The Coaches
Bloomfield, NJ • MMA • Muay Thai • BJJ • Kids Martial Arts
Our Coaching Philosophy Rare Breed MMA is built on discipline, precision, and a culture of relentless improvement. Every coach on our team brings real experience, technical knowledge, and a commitment to helping students grow — whether they’re training for fitness, self‑defense, or competition.
Stephanie Lavi
Owner of Rare Breed MMA and the lead instructor of the Ninjas Program, Bloomfield’s top martial arts program for young students.
A 1st Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo and active Jiu‑Jitsu practitioner, she specializes in building focus, discipline, and confidence in kids through structured, high‑energy training.
Specialties: Kids Martial Arts, Ninjas Program, Youth Development
Learn more: Coach Steph Bio
Emilio Ramirez
Founder & Head Coach of Rare Breed MMA, Coach Emilio leads the academy with a blend of technical mastery, structure, and a deep commitment to building confidence and discipline in every student.
His coaching emphasizes fundamentals, mental toughness, and real‑world skill development.
Specialties: MMA, Striking, Grappling
Learn more: Coach Emilio Bio
Roger Borshe
Coach Roger blends wrestling fundamentals with modern No‑Gi grappling, helping students develop takedowns, control, and pressure‑based ground skills.
Specialties: Wrestling, No‑Gi Grappling, Control Systems
Learn more: Coach Roger Bio
Michael Paterno
Coach Mike focuses on clean technique, positional awareness, and building a strong foundation in both Gi and No‑Gi grappling.
Specialties: BJJ, No‑Gi, Submissions & Escapes
Learn more: Coach Mike Bio
Chris Sedlak
Coach Sedlak is Rare Breed’s wrestling specialist, teaching students how to develop takedowns, control, and top‑pressure with clean, effective technique.
His coaching is direct, high‑energy, and focused on building strong wrestling fundamentals for both grappling and MMA.
Specialties: Wrestling, Takedowns, Mat Control
Learn more: Coach Sedlak Bio
Gage Bazemore
Coach Gage brings authentic Muay Thai technique, powerful padwork, and a structured approach to striking.
His sessions focus on timing, balance, and real‑world application.
Specialties: Muay Thai, Striking, Conditioning
Learn more: Coach Gage Bio
Christian Ruggeri
Known for his sharp technical eye and high‑intensity coaching style, Coach Ruggeri helps students develop clean mechanics, smart movement, and fight‑ready striking fundamentals.
Specialties: MMA, Striking Mechanics, Fight Application
Learn more: Coach Ruggeri Bio
Adam Rodriguez
Coach Adam leads the Rare Breed Competition Team, preparing athletes for high‑pressure performance with structured training, strategy, and conditioning.
Specialties: Competition Prep, Fight Strategy, Advanced Drilling
Learn more: Coach Adam Bio