Instructors

“Passion is a result of a belief so powerful you can’t contain it, yet so abundant you are compelled to share it!”

Growing up in Rockland County NY, and playing sports from football, baseball, and wrestling, He was sometimes always picked last to play team sports, and being a victim of being bullied, Professor O’Keeffe’s father knew he needed a competitive edge and an activity that would help him develop confidence in himself.

Professor O’Keeffe began his training when he was 9 years old in Judo. When he graduated from high school, and working a summer job on a delivery truck, he met his instructor and for well over 25 yrs Professor O’Keeffe has studied martial arts, not only learning martial arts, but also how to teach and train students effectively.

Professor Scott O’Keeffe has been teaching for over 20 years now and is a full-time professional instructor. Experienced and knowledgeable in several martial arts and training methods.

Professor O’Keeffe Currently Holds:

• A 3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Professor David Adiv and Master Royler Gracie

• He’s a full-time student in Muay Thai Kickboxing at Renzo Gracie NYC, and has traveled to Thailand and spent months training at the World Famous Tiger Muay Thai Camp in Phuket, Thailand.

• A 5th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo

• A Black Belt in Emperado Kajukenbo Self-Defense System

• He is a certified MMA Conditioning instructor under UFC strength and conditioning Coach, Kevin Kearns

• Experienced in Northern and Southern Kung-Fu, and has trained at the National Wushu training center in California under Lao Shr Eric Chen

• Skilled in the Filipino Martial Art of Pekiti Tersia Kali and has trained in the Philippines

• Plus, a member of a nationally recognized group of professional martial arts instructors, dedicated to raising the standards of martial arts instruction worldwide!

Known for his passion for his students’ progress, Professor Scott O’Keeffe is a dynamic and energetic instructor, yet a very humble person.

Students always walk out of class feeling like they made progress and will always leave class with the SSL effect: Smiling, Sweating, Learning

Professor Irene Shapiro has been training under Professor O’Keeffe for 23 years and is now a second-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. As a full-time professional martial arts instructor, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her classes. With degrees in Early Childhood and Special Education Development from the University of Hartford in Connecticut, she teaches a range of classes, including Tiny Shark (ages 4-5), Kid’s Jiu-Jitsu (ages 6-12), Teen Jiu-Jitsu, and Adult Kickboxing Fitness. Notably, she’s cultivated one of the best Parents and Me classes in the community, where parents join their kids in a fun, lighthearted learning environment. Passionate about empowering women, she emphasizes teaching self-defense skills to females of all ages, helping them build confidence and independence. Her passion for martial arts is contagious, making her an inspiration to all, and a true martial arts success story.

Professor Kristofer Hardin is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Scott O’Keeffe , a direct 3rd-degree black belt under David Adiv and Royler Gracie. He began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in July of 2007 and started pursuing the path of instruction shortly thereafter.

With a strong background in wrestling and years of coaching experience with the North Rockland Mat Club, transitioning into jiu-jitsu instruction was a natural fit. His approach to teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, technical understanding, and helping students develop confidence and consistency on the mats.

In addition to jiu-jitsu, Professor Hardin has over 28 years of experience in powerlifting and has been coaching strength training for the past 5 years. This experience allows him to bring a well-rounded, intelligent approach to training that supports performance, longevity, and injury prevention.
Above all, Professor Hardin is passionate about coaching, instructing, and helping students of all levels progress—both on and off the mats—while fostering a supportive and disciplined training environment.