head INSTRUCTOR
PROFESSOR JEREMY ESPIRITU
Jeremy Espiritu opened Espiritu Jiu Jitsu in his hometown of Oxnard, California after a decade of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling and Judo at Renzo Gracie Los Angeles. After years of training, teaching, and competing in BJJ, Jeremy was awarded his Black Belt from Professor Shawn Williams, who is the top commentator and analyst for BJJ and grappling events in the martial arts community and a Fifth Degree Black Belt under the renowned BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts pioneer Renzo Gracie. In addition to his training under Professor Shawn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeremy has also traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to train Muay Thai at the famed Team Yokkao gym and spent time training Judo in Tokyo, Japan.
A seasoned competitor, Jeremy has competed at the biggest BJJ events in the world including The IBJJF World Championships and IBJJF Pans, while winning gold at the IBJJF Las Vegas Open and IBJJF Phoenix Open at the Purple and Blue Belt Adult Divisions. He combined his passion for martial arts and teaching by becoming an instructor at 5 Star Martial Arts where he taught both the Beginners and Advanced classes. In the Beginners classes, he showcased his ability to communicate and empathize with new students from various backgrounds to help them get acclimated and comfortable as they learned BJJ fundamentals. In the Advanced classes, Jeremy taught complex, multi-step techniques for both self-defense and sport including wrestling, Judo, and leg locks.
A native of Oxnard and Ventura County, Jeremy has been an active member of the community. He is a graduate of Channel Islands High School and attended Oxnard College. He met his wife Meyann, a registered nurse, at The Church of Christ in Oxnard, California where he and his family participate in the volunteering, music/chorus and youth programs. When he is not training or teaching BJJ, Jeremy enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and traveling on adventures with his wife and family. He and Meyann currently reside in Silverstand Beach in Oxnard.
COACH
COACH
CARLOS CONTRERAS
Coach Carlos Contreras Jr. is an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, competitor, and coach. He started training in 2008 and received his Purple Belt in BJJ from 4th Degree Nova Uniao Black Belt, Chris Lopez, in Phoenix, AZ. In 2019, he moved to Oxnard, where he and his two sons, Lorenzo and Isaiah, train at Espiritu Jiu Jitsu.
As a competitor, he has won medals in various IBJJF and NABJJF events, including the IBJJF Las Vegas International Open and the IBJJF Phoenix International Open.
In 2014, Coach Carlos began coaching the kids program, including his own sons, focusing on self-defense, fitness, and competition. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing body awareness and control through basic movements, which build muscle memory and understanding of the motions. Students then apply these skills to practicing techniques. This approach has produced successful competitors, empowered students against bullies, and enhanced self-confidence and discipline in martial arts, academics, and other areas of life.
Coach Carlos is a devoted family man, enjoying over 20 years with his wife Krisza and raising their two teenage sons, whom he continues to coach. The family bonds over shared meals and movie nights, particularly enjoying Will Ferrell films. As an outdoor enthusiast, you might find Coach Carlos paddleboarding in Channel Islands Harbor or Neptune State Park, or hiking the Franklin Trail and Chumush Trail at Point Mugu.