INSTRUCTORS



John Oliverio

My name is John Oliverio I am one of four founding members of Ground Zero Fighting Systems.  

My story with Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in April of 1996.  With no more than a few videos, three great friends and the generosity of a local martial arts school Ground Zero Fighting Systems was born.  Through travel, much practice and good old fashioned perseverance Ground Zero has bore three flagship academies.  Where once you found only white belts, now the mats of  Team Ground Zero are  blessed with  4 black belts, 6 brown belts, and a slew of purple and blues chomping at our heals.  Ground Zero has placed fighters in the Pan-American Games (Brian Glenn, BJ Bradley), Mundial of Jiu-Jitsu (Brian Glenn), UFC (Dustin Hazlette, GZ Huntington) and countless local, regional competitions.  

Ground Zero’s three academies are led by John Oliverio and Charlie Wispert (GZ Augusta, GA), Phil Davis and Don Cunanan (GZ Morgantown, WV) and Ashley Lockwood, Tim Dunlap and Jeremy Walters (GZ Huntington, WV).  While each academy is affiliated with different BJJ black belt mentors we all stand united in our history and mission.

Although not founding members, it is important to mention Phil Davis, Don Cunanan and Dustin Ware (IMB Columbus) for their tireless and selfless efforts to better Team Ground Zero over the last 10 years.  Thank you guys!  



All that being said, my personal journey has been blessed with many influences and adventures.  

My first mentor of mention was Lloyd Irvin, www.lloydirvin.com.  Lloyd was a bigger jiu-jitsu nut than I and exposed me to a whole different level of consciousness about the reality of jiu-jitsu.

Romero “Jacare” Cavalcante’s Alliance academy in Atlanta (www.alliancebjj.com) provided me with my first large team training experiences.  While only there a short time, it was an invaluable lesson on intensity and the “team before self” mentality.  

Luis “Sucurri” Togno (www.sucuribjj.com) inspired me by building confidence in my technique and self.

I must attribute much of the last 3 years success to Fabio Costa, and Alexandre “Dande” from Gracie Barra for their help and brotherhood.  You guys will always be family to me.  

Today I stand proud as a representitive of the Legendary Professor and World BJJ/ Abu-Dhabi Champion Roberto Traven (www.robertotravenbjj.com).

If you practice Jiu-Jitsu or want to begin practicing Jiu-Jitsu my door and mats are always open to you.


        --Ciao

Charles M. Wispert Owner/Business Director Head Krav Maga Instructor Certified by Krav Maga Worldwide Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt (Roberto Traven) CrossFit Phase B Qualified CrossFit Kids Certified CrossFit Olympic Certified CrossFit Kettlebell Certified