Our instructors have amassed years of experience in studying and teaching the martial arts that comprise the BETA program. Their well-developed expertise and life-long passion for tactical arts, used by champions in the ring of mixed martial arts, separates them from other instructors in the area.
Head instructor, Khun Kru Nakapan, embodies over a decade-long development and testing of the BETA program. He remains an active competitor who can be seen testing his skills in local and national tournaments.
Nakapan Phungephorn, Founder and Head Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu and Thai Boxing
Nakapan Phungephorn is a seasoned fighter with over 15 years of experience teaching, studying and competing in the martial arts. He began his life-long journey to develop the BETA program at the early age of 11, when he began training Kung Fu. After a fruitful competitive career in this soft art, which stretched over 3 years and included over 50 championship titles, he found that point sparring left something to be desired beyond discipline and formation. Although he competed with, and often defeated, black belts many years his senior, he felt that the sport lacked a sense of real combat and therefore began seeking other forms of martial arts that offered more effective self-defense techniques.
At the age of fifteen, Nakapan thus beckoned to his true calling by initiating his study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. His intense schedule of training-twice a day, six days a week-allowed him to quickly evolve into a feared competitor in these practical arts.
After 8 years of dedication, hard work, and competition, Nakapan earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Professor Pedro Sauer, whose lineage is directly derived from the legendary Rickson Gracie who helped popularized the art in the United States. Nakapan continues to hone his grappling skills under the guidance of Master Lloyd Irvin and Master Leo Dalla.
Watch Nakapan use the BETA methodology to
defeat his opponent in the
ring.
Nakapan also mastered the art of Thai Boxing under the
instructorship of Khun Kru Mike Moses. Kru Moses made
him endure grueling examinations and tested his
competitive spirit before presenting Nakapan for full
certification to Ajarn Surachai "Chai" Sirisute,
founder of the National Thai Boxing Association who
brought the art of Thai Boxing to the United States.
Nakapan remains one of the few instructors in the DC
area who are fully certified under this honorable
association.
In an effort to become a well-rounded fighter, Nakapan
also cross trained in Judo, Sombo, and Greco-Roman
Wrestling. He adapted the most effective techniques
from each martial art and blended them into his own
systematic application of fighting methods, which he
has tested time and again in the ring.
Nakapan earned one of his greatest titles during the
Summer of 2001, when he won the chance to represent the
United States in the World Championships of Muay Thai.
Despite suffering from a severe case of the flu that
left him in an extremely weakened state, Nakapan won
the gold medal for the United States as a middleweight,
after fighting three grueling matches. He proved the
efficacy of his fighting style in the final match, by
delivering a stunning knockout punch to his challenger
just 2:58 seconds into the 1st round.
In addition to his stunning victories in Muay Thai at
both the World and National level, Nakapan has faced
off against many famous MMA fighters, such as Matt
Hughes, Nate Quarry, Pablo Popovitch, and Kron Gracie,
in the cage and in professional grappling events. His
two most noteworthy battles include a grappling match
against 2007 Abu Dhabi Silver Medalist Pablo Popovitch
(Nakapan won via points) and an MMA fight against UFC
Fighter Nate Quary (Nakapan was narrowly defeated in a
judge’s split decision after a grueling seesaw battle.)
In order to prepare for up-coming competitions, Nakapan
taps into the network of BETA Academy affiliates, such
as Team Lloyd Irvin and Team Leo Dalla. During
specialized training sessions, Nakapan continues to
hone his skills while working with UFC Veteran and
long-time training partner, Brandon “The Truth” Vera,
as well as Elite XC and WEC Fighter, Musin Corbrey.
Although Nakapan continues to compete in the martial
arts, his true passion is for teaching others. Since he
began his coaching career in 1999, Nakapan dreamed of
opening his own academy that would allow him to share
the BETA program with others who share his passion for
learning and for the martial arts.
Nakapan holds that not everyone should have to test
their skills in the ring, as he did. However, he hopes
that his students will apply the core principles and
warrior spirit taught through BETA classes to succeed
in other aspects of their lives.
Certifications and Ranks:
- Certified Thai Boxing Instructor under USA Thai Boxing Association
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Pedro Sauer
- Judo Brown Belt (Ikkyu) under James Takemori and Tad Nalls
Competitive Accomplishments (Abbreviated):
- 2001 WKA Amateur Middleweight Muay Thai World Champion
- Multiple Time Grapplers Quest National Champion
- Kimono Kombat Challenge Superfight Champion
- Grapplers Quest East Coast Grappling Champion
- Mixed Martial Arts Record of 6-1
- Two Time Grapplers Quest National Team Trials Finalist
- Two Time Maryland State Judo Champion
- 2008 USJA Most Outstanding Competitor
- 2009 Virginia State Judo Champion
- 2009 Eastern Open Judo Champion
- 2009 IBJJF New York Open Bronze Medalist
- Undefeated Muay Thai Record 6-0
Melanie Metropolit-Phungephorn, Program Director and Instructor of Thai Boxing
Melanie has nearly 10 years of experience in studying and teaching Thai Boxing. She studied under the instruction of Khun Krus Mike and Amy Moses, Nakapan Phungephorn, and Ajarn Chai. Her no non-sense approach to learning Thai Boxing can be observed as she pummels the Thai Pads into submission. She has also successfully proven her superior skills inside of the ring.
Melanie's most notable win was against the 2003 WKA National Muay Thai Champion. In what was originally going to be an amateur match turned out to be Melanie’s professional debut when her opponent refused to wear protective head or shin guards. With Khun Kru Nakapan in her corner, she accepted the match and for the next three rounds, out pointed her opponent with accurate kicks, punches and knees which left the champion dazed. Despite being the underdog, Melanie triumphed and was awarded an unanimous victory. Melanie has now turned her attention to teaching others and furthering her study of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Aside from being a talented martial artist, she is also a dancer and appreciates the integral rhythm of Thai Boxing.
To inquire about private lessons with Melanie, contact her directly at melanie@betaacademy.com .
Daniel “Danny” Chacon, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu and Thai Boxing
For some, training in the martial arts is a hobby but for Daniel Chacon, it is a lifestyle. Daniel’s martial and combat arts training history began three years ago, when he sought out an intense competitive sport that would allow him to test his rapidly acquired skills in the ring. He learned several fighting styles under the tutelage of great trainers and masters, including Lloyd Irvin, Mike Moses and Chuck Young. Now, after competing and fighting in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts, he helps others achieve their goals on the mat of BETA Academy while he continues to improve under Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn.
Competitive Accomplishments:
- Muay Thai/Kickboxing 2-0
- Boxing 1-0
- Mixed Martial Arts 0-1
- Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (Gold Medal in Modern Martial Arts Open, Bronze Medal in Mission Submission, Bronze Medal in Grapplers Quest, and NAGA Veteran
To inquire about private lessons with Danny, contact him directly at dchacon@betaacademy.com .
James Abouchedid, Assistant Instructor of Thai Boxing
James Abouchedid began his martial arts career at the age of 13, studying Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali. After a year of training, his disappointment with the commercialization of the arts led him to Chaan-Tzu Ismail Saadat. Under Chaan-Tzu Ismail, James studied Northern and Southern Shaolin Kung Fu, through his college years. During this time, he competed and won various awards—most notably gold and silver medals at the Wong National Kung Fu Tournament.
After permanently moving to Washington, DC, James sought to continue his martial arts training—a true passion for him. The devastating power and striking ability of Muay Thai, paired with its integral elegance, led him to seek out teachers of this exotic art. James has been training under the tutelage of Khun Kru Nakapan ever since. He now brings his 10+ years of martial arts experience to teaching at BETA. James’s attention to proper mechanics and technique can not only be seen in his form, but in the form of those he teaches. His excellent technique is a true testament to the inherent striking abilities of Muay Thai, as his strikes can be heard resonating throughout the building despite his smaller stature.
Elyse Goldberg, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu
After ravaging the local tournament scene, Elyse Goldberg launched Washington, D.C.’s first Women’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class at BETA Academy. Elyse’s effective, free style of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is described as creative and fun with a strong emphasis on technical details that are seamlessly applied to a “flow roll.” In addition to fiercely competing in local and international tournaments, Elyse authors www.gringabjj.com.
Elyse acquired her unique style of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by following her passion to train all over the East Coast and in Europe during her five-year and continuing BJJ career. Her career began during her freshman year of college at Boston University, where she also ran the BJJ club and served as an assistant instructor after being promoted to blue belt. In 2008, Elyse moved back to her hometown of Philadelphia, PA to join BJJ United, where she earned her purple belt under Jared Weiner and Sharon Bonewicz. Elyse transferred to Washington, DC in the summer of 2009 and now proudly trains under Nakapan Phungephorn and Leo Dalla.
To inquire about private lessons with Elyse, contact her directly at egoldberg@betaacademy.com.
Reginald “Reggie” Esteban, Instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Reginald Esteban was one of the first people on the East Coast to begin training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, in 1995, under Frank Cucci and Pedro Sauer in Virginia Beach. During these early days of BJJ, Reggie and his family of practitioners (including his older brother-Oliver Esteban-who is a brown belt, and his cousin - Nestor Bayot - who is a black belt) competed regularly in local tournaments. After graduating from college, Reggie continued his training and earned his purple belt at Evolve Academy in Washington, DC, under Master Mike Moses.
It was at Evolve Academy where Reggie began teaching the technical aspects and philosophy of BJJ to new practitioners, as an assistant instructor. Here, he also became friends with Nakapan Phungephorn, a black belt instructor on staff. Reggie was forced to take some time away from his BJJ career after a training accident, which required him to undergo major reconstructive knee surgery. In 2009, Reggie resumed his rigorous training and now serves as a part-time instructor at BETA Academy, where he incorporates character-building and strengthening of students’ mental and physical competition skills into every BJJ lesson.
Carlos Lopes, Head Instructor of Capoeira
Carlos Lopes is a native of Brazil who was born in the city of Belo Horizonte Minas Gerais. As a young boy, Carlos grew up amongst the Afro-Brazilian people and culture that Capoeira was born of. The songs of Capoeira thus speak deeply to Carlos, as they sing the history of his people.
Carlos began practicing Capoeira as an adolescent playing amongst other Capoeiristas in Belo Horizante. In 1994, he joined his first Capoeira group, Cais da Bahia, which was lead by Mestre Chocolate. A couple of years later, he became an active member of Centro Cultural de Senzala, one of the oldest Capoeira organizations of Brazil that is lead by Mestre Peixinho and Mestre Toni Vargas. As a teenager, Carlos participated in an endless number of Capoeira events in Belo Hozizante, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador and various other cities across Brazil. After his move and assimilation to life in the United States, an injury kept him from returning to Capoeira for several years. In 2006 he began training again in Baltimore with friends who were members of Capoeira Males. The following year he moved to Virginia and briefly trained with Grupo Ondas/ Mandingeiros dos Palmares. In January 2010, Carlos became an instructor for the internationally recognized group Oficina da Capoeira, under the leadership of Mestre Ray who is also a native of Belo Horizante.
Carlos has been teaching Capoeira in the Washington DC area for three years before founding the Capoeira Program at BETA Academy in February of 2010.
Michelle Clark, Instructor of Capoeira
Michelle Clark has been studying Capoeira in its various styles and forms for over six years. Her interest in martial arts was sparked as a young child, when she trained arduously in Tae Kwon Doe. She started her Capoeira training in the style of Angola in 2003 at FICA in the DC Metro area. As a veteran B-Girl, she then gravitated toward the style of Regional, which, much like break dancing, is high energy and dynamic. She began her study of the Regional style in 2004 in Vancouver, Canada under Quilombo do Queimado (now known as Capoeira Males). As her interest in Capoeira further developed, she traveled to its source in Brazil to learn more about its culture and art. She spent several months training daily at Centro Cultural de Senzala in Rio de Janeiro in both forms: Regional, under Mestre Toni Vargas and Mestre Peixinho, and Angola, under Mestre Marrom.
Upon returning to the US, Michelle joined Capoeira Sul da Bahia where she continued her training under Monitor Busho. She then returned to Brazil to train with Sul da Bahia in Porto Seguro and with Mestre Toni Vargas in Rio. In the fall of 2007, Michelle was forced to take break from Capoeria as a result of a car accident. When she regained mobility in her neck, she began to ease back into training with Grupo Ondas/ Mandingeiros dos Palmares, under Monitor Doninha and later Estagiario Carlos Lopes. In January 2010, she joined Oficina da Capoeria and was given a Cruz Laranja cord to recognize her knowledge and skills in the art of Capoeira.
Michelle is an instructor and advanced student of BETA Academy’s Capoeira Program.
Jay Simon, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Founder of Ruckus 101
Jay Simon's passion for fitness and body- efficient
tactical arts started on an Ohio wrestling mat at the
age of five. He has since trained in power lifting,
Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Thai Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.
(He is the 2004 Grapplers Quest U.S. Nationals
Intermediate Champion.) This experience, along with his
in-depth knowledge of fitness, keeps his clients
engaged and challenged through a well-balanced
selection of strength and conditioning exercises.
Jay developed the Functional Interval Training (FIT)
program of Ruckus101 that emphasizes multi-joint
movements and creative exercises. Serving as the
Strength and Conditioning Coach at BTEA Academy, Jay
Simon uses Ruckus 101 to improve students’ performance
on the Brazilian Jiu- jitsu mat and in the Thai Boxing
ring. When he is not working at BETA Academy, Jay
continues to educate himself in order to provide
cutting- edge training regimines to his clients.
Professional Certifications:
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NASM-CPT certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine
-
Kettlebell Teacher (CKT) certification with the International Kettlebell Fitness Federation
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Kettlebell Teacher Fitness and Movement Dynamics (CKT-FMD) Level 2 Certification with the International Kettlebell Fitness Federation
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Natural Trainer Level I with the Monkey Bar Gymnasium Certification
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Battling Ropes Training System Coach Certification
To inquire about private lessons with Jay Simon,
contact him directly at
jay.simon@betaacademy.com.