our coaches

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  I started training in MMA around 2009 but slowly enjoyed the Jiu-Jitsu classes more than the boxing or MMA classes. I trained for approximately three months before I signed up for my first competition. I took 3rd place, but I was not happy with my performance and felt like I could get better. 

 Over the next few years, I trained on and off due to work. In 2013 my friend, Chris Robinson, basically nagged me until I bought a gi. I hated it! How stupid that you can hold on to my clothes and not let me move, but I stuck with it. I trained for a couple of months in the Gi and again signed up for a competition. I again made the podium but wanted to do better. It was that day I decided I wanted to achieve my black belt.

I spent the next few years training as much as possible and kept competing. In December of 2021, I received my black belt from the founder of Jiu Jitsu for Life Team, Professor Jorge Britto. 

 I’ve always loved competing and have been lucky enough to travel to tournaments all over North America, but my real passion is teaching.

 I love watching people who have never trained before develop their skill sets and find their path through the journey. Something I heard that I’d never forget is: “it’s not about who’s good. It’s about who’s left. It’s hours on the mat, and if you put in that time, natural athlete or not, if you practice the art, you’ll be a black belt. You just can’t quit.”

 I started training Jiu Jitsu/MMA in 2006 when I was stationed in Quantico Virginia while serving in the Marine Corps. I competed in several amateur MMA and Muay Thai fights as well as numerous 

grappling tournaments.

   In 2009 I moved back home and opened the gym Victory MMA in the Tonawandas. I served as the co owner and head MMA coach. In 2010 I won the raging wolf amateur MMA title at the Seneca Niagara casino and went on to win the State grappling championships in both Pennsylvania and New York in 2011.

 Victory MMA closed in 2013 and I then served as the head MMA coach at WNYMMA from 2014-2020. In 2016 I received my purple belt and in 2019 I won the King of The Cage professional MMA title and retired from MMA. I received my brown belt in 2021 and was promoted to black belt in 2023 by Professor Jorge Britto and the Jiu Jitsu for Life Team

   I look forward to being part of the Lumber City Combat Sports team and building a gym culture that focuses on enjoying Jiu Jitsu, helping members accomplish their fitness and health goals, and giving back to our community. 

I started training in boxing approximately 20 years ago in Niagara Falls, NY. I competed at the amateur level and have been fortunate to train with some of the best male and female fighters in the area.

In 2020 I decided to step out of my comfort zone and train in jiu-jitsu mainly because of my career in law enforcement. I am beyond grateful and happy that I took that leap. I have found that jiu-jitsu has kept me grounded and helped me stay physically and mentally helthy.

I train four to five days a week in jiu-jitsu and teach fitness classes at Lumber City Combat Sports. My classes are designed to improve athletic performance, build strength and mobility, and increase endurance, stamina, and conditioning. When competing in combat sports, you never want to be outworked by your opponent.

I fell in love with combat sports many years ago, and the rush you get from competing is something you can't replicate. I am excited to be a part of Lumber City Combat Sports and look forward to watching everyone grow. Never give up no matter how hard it gets; remember, no one cares; work harder.

Allow me to introduce myself,  I'm Eric Cerminara, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor with an unyielding passion for martial arts. From a young age I was immersed in combat sports. Starting wrestling around the age of four I continued my study up until the end of high school, breaking over 100 wins I was an annual contender for the sectional and state championships. The season ended my senior year of high school with unreached goals due to my lack of focus and commitment. With a handful of opportunities to continue my athletic career in collage, I turned them down and lived an immature and shortsighted lifestyle the next couple years. 

That was until I found Jiujitsu. One morning I woke up to the realization that I wasn't in the shape I used to be, I didn't feel as confident or fulfilled as I did when I was training. Regret of leaving combat sports started to set in. There was something missing in my life. After some research I found a gym where Rick Rogers was teaching at the time.  From the very first training session, I felt a profound connection with Jiu-Jitsu—a missing piece that would fill the void within me.

Since that day I have been training under Jorge Britto for the Jiujitsu For Life team. I have competed at the Pan American Championships and all-over North America with the IBJJF organization. I am currently the #5 ranked Blue Belt in Grappling Industries with a record of 22 wins and only 3 losses. Jiujitsu has become the main focus in my life.  I devote myself entirely to its practice, training relentlessly seven days a week. Every day, I delve deep into the intricate details of the sport, studying diligently to uncover new nuances that I can incorporate into my practice. I complement my training with resistance exercises and maintain a healthy diet, leaving no stone unturned in my pursuit of excellence  

While my personal aspirations drive me, I am equally committed to sharing my knowledge and empowering others. I believe in the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and its ability to help individuals reach their full potential. My ultimate goal is to become a Pan American and World Champion, but it's equally important to me to guide and support fellow practitioners on their own paths to greatness.

I have a diverse background in combat sports due to my Grandpa Bill Spriegel The Dragon Of The East and Man Of A Thousands Hold teaching me submission wrestling as a kid along with my brother and cousin. This allowed me to want more so I started with extensive training and competition experience in wrestling, then Judo, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). My journey includes:

- **Wrestling**: Competed extensively qualifying for US Nationals my senior year and coached wrestling for Iroquois youth and at the modified level.

- **Judo**: Achieved the rank of Yellow belt under Marti Grisanti and competed in various tournaments.

- **MMA and K1**: Competed in MMA and had a K1 fight, demonstrating versatility in striking and grappling.

- **Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu**: My primary passion, where I have earned a series of accolades:

  - 3x NYS Grappling Champion

  - 1x NYS Absolute Grappling Champion

  - 2x 3rd NAGA World Championships

  - 3rd Submission Only World Championships

  - 3x 2nd Submission Only World Championships

  - 2nd Submission Only Pan American Championships

  - 2nd NAGA World Championship

  - UAE Canada National Pro Champion

  - Submission Only World Champion

I am committed to my journey in combat sports, continually striving for excellence and embracing the challenges and rewards that come with it.