Martial Arts

Aaron is a lifelong martial artist. He has been fascinated by body movement and physical fitness his whole life. This interest led him to traditional martial arts at a young age. He earned black belts in Karate and Judo before finding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1997.  He was one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the State of Maine, and was the first person in Maine to be promoted to the rank of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt.  Helio and Royce Gracie promoted Aaron to blue belt in 1998. He received his purple belt in 2001, his brown belt in 2003, and his black belt in 2005, all from Joe Moreira.

Aaron opened Maine Jiu Jitsu Academy in 1997 and ran the Academy for over ten years. During that time, Aaron certified over fifty people as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors.  Many of Aaron’s students have gone on to become well-known instructors and competitors.

In 2007, Aaron was asked to train the Embedded Training Team of the Maine Army National Guard in preparation for their mission to Afghanistan in support of the global war on terror.  Aaron has also taught defensive tactics, combatives, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to various agencies since 2003.  Aaron currently holds a second-degree black belt in BJJ and is the owner of Blake Academy in Boothbay Maine.

Education

Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in sports and performance psychology.  In his master’s program, Aaron studied mental skills including goal setting, confidence, energy management, focus, and visualization.  He also studied youth development, and how involvement in physical activities such as martial arts can facilitate personal growth and well-being.  Aaron  holds dozens of fitness certifications including advanced certification’s from The National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Business

Aaron has been an active and successful businessperson and entrepreneur since age twenty-five.  He is currently the co- owner of the Flagship Inn in Boothbay Harbor Maine, and the owner of Blake Academy in Boothbay Maine.