Instructors at Gracie Barra
Jarvis Edwards
Head Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Black Belt
Jarvis began his Jiu Jitsu training in 1999, with a friend in his garage. Both were new to the art and hungry to learn. Being that the closest school was two hours away, they began learning from books, magazines, videos, anything they could get their hands on. It was a long road filled with many mistakes, dead-ends and a lot of bad habits. But once he graduated from college, Jarvis was able to travel through-out the US and train with various schools. He had the privilege to train with a variety of instructors, most notably Eduardo de Lima, James Kelley, Carlson Gracie Jr., Pedro Sauer, and Nelson Monteiro.
Through-out his journey Jarvis was able to focus on cleaning up his technique, increase precision, timing and fluidity. He was able to compete at the US Open, Pan Ams, Relson Nationals, and Arnold Classics medaling every time. In 2007 he came to Alaska and found a home at Gracie Barra.
In 2010, after winning gold in the adult Brown belt division at the US Open he was awarded his Black belt from Nelson Monteiro.
"As lead instructor at Gracie Barra I draw upon all my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned to help our students succeed."
Tony Faralan
Senior Instructor
Black Belt
A Gracie Barra Black belt, Tony began training Gracie Jiu Jitsu Ten years ago and has competed successfully at the national level, including silver and bronze medals at the U.S. Open. He has trained with BJ Penn, Renzo Gracie, Barrett Yoshida, Romulo Barral and Igor Gracie. Tony is a senior instructor and is a coach of the Mixed Martial Arts program.
Jordan Kontra
Head of kids program
Brown Belt
Jordan began his Jiu Jitsu training in 2007 after experiencing the art from the wrong end in his second MMA fight. “I came in to the fight as a wrestler with a little stand-up and was promptly tied in knots by my opponent. It became immediately clear to me that I needed to learn more about this style.” He came to Gracie Barra and immediately fell in love with the gentle art. So in love, that he changed nearly every aspect of his life in order to become as indoctrinated into the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle as possible. “I had always had a problem with my weight. I showed up at Gracie Barra at around 200 pounds and with a 2 pack-a-day cigarette habit. Within six months I was down to 170 pounds and had left the cigarette habit in the dust. I didn’t just want to just do Jiu Jitsu, I truly wanted to live the BJJ lifestyle.” After seeing how powerful the art could be not just as a fighting art, but also as a day-to-day tool in life, Jordan became drawn to the idea of sharing BJJ with as many people as possible. “I became the quintessential gym-rat. If anyone showed up to work out or just needed a training dummy, I was there and willing. I went to every class I possibly could. In 2009 I was offered the opportunity to teach the kids class at Gracie Barra Alaska and I jumped at it. I saw an opportunity to offer kids something I’d never been offered. Not just the chance to learn to defend myself or compete, but the opportunity to learn humility, camaraderie, respect and discipline, all things that would have made my younger life an easier and more enjoyable experience.”
Jordan received his brown belt in 2013 and continues to live at the gym. Chances are, if you stop by he’ll be there and ready to roll. He has competed in the local Gi tournament taking 2nd place in his weight division. He participated in the 2010 US Open and took Bronze in his division at the 2011 US Open and took 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals at the UGF Washington State Championship. He has also medaled in numerous local Judo tournaments.
Alie Isa'ako
Muay Thai instructor and MMA Coach
Ali began his martial arts training in 1989 at the age of 17, boxing in Waipahu, Hawaii. He went on to train with world champion kick-boxer Dennis Alexio in Kahili, Hawaii.
Since traveling to Alaska, he has coached many different local MMA fighters and boxers. After attending a Muay Thai class at Gracie Barra in 2009, he knew immediately that he needed to add this to his personal arsenal. Since then he has become Gracie Barra’s assistant Muay Thai instructor and an integral part of the MMA team as a striking coach, helping to bring the Gracie Barra fight team to the high standard that it currently enjoys.
Bo Underwood
Senior Instructor
Black Belt
A former collegiate wrestler who has competed on a National and International level. He coached wrestling at the college level and brings over 30 years of experience. Bo received promotion to blue belt under Royce Gracie and to purple belt under Carlos ‘Caique’ Elias. He was awarded his black belt at Gracie Barra Alaska. He won silver at Gracie Nationals. Bo is no stranger to the cage, he held the light weight belt and has been awarded fighter of the night. He’s trained mixed martial arts under Pat Militech and completed a training camp at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. Bo is a senior instructor and Gracie Barra Alaska’s Muay Thai instructor, in addition to teaching various Jiu Jitsu classes. Bo competes in Ultra Marathons for fun.
