About Us
Bahamas Combat Academy (BCA) is a premier martial arts and combat sports training facility in The Bahamas, providing a safe, professional, and disciplined environment for people of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you are completely new to martial arts, looking to improve your fitness, interested in learning practical self-defense, pursuing competition, or working toward becoming a professional fighter, BCA offers a structured path to help you reach your goals.
Our programs combine world-class instruction with a strong emphasis on technique, discipline, respect, confidence, and personal development.
PROFESSOR PHILIPPE GAGNON
Lead Instructor & Owner
Professor Philippe Gagnon is a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who earned his black belt in January 2012 under UFC Champion and UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra.
Philippe began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1993 at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California. He later spent more than 20 years training in New York City at the world-renowned Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan under Professor John Danaher and at the Matt Serra Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
He also holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and a ranking in Shaolin Boxing (Kung Fu).
Philippe teaches many of BCA’s adult Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes and leads the development of the academy’s children’s and youth programs.
He also leads the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at King’s College International School and has organized multiple children’s Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in The Bahamas.
Philippe is deeply involved in wrestling and has coached high school wrestlers in the United States, including athletes who went on to compete at NCAA Division I and Division III universities.
He currently serves as a Bronze-Level Olympic Wrestling Coach under Kenny Johnson, Head Coach of the Bahamas National/Olympic Wrestling Team.
Meet Our Instructors
Most BCA classes are taught by two or more experienced instructors, allowing coaches to provide individual attention, technical corrections, and guidance throughout the class.
We believe that quality coaching isn’t simply about teaching techniques. It’s about understanding each student’s goals and helping them progress.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
MARCOS “MARQUINHO” COELHO
Marcos “Marquinho” Coelho is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Brazil with nearly 19 years of experience in the sport.
One of Philippe Gagnon’s primary training partners, Marquinho has competed extensively in Brazil and has earned multiple podium finishes, including a Professional World Cup championship.
He has taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children and adults since 2014.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical development, discipline, respect,
and helping each student become a better practitioner.
Outside the academy, Marquinho enjoys spending time with his wife and family.
MMA, Wrestling & Jiu-Jitsu Coach
JONNY HERNANDEZ
Born in Fox Hill, Nassau, and raised in Houston, Texas, Coach Jonny Hernandez has spent much of his life immersed in competitive sports and martial arts.
His martial arts journey began with boxing, Taekwondo, and Jiu-Jitsu. In the United States, he competed in high school wrestling and played American football from middle school through the semi-professional level.
After football, Jonny returned to Jiu-Jitsu and developed a passion for mixed martial arts.
He has competed in North America and Europe and holds an amateur MMA record of 4–1. He is also a verified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt.
Coach Jonny serves as Vice President of IMMAF Bahamas, is a Bronze-Level Olympic Wrestling Coach, and is a member of the Wrestling Federation of The Bahamas.
He also holds Level 2 Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
Outside of sports, Jonny is a husband and father who enjoys outdoor activities and family life.
Boxing & Wrestling Coach
OMAR LEVAR
Boxing Coach Levar Omar Stewart, known as Omar, was born in Nassau, The Bahamas.
He began boxing at age 12 in Chicago, Illinois, where he earned two Junior Olympics state titles.
In 2004, Omar moved to Cuba to train with the Cuban National Team while pursuing his goal of competing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Although he did not ultimately reach the Olympics, he earned two regional titles and established himself as one of the region’s top boxers.
In recognition of his achievements, Omar received a Sports Science scholarship from the Cuban government in 2008.
Today, Omar is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and an enthusiastic wrestling coach.
At BCA, he is committed to developing the next generation of Bahamian combat sports athletes.
BJJ & BAWF Coach
VALENTINO FLOYD
Valentino Floyd is an entrepreneur, award-winning advertising professional, father, and martial arts practitioner.
His martial arts journey began with training in Karate and Krav Maga before eventually focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Valentino views Jiu-Jitsu as a crucible — an art that challenges practitioners physically and mentally while teaching humility, discipline, adaptability, and self-awareness.
As a BAWF coach, Valentino is dedicated to helping students develop physically, mentally, and spiritually while maintaining an environment where people genuinely enjoy the process of learning.
He believes the Bahamas possesses exceptional athletic talent and is passionate about helping local athletes reach their full potential both on and off the mat.
BJJ, Muay Thai & Wrestling Coach
DIEGO
Born in Nassau, Bahamas, with roots in Jamaica and Long Island, Diego discovered martial arts through the encouragement of a friend.
Today, he trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts.
Diego is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and holds a Bronze-Level Olympic Wrestling Coaching certification.
Outside the academy, Diego enjoys freediving, spearfishing, agriculture, and spending time with friends and family.
Judo Coach
KARRA HANNAH
Born in Acklins, The Bahamas, Karra Hannah is a competitive martial artist who trains and teaches at BCA when she is not competing internationally.
Her martial arts journey began when she walked into a dojo and immediately developed a passion for Judo.
Karra is a Shodan — 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo and also trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Karate.
She is pursuing her goal of representing The Bahamas at the Olympic level in Judo.