Our Instructor

Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on gray mat, one in black gi with beard and short hair, the other in dark gi with curly hair, in a grappling position.
A man in a black martial arts uniform practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a black mat indoors, with a Brazilian flag partially visible on the wall.
Outline of a bear's head with glasses above the bear's depiction.

Master-Instructor Bruce Sylvia (Mr. S)

Instructor Bruce (or Mr. S as he is known in the classroom) is a local South Carolina educator who began training in martial arts in 1998. He received his black belt in Taekwondo in 2003 and is currently a Kukkiwon certified 5th Dan black belt. In 2009, Instructor Bruce expanded his martial arts training with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he earned his black belt in 2019 and his 1st degree in 2024.

I’m a local educator and Martial Arts instructor. I help children and adults build confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills through structured training.

Awards and Accolades:

  • 5th Dan World Taekwondo Federation

  • 4th Dan World Martial Arts College

  • 4th Dan US Taekwon-Do Han Moo Kwan Association

  • 4th Dan US Taekwondo Grandmasters Society

  • 1st Degree Black Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

  • Master’s Degree of Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree of Science

  • USA Taekwondo Associate and Level 1 Coach

  • AAU Coach’s Certification

  • 3 Time Leadership Award Recipient

  • 2 Time Local Instructor of the Year Recipient

  • 1 Time MA State Taekwondo Gold Medalist

  • 2 Time RI Open Taekwondo Gold Medalist and 2 Time Bronze Medalist

  • 1 Time NJ State Taekwondo Gold Medalist and 1 Time Silver Medalist

  • 4 Time New England Open Taekwondo Gold Medalist and 3 Time Silver Medalist

  • 1 Time Western MA Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open Gold Medalist