About Us
Get to Know the Team at
Alliance Jiu Jitsu IE
At Alliance Jiu Jitsu Inland Empire, we believe great training goes beyond learning techniques – it’s about developing confidence, character, and a strong sense of community. Every class is led by knowledgeable coaches – including 8x Champion, Professor Melissa Cueto – who provide individualized instruction in a positive and motivating environment, ensuring each student receives the attention they need to grow. Our proven curriculum creates a clear path for progress while allowing training to be adapted to each person’s goals and experience level. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or continuing your journey, you’ll find a supportive team committed to helping you and your family become stronger, healthier, and more confident in every aspect of life.
Meet the Instructors
Our team works tirelessly to welcome each member into our family-first culture at Alliance IE. They strive to help every student along the way, providing true support through years of training and a thoughtful attitude. This includes Professor Melissa, an IBJJF and Master Champion whose expertise is equally met by her passion for teaching Jiu Jitsu! You can meet her and the rest of You can meet her and the rest of our team below to see who can help you through BJJ training!
Founders of Alliance IE Family
Andrew & Klleirr Roxas
With a decade-long career in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Andrew brings a wealth of experience in dedication, discipline, and community engagement. He balances his demanding day job with a passion for training, spending his evenings and weekends fostering a love for BJJ along side our students.
Klleirr recently began her rewarding career as a NICU nurse at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Her commitment to caring for others shines through in our academy, where she promotes a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and growth of every child.
Head Instructor
Melissa Cueto
Professor Melissa Cueto is a prominent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athlete known for her exceptional skill and competitive achievements in the sport. Hailing from Brazil, Melissa has established herself as a force in the BJJ community, earning multiple titles in prestigious tournaments such as the IBJJF World Championships (2 times!), European, Brazilian National, American National, and Pan American Championships. Her technical precision, agility, and strategic mindset have made her a formidable opponent on the mats.
Beyond her success as a competitor, Melissa is also recognized for her dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an instructor. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with students of all levels, helping them to grow both technically and mentally. Melissa’s influence extends beyond the mats as she serves as a role model and advocate for women in BJJ, encouraging more women to pursue the sport.
With a reputation for excellence, discipline, and a deep love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Melissa Cueto continues to leave a lasting impact on the global BJJ community.
“My goal is to form champions on and off the mat, help people feel more confident, and achieve their personal goals. Jiu jitsu is an excellent inclusion tool where all types of people can practice and certainly benefit from it in all aspects of life.”
Professor
Laura Sileci
Professor Laura has been a practitioner of BJJ since 2012 and just recently earned her black belt. She found her love for the sport through competition, shortly after she began her journey. Coach Laura is the current IBJJF NOGI World Champion, American National Champion, 3x South American Champion, European NOGI Champion, and silver medalist at Pan Americans, among many other IBJJF tournaments.
“My goal in jiu jitsu is to make history in the sport and to be able to inspire people to believe in their dreams, confidence, and potential.”
Coach
Juan Martinez
Began training while serving our country for the US Army. He completed Combatives 1 and Combatives 2 certifications, after which he began competing in combatives tournaments, including the esteemed All-Army Combatives Tournament. Coach Juan officially began his BJJ journey in 2017 and is currently a brown belt.
Coach
Ronald “RJ” Reed
Coach RJ has been a practitioner of BJJ since 2019 and is currently a purple belt. Coach RJ is an active competitor and has been coaching kids/teens for 2 years. Besides BJJ, coach RJ enjoys to lift weights, travel, attend concerts, music festivals, and raves.
Coach
Marc Martinez
Coach Marc was initially introduced to BJJ in 2012, took a break and revived his journey in 2022 and is currently a purple belt. Coach Marc has found a passion for teaching, sharing his knowledge with fellow students, and enjoys watching his teammates grow on and off the mats.
Coach
Javier Valdez
Coach Javier or affectionately called “Javi” started his jiu jitsu journey in 2018, looking for a new challenge and a way to push himself mentally and physically.
“Over the past eight years, I’ve stayed consistent on the mats, working through tough rounds, setbacks, and lessons that have helped me grow both as a grappler and as a person. Bjj has taught me discipline, resilience, and humility. Every training session is an opportunity to improve, learn, and sharpen my skills. My journey is still evolving, and I’m committed to continuing to grow and give back to the academy that’s helped shape me.”
Coach
Celine Aldana
In 2024, our son began his BJJ journey at Alliance IE. Inspired by the sport, My husband, daughter and I stepped onto the mats ourselves in 2025. What started as supporting our child quickly became a shared family passion.
Outside of the academy, I enjoy the outdoors— hiking, gardening, strength training, and going on new adventures with my family.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping support the Juniors class, encouraging discipline and confidence.
Front Desk & Member Experience
Gabi Coqueti
Gabi is one of the friendly faces that helps welcome and support our Alliance IE families. She recently began her own Jiu Jitsu journey and especially loves the strong sense of community at Alliance IE—everyone supporting one another, being there for each other, and making the academy feel like home.
You’re In Good Hands
With Our Community
Alliance Jiu Jitsu Inland Empire offers everyone in Redlands and the surrounding communities a supportive space for training. Thanks to highly experienced coaches, a special culture, and an enthusiastic environment, everyone can become their best self with us. When you join us on the mat, you’ll discover a new way of life in and out of the academy!
Book a FREE Week!
Your journey at Alliance Jiu Jitsu Inland Empire can start the best way possible! Sign up for our one-week FREE trial today!
Contact Us!
Come join us for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Redlands! We welcome everyone nearby to join us, including those in Loma Linda, Highland, Yucaipa, and Mentone. You can find us just north of the 10 Freeway between the Alabama and California exits!