Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach / Owner
Ben Tallini
Coach Ben is the owner of Haven Jiu Jitsu and brings over 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and combat sports. Under his leadership, Haven has grown into one of the largest and most respected Jiu-Jitsu schools in the region. In addition to teaching daily classes, Ben works with multiple local law enforcement agencies, providing grappling-based training for professional application.
Ben has an extensive Jiu-Jitsu competition background and also holds a 1–0 MMA record. Under his leadership, Haven Jiu Jitsu earned 1st place for Adult Gi competitors at the IBJJF International New Jersey Open and has secured multiple team gold medals for both adults and kids at Grappling Industries events. In recognition of his impact on the local community and business leadership, Ben was named 2024 Businessman of the Year by the Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce.
Outside the gym, Ben lives with his wife, Danae, and their three daughters.
Jiu Jitsu Coach/Manager
Coach Adam
Coach Adam is the Manager at Haven Jiu Jitsu and has been training Jiu-Jitsu for eight years, with seven years of active competition experience. He has competed extensively during that time, earning multiple gold medals at IBJJF Open events, and remains deeply committed to continuing his growth and evolution in the sport. Adam teaches Haven’s Little Kids and Teens classes and is especially passionate about helping new students build confidence and develop through Jiu-Jitsu, both on and off the mats. Outside the gym, Adam lives with his wife and their two daughters.
Advanced Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Jason
Coach Jason began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2016 and was immediately drawn to the athletic and technical demands of the sport. He is a highly accomplished IBJJF competitor, earning podium finishes at Pro, Open, Pan American, and World Masters events across multiple belt ranks. In 2025, Jason captured gold at IBJJF Pans and later that year was promoted to black belt. Outside of training and competition, Jason enjoys spending time with his family.
Over 40 Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Dan
Coach Dan is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ben Tallini of Haven Jiu Jitsu and has been training since 2014. He teaches the Over 40 class on Monday nights, working with older students who want to train smart and keep progressing. Dan continues to compete and believes Jiu-Jitsu rewards consistency and hard work—there are no shortcuts.
6am Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Josh
Coach Josh is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and active IBJJF competitor, regularly competing at Pans and Worlds. He teaches the 6am class at Haven and is known for his consistency, dedication, and effective instruction.
Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals Coach
Coach Ryan
Coach Ryan is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt under Haven Jiu Jitsu and an active IBJJF competitor, including a medal at IBJJF World Masters. He leads the Fundamentals program with a focus on strong foundations, core concepts, and practical progression. Off the mats, he serves the Deaf and Blind community as a Job Coach and ASL Interpreter.
No Gi Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Nick
Coach Nick is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with 14+ years of training and competition experience. An American National Champion and Worlds and Pan Ams medalist, he is also a former Air Force combatives instructor.
Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Mike
Coach Mike (Wrestler Mike) is a lifelong wrestler, former Syracuse University club wrestling coach, and Section 9 champion. He has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over a decade and has coached athletes ranging from youth and collegiate wrestling to military and law enforcement programs. At Haven, he leads the wrestling program with an emphasis on practical, adaptable takedowns. Wrestling has been a constant in Mike’s life, shaped by both his own competition and a family deeply rooted in the sport.
Women's Jiu Jitsu Coach
Coach Hannah
Coach Hannah is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, IBJJF Pan American Champion, and World Masters Champion at blue belt. A full-time school psychologist, she teaches and empowers women at Haven Jiu Jitsu while helping students build confidence both on and off the mats. Outside of the gym, she enjoys time at home with her husband, Coach Ryan, and their five cats.
Muay Thai Coach
Coach Matt
Coach Matt began training in martial arts over 25 years ago, starting with karate before transitioning into Muay Thai, where he also competed in the ring. Over the past 15 years, he has coached and prepared numerous local fighters while continuing to actively train in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Martial arts has been a lifelong passion for Matt, and he values the discipline, work ethic, and perseverance it builds both on and off the mats.
