Our Jiu Jitsu and Judo Coaches
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo coaches at Jtsu Academy. Discover their qualifications, experience, and achievements to learn how they can help you grow in martial arts
Alex Umantsev (Head Coach) 3rd Degree Black Belt
Alex Umantsev is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling athlete, and a certified coach at JTSU Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He has been training for nearly 20 years and has held his BJJ Black Belt for over a decade under Ido Pariente.
As a lifelong athlete, Alex works with both hobbyists and competitors, teaching ground techniques, stand-up fundamentals, and practical self-defense. His approach is focused on clarity, efficiency, and real application.
Alex has competed in BJJ tournaments worldwide and brings that hands-on experience into his coaching. He is recognized as a Black Belt by both International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro, and is also a certified AJP referee.
At JTSU Academy, he plays a key role in developing athletes and maintaining a high standard of training across all levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Achievements
- Master International Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship 2011 2nd
- London International IBJJF Open 2012 1st
- Rome International IBJJF Open 2013 2nd
- European Jiu Jitsu IBJJF Championships NOGI 1st
- Rome International IBJJF Open 2014 1st
- Worlds Masters IBJJF 2014 3rd
- Long Beach Internationals IBJJF Open 2014 1st
- European Jiu Jitsu IBJJF Championship 2015 NOGI 1st
- Rome International IBJJF Open 2015 1st
- London Fall International IBJJF Open 2015 1st Open weight 1st
- London Fall International IBJJF Open 2015 NOGI 3rd
- Munich International IBJJF Open 2016 3rd
- Munich International IBJJF Open 2016 NOGI 1st
- New York Spring IBJJF International Open 2016 3rd
- New York Spring IBJJF International NOGI 1st
- European IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi 2022 3rd
- AJP Tour Europe continental Jiu-Jitsu championship 2023 2nd
Mariam Gogishvili — Head Coach, Kids & Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mariam Gogishvili is a pioneering in Georgian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the first Georgian woman to earn a BJJ Black Belt in the country. A highly decorated international competitor, she has represented Georgia on major stages while helping shape the development of women’s jiu-jitsu nationally.
Trained under Alex Umantsev, Mariam combines competitive experience with proven coaching expertise. She specializes in women’s and youth programs, bringing a structured, disciplined, and athlete-focused approach to development.
As Head of the Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program at JTSU Academy, she plays a key role in building the next generation of athletes while contributing to the continued growth of the sport in Georgia.
Misho Dofidze - Judo Coach
Misho Dofidze has over 15 years of experience in judo and a strong background in high-level competition. As a former member of the Georgian National Team, he has competed in many international tournaments, earning results both abroad and in Georgia.
Misho also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, which allows him to combine judo with modern grappling in a very practical way. This is especially important for athletes who compete in BJJ and need strong stand-up skills.
He brings extensive coaching experience and is responsible for the Judo-for-BJJ program at JTSU Academy. At JTSU Academy in Didi Dighomi, Misho leads the judo classes and plays an important role in developing athletes of all levels, from beginners to competitors.