Benjamin Olivares' journey in martial arts began at the young age of 13, when he discovered discipline through karate. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for self-improvement and martial arts mastery.

A Wealth of Experience

At 18, Benjamin's training expanded at "Straight Blast Gym" in Oregon. Here, he delved into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, and various other combat disciplines. Las Vegas became his home and training ground at 25, where he honed his skills at the famed Warrior Gym alongside renowned fighters like Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. However, his true calling remained with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leading him to train under the esteemed Professor Ricardo Cavalcanti, a black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie. Benjamin received his blue belt in 2008 under Professor Cavalcanti's guidance.

Refining His Craft

Life's twists and turns led Benjamin to explore the Hayastan grappling systems, renowned for their comprehensive approach to martial arts. Here, he trained alongside Harout Terzyan, a highly respected student under Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell. Harout's experience encompasses training and coaching numerous UFC fighters, including Tito Ortiz and Rico Rodriguez. Benjamin further honed his skills under Henry Coll, a black belt under Harout Terzyan. Through dedication and competition, Benjamin earned his purple belt in 2013 and brown belt in 2017 under the tutelage of Harout and Henry at Ronin Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

A Journey of Mentorship

While achieving a black belt wasn't his initial goal, the camaraderie and guidance from his coaches played a significant role. Benjamin prioritized health and family while continuing his training. With his mentors relocating, training became logistically challenging. Fortunately, the path led him to Gokor Ambaryan at Freestyle MMA, a black belt under Gokor Chivichyan and Gene Lebell, the founders of Hayastan MMA.

Earning His Stripes

Benjamin's perseverance and talent culminated in receiving his instructor certificate in 2019 from both Sensei Gokor Ambaryan and Sensei Henry Coll. He secured back-to-back victories in the Naga tournament's Expert division. Recognizing Benjamin's potential, Gokor took him under his wing to guide him towards earning his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. This dedication paid off, and Benjamin achieved the prestigious black belt under Sensei Gokor Ambaryan in April 2020. He further solidified his expertise by earning his first degree in 2023.

Sharing the Knowledge

Today, Benjamin is a passionate instructor and coach, offering private lessons. He is grateful to all his teachers and the countless lessons learned throughout his martial arts journey. Driven by personal growth and a desire to empower others, Benjamin is committed to sharing his vast knowledge and experience with aspiring martial artists.

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