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 & Head Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu & 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 beckoned to his true calling by starting his study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. His intense training schedule-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 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 Phungephorn 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. In 2010, Melanie became a certified instructor of Thai Boxing by Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute, President of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA (TBA).
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 also utilizes her background in international development to contribute to the works of local community development organizations in Washington DC.
To inquire about private lessons with Melanie, contact her directly at melanie@betaacademy.com .
Daniel “Danny” Chacon, Assistant 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 arts training history began four years ago, when he sought out an intense competitive sport that would test his rapidly acquired skills in the ring. Danny has learned several fighting styles under the tutelage of great trainers and masters, including Lloyd Irvin, Mike Moses and Chuck Young. Mixed Martial Arts not only provided him with the physical and mental test he longed for; it also proved to be a spiritual voyage for him. This is because, unlike other sports, martial arts instilled respect and discipline in his life, both inside and outside of academy doors.
Now, with the experience he has gained in competing 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. Daniel is honred to be chosen as an instructor at BETA Acaemy and enthusiastically shares his knowledge with students.
Competitive Accomplishments:
Muay Thai/ Thai Boxing Record of 4-1:
- 2010 WKA National Combat Championship Silver Medalist
Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu:
- NAGA No- Gi Champion
- Copa Nova Medalist
- Mid- Atlantic Grappling Championship Medalist
- Mission Submission Medalist
- Grapplers Quest Veteran
To inquire about private lessons with Danny, contact him directly at dchacon@betaacademy.com .
Rudy Telles, Apprentice Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu andThai Boxing
Rudy Telles began his martial arts training in 2006 when he studied at NYU’s Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu Club under Renzo Gracie Brown Belt, Mike Harmon. Having lettered in wrestling while in high school, the free- flowing, technical nature of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu appealed to Rudy’s need for a competitive avenue following a shoulder injury that abruptly ended his college tennis career. Following graduation and a move back to his hometown of Las Cruces, NM, Rudy continued his grappling training under 4th Degree Judo Black Belt Oscar Tinajero, earning a 2nd Degree Green Belt in the discipline and numerous tournament victories in both judo and no- gi submission wrestling. While studying under Tinajero, Rudy also began training in Muay Thai and traditional Karate in order to prepare for a foray into Mixed Martial Arts competition. Now living in Washington, DC, Rudy continues to hone his skills in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu under Khun Kru Nakapan.
Competitive Accomplishments:
Amateur MMA:
- 2-0 (both wins via submission)
- US Grappling Dominion Championships No-Gi Intermediate Champion
- US Grappling Dominion Championships Blue Belt 2nd place
- Southwest No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Open 2nd Place Lightweight
- Southwest No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Open 3rd Place Absolute
- NAGA DC No-Gi Intermediate 3rd Place
- NAGA DC White Belt 2nd Place
- IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Veteran (Blue Belt)
- 2007 Hayashi Southwest Judo Open Champion
To inquire about private lessons with Rudy, contact him directly at rudy.telles@betaacademy.com.
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, 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 Lopes has been teaching Capoeira in the Washington DC area for three years before founding the Capoeira Program at BETA Academy in February of 2010. To inquire about private lessons with Carlos, contact him directly at carlos@betaacademy.com.
Aaron France, Apprentice Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu
Aaron France began training Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu a decade ago at Yamasaki Academy. In late 2001, career changes forced him to stop training and he spent the following seven years wondering what would have happened if he had continued. Now Aaron is back on the mats and, as his team mates can attest to, he trains BJJ as if it is his second job.
Aaron’s style of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu is primarily sport oriented, focusing on sweeps, submissions, competitive strategy and technical detail. He believes that the hard work involved in tournament preparation, both physical and psychological, is of enormous benefit for the practitioner who is also focused on the practical self- defense aspects of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu. As a Police Officer, Aaron had adapted his style of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu to safely gain the compliance of combative individuals in real- life, real- risk situations. He has also been chosen to serve as a defense tactics instructor for his police department.
Competitive Accomplishments:
- 2010 Copa Nova, First Place, Blue Belt 30+, <179
- 2010 Copa Nova, Second Place, Blue Belt, <179
- 2010 US Grappling, Second Place, Blue Belt 30+, Absolute
- 2010 US Grappling, Third Place, Blue Belt 30+, <175
- 2010 US Grappling, Third Place, Blue Belt, <175
- 2009 Copa Nova First Place, Blue Belt 30+, <179
- 2001 Kimono Kombat First Place, White Belt, <165
Ryan Hill, Apprentice Instructor of Thai Boxing
Ryan Hill began his martial arts journey in 1991, when he began practicing the art if Tae Kwon Do under Master Ho So Hwang. Although he yearned to study Muay Thai since the young age of seven, there were no Thai Boxing academies to be found in his area. In 1995, Ryan began practicing the art Greco Roman wrestling. In 2001, his journey finally led him to Muay Thai when he began training under Khun Kru Mike Moses and Master Quac Dong.
In 2009, Ryan Hill found a new home at BETA Academy where he now trains under the tutelage of Khun Kru Nakapan Phungephorn. In 2010, he became one of BETA Academy’s first WKA National Champions. He defeated his opponents by utilizing his well- trained kicks and foot jabs in overpowering combinations. After many opponents withdrew from the competition due to injury and fatigue, the final match took place at 12:30 am (after midnight). Ryan utilized his warrior spirit and superior skills to defeat his last opponent in the <178 lbs Novice Division and thereby became BETA Academy’s second National Muay Thai Champion.
Michelle Clark, Assistant 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 Clark is an instructor and advanced student of BETA Academy’s Capoeira Program. To inquire about private lessons with Michelle, contact her directly at michelle@betaacademy.com.
Masai McDougal, Instructor of Thai Boxing
Michael Batenga, Assistant Instructor of Thai Boxing
Michael Ross, Apprentice Instructor of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu
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:
NASM-CPT certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine
Kettlebell Teacher (CKT) certification with the International Kettlebell Fitness Federation
Kettlebell Teacher Fitness and Movement Dynamics (CKT-FMD) Level 2 Certification with the International Kettlebell Fitness Federation
Natural Trainer Level I with the Monkey Bar Gymnasium Certification
Battling Ropes Training System Coach Certification
To inquire about private lessons with Jay Simon, contact him directly at jay.simon@betaacademy.com.