get good at anything, you have to put in the work, stay humble, and keep showing up. Outside of training, Will enjoys refereeing tournaments, teaching jiu jitsu to beginners, reading philosophy, and being a devoted dad to his two young kids.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Luca Atalla > Will Lannon
Sean Yadimarco – Head Grappling Coach
Sean Yadimarco is an elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete and the head grappling coach, known for his technical expertise, competitive grit, and passion for developing the next generation of champions. A black belt under the renowned Tom DeBlass, Sean brings a wealth of high-level experience to the mats.
He is currently ranked #7 in the IBJJF heavyweight division and was a Top 10 ranked 185lb submission grappler on FloGrappling in 2022. His impressive competition resume includes being an IBJJF Pan and National Champion, a World Bronze Medalist, and an ADCC Trials Semi-Finalist. Sean is also a multi-time ADCC Open Champion and a veteran of Who’s Number One (WNO), where he has competed among the sport's elite.
Dedicated, disciplined, and always evolving—Sean is not just a coach, but a competitor and a mentor committed to excellence on and off the mat.
Gabriella Bermudez - Ark Academy Coach
Gabriella is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who actively competes in events like ADCC Opens and IBJJF Opens. With nearly four years of training, she’s built her style through consistent competition and time on the mats. Gabriella started training after a self-defense incident on a New York subway — and since then, jiu-jitsu has become more than just training; it’s a space where she tests herself, sharpens her game, and shows up to win.
“Jiu Jitsu is not just a sport—it's a language of resilience, where every grip, sweep, and choke teaches you how to stay calm in the chaos and find strength in the struggle.”
— Isaac Mass