Meet the Team
Patricia Hacker
Founder and Executive Director of Leverage Labs BJJ, a youth development organization built on the belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mindfulness offer a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional development that can help young people build resilience, confidence, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful connection during some of the most formative years of their lives.
Drawing on years of experience designing mindfulness-based wellness programs, Patricia has spent years studying and implementing evidence-informed practices that support focus, stress management, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and personal growth. She is passionate about equipping young people with practical tools to navigate life's challenges, build healthy relationships, make intentional choices, and develop habits that support resilience, well-being, and lifelong growth both on and off the mats. Her work is grounded in the belief that physical, mental, and emotional development are deeply interconnected, and that young people deserve access to skills that strengthen all three. She also believes that a strong sense of belonging and positive community can serve as powerful protective factors in a young person's life, helping them build connection, purpose, and resilience during critical developmental years.
Patricia has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Michio Grubbs at Excel Academy in Oceanside and is currently a second-degree blue belt. Through her own training, she experienced firsthand how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develops discipline, perseverance, humility, confidence, and community. She also recognized its unique ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating a shared environment where mutual respect is developed through shared challenge, growth is celebrated, and meaningful relationships are built. For Patricia, this sense of belonging is one of the most powerful aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a cornerstone of the Leverage Labs mission.
Inspired by the powerful intersection of martial arts and mindfulness, Patricia founded Leverage Labs BJJ to help address the growing need for programs that strengthen both the inner and outer lives of young people. At the heart of Patricia's philosophy is the belief that genuine confidence is built when young people learn to trust themselves through challenge, self-awareness, reflection, and consistent effort.
Through both mindfulness and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, young people develop the resilience to navigate adversity, the emotional intelligence to respond thoughtfully under pressure, and the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges and proving to themselves that they can do hard things. By combining the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mindfulness, and leadership development, Leverage Labs BJJ provides a practical, accessible, and impactful framework for helping youth develop skills that extend far beyond sport.
Her vision is to create communities where young people develop the confidence to lead themselves, the resilience to work thoughtfully through challenges, the ability to regulate their emotions, and the empathy to support those around them. Through Leverage Labs BJJ, students gain practical tools for life while being introduced to a lifelong practice of learning, growth, and belonging through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Leverage Labs' network of partner academies.
Professor Djavan Coleman
The head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Leverage Labs BJJ, bringing a deep competitive background and a strong commitment to developing disciplined, confident, and technically precise students.
Djavan’s martial arts journey began in 2004 at San Clemente High School, where wrestling first introduced him to the structure, discipline, and intensity of combat sports. What started as competition quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of mastery. By 2009, he expanded his training into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, building a well-rounded foundation across multiple striking and grappling systems.
His development in the art was shaped through training in Virginia at Linxx Academy, an affiliate of Pedro Sauer, and Outfox MMA under the Lloyd Irvin affiliation. These environments helped refine both his technical skill and his understanding of structured, detail-driven instruction.
In 2015, Djavan’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu path accelerated under Professor Michio, marking a turning point in his progression. Through years of consistent training, competition, and refinement, he earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2020.
As a competitor, Djavan has tested his skills extensively across gi and no-gi tournaments and has stepped into the cage for 13 MMA fights. His experience includes four championship belts, including an amateur state title, and a professional MMA record of 2–0, reflecting both discipline and composure under pressure.
Beyond competition, Professor Coleman is defined by his teaching. His approach blends technical precision with humility and approachability, creating an environment where students feel both supported and challenged. He has a natural ability to read individual skill levels and meet each student where they are, while still guiding them forward with clear standards and expectations. His coaching style emphasizes strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and safe, structured progression.
He is also known for a creative and constantly evolving approach to Jiu-Jitsu, always refining techniques and exploring better, more efficient ways to understand and apply the art. This adaptability keeps his teaching dynamic and ensures students are learning living, functional Jiu-Jitsu rather than static concepts.
Equally important is his ability to make training engaging and enjoyable. Djavan brings a light, grounded energy to the room, helping students stay relaxed while learning highly challenging material. He is known for building confidence in his students through encouragement, clarity, and practical problem-solving, rather than pressure or intimidation.
Humble in his own ongoing growth and deeply passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he shares knowledge openly and teaches with a genuine love for the art. His presence is approachable and steady, making it easy for students of all levels to ask questions, make mistakes, and improve. This combination of humility, creativity, technical depth, and relational teaching style is what sets him apart and reflects his commitment to both the craft and the people learning it.
At Leverage Labs BJJ, he leads with a clear intention: to develop not just skilled martial artists, but aware, resilient individuals who understand how to apply technique with intelligence, discipline, and care for training partners.
Katie Dalferes
The Leverage Labs Board Advisor, Youth Development. Katie has served as a school counselor in public education for more than 21 years, primarily in Title I schools, where she has dedicated her career to supporting students, families, and underserved communities. Her work has focused on student advocacy, social-emotional wellness, college and career readiness, and building equitable support systems that help all students thrive.
Throughout her career, Katie has collaborated with educators, administrators, and community partners to address barriers to student success and create inclusive, student-centered environments. She is passionate about educational equity and is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, supporting the organization’s mission to create meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for youth and families.