MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
PROFESSOR BEN CORPUZ
Professor Ben Corpuz is the founder and owner of BC Kickboxing & BJJ, where he has proudly served the Waxhaw community for over 12 years. With decades of experience as a martial artist, coach, competitor, and fitness professional, Professor Ben has dedicated his career to helping students of all ages build confidence, disciple, and lifelong healthy habits through martial arts.
A highly accomplished instructor, Professor Ben is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Master Roberto Traven (Coral Belt), a Kru-certified Muay Thai Instructor under Grand Master Toddy of Thailand, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Kettlebell Instructor, and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in the art of Taekwondo. He also holds a Brown Belt in Shotokan Karate and continues to expand his knowledge by training across multiple martial arts disciplines. c By combining his inherent love for mixed martial arts with exceptional credentials, Professor Ben has been able to channel his passion for fitness and martial arts into a career through the establishment of BC Kickboxing & BJJ – a premier kickboxing/MMA and personal training facility.
Professor Ben has trained under some of the most respected names in combat sports, including former UFC Welterwight Champion Matt Serra, Professor Joe Scarola (5th Degree Black Belt), Master Roberto Traven, Grand Master Toddy, Kru Phanthip, and Ajarn Lacosta, a two-time World Muay Thai Champion. His commitment to lifelong learning ensures that students at BC Kickboxing & BJJ receive instruction rooted in proven techniques, modern training methods, and real-world experience.
“My greatest joy comes from helping others to achieve goals well beyond their potential”. – Professor Ben Corpuz | BC Kickboxing & BJJ Owner
As an active competitor, Professor Ben continues to compete in both striking and grappling events. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous state, national, and international titles, including IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion, Grapplers Quest World Champion, NAGA Champion, AMMO Featherweight Champion, USKBS+A Muay Thai Champion, New York San Da Kickboxing Champion, and multiple other championship titles. He is also an international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu federation (IBJJF) official and a World Kickboxing Association (WKA) affiliate.
Under Professor Ben's leadership, BC Kickboxing & BJJ has become one of the region's premier martial arts academies, offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Grappling, Muay Thai, Fitness Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA, Strength & Conditioning, Youth Martial Arts, and private training for beginners through advanced competitors. He has successfully coached numerous athletes who have competed and won in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, K1 kickboxing, Muay Thyai, and Mixed Martial Arts competitors across organization such as Fight For It, Ring of Combat, and the World Kickboxing Association.
Professor Ben believes that martial arts is about much more than winning competitions. Guided by the philosophy, "True victory is victory over oneself," he strives to help every student develop confidence, resilience, respect, and the discipline to overcome challenges both on and off the mats.
Outside the academy, Professor Ben enjoys spending time with his wife of more than 20 years, their son Dylan, and their dogs, Saber and Teddy. A longtime support of local business, some of his favorite restaurants include Mary O'Neill's, Maxwell's Tavern, Yama, and 131 Main. His personal motto reflects both his coaching philosophy and his approach to life: "Life is precious - make every moment count."
COACH EMMANUEL ROBLES
At BC Kickboxing & BJJ Coach Emmanuel is the Head Instructor for our Muay Thai Program and the Lead Instructor for the Children's Martial Art. With over 5 years of coaching experience in martial arts and background coaching JV, Varsity, and Club soccer for 4 years, Coach Emmanuel has been working with student-athletes since 2018.
As a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and active competitor in both grappling and K1 Kickboxing/Muay Thai, he brings real skill and high standards to the mat - while keeping classes age-appropriate, encouraging, and fun.
As the owner of Martial Arts Nomad, LLC and Lead Instructor of children's program, Coach Emmanuel is committed to more than just technique. His purpose is to build a vibrant community where martial arts inspires confidence, resilience, and well-being, uniting students and families through shared passion and growth.
Parents appreciate his calm leadership, clear communication, and ability to connect with kids of different ages and personalities. Whether a child is shy, energtic, or brand new to martial arts, Coach Emmanuel focuses on building real confidence, discipline, and respect both on and off the mats.
Off the mats, he enjoys exploring coffee shops, traveling with his family, and discovering new places together.
He believes that God has a purpose for every person and that all things in life work together for good - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
COACH CHRISTIAN O'BRIEN
Coach Christian O'Brien is the lead instructor for our No-Gi Submission Grappling program at BC Kickboxing & BJJ. As an active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and Brown Belt, Coach Christian brings a wealth of technical knowledge, competition experience, and passion to every class.
Known for his patient coaching style and attention to detail, Coach Christian creates an environment where students of all skill levels can develop confidence, improve their grappling technique, and challenge themselves in a supportive atmosphere. Whether you're training for competition, self-defense, or personal growth, he is committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
As an active competitor, Coach Christian continues to test and refine his skills on the competition mats, bringing the latest techniques and strategies back to the academy. His dedication to continuous learning and technical excellence ensures that students receive high-quality instruction rooted in modern submission grappling.
Outside the academy, Coach Christian is the Lead Sales Representative at Ukie Painting, a respected local painting company, where he enjoys building relationships and serving the community. When he's not on the mats, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their lively household of five dogs, a cat, and a parrot. He's also an avid poker player and movie enthusiast, always appreciating good competition - whether it's at the card table, on the mats, or in front of the big screen.
Coach Christian believes that success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes through consistency, discipline, and perseverance. His goal is to help every student become not only a better grappler but also a more confident and resilient individual on and off the mats.
COACH SETH THOMAS
Coach Seth Thomas is an active striking and grappling competitor, who brings energy and real-world experience to every class he teaches. As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt and K1 Kickboxer, he is passionate about helping students of all ages build confidence, improve their skills, and achieve their personal goals.
At BC Kickboxing & BJJ, Coach Seth leads our Fitness Kickboxing program, Children's Martial Arts classes, and provides one-on-one personal training. His positive coaching style, technical knowledge, and commitment to student success create a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced athletes alike.
Outside the academy, Seth is an insurance agent with Diamond Insurance. In his free time, he enjoys training, spending time with his church community, and sharing great meals with family and friends - especially at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, one of his favorite restaurants.
Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete, Coach Seth is dedicated to helping every student become stronger, more confident, and their very best.
COACH LAUREN MCBREEN
Coach Lauren McBreen brings over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and is a Certified Nutritionist dedicated to helping others achieve heathier, stronger lifestyles. Her passion for fitness and wellness is reflected in every class she teaches, creating an encouraging environment where members of all experience levels can thrive.
At BC Kickboxing & BJJ, Coach Lauren leads our high-energy kickboxing classes and our restorative weekend Stretch classes, helping members improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall well-being. She is committed to making every workout both challenging and accessible while motivating students to reach their personal fitness goals.
Outside the academy, Lauren works in the Legal Department at Wells Fargo. When she's not at work or coaching, she enjoys spending time with her two beloved puppies, Ozzy and Charlie, and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or looking to take your training to the next level, Coach Lauren is passionate about helping you build confidence, improve your health, and become the best version of yourself.
COACH BRAD VUGRINOVICH
Coach Brad Vugrinovich brings more than 15 years of cardio kickboxing experience and a passion for helping others discover the physical and mental benefits of fitness. His energetic coaching style, positive attitude, and commitment to every member make him a valuable part of BC Kickboxing & BJJ team.
At BC Kickboxing & BJJ, he leads dynamic Fitness Kickboxing classes that challenge members of all fitness levels while creating a fun, supportive, and motivating environment. Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to push your limits, Coach Vugrinovich is dedicated to helping you build strength, confidence, and endurance.
Outside the academy, he works in medical device sales with Aerogen. He and his wife, Jessica, are passionate animal lovers who foster cats and share their home with four feline companions.
When he's not coaching or working, you'll likely find him watching MMA sharpening his public speaking skills as a member of Toastmasters, or entertaining audiences at local comedy open mic nights. His diverse interests and outgoing personality make him a coach who enjoys connecting with people and helping them become the best version of themselves.
"The best workouts don't just make you stronger - they help you discover what you're capable of."