Team Ascension NY Head Instructor, Owner:
Coach Jason Trzewieczynski has been practicing and teaching martial arts for over 15 years. Initially practicing Eight Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu, Coach Jason earned his Black Sash at age 16, and began studying Sanshou. After taking up an interest in Mixed Martial Arts, Coach Jason met Professor Omar Salvosa and knew that he had found his lifelong teacher. Integrity and Respect were the founding principles of Team Ascension, two virtues dear to Jason. Eventually after training with Professor Salvosa for over 3 years, he became the only Ascension representative in the USA.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Team Ascension Purple Belt 1st Degree
- Professional MMA Fighter with over 10 fights
- 2010 Ascension Open Blue Belt Absolute Champion
- Winner in the 2012 SAN DO event, which pitted 3 pro fighters against each other in a three man MMA fight.
- Black Sash in Eight Step Mantis Kung Fu
Team Ascension NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling Coach:
Coach Craig Ostrum was first introduced to martial arts in the way of wrestling, attending Penn State. There he began studying Quantum Jiu-Jitsu which gave Coach Craig his unique and energetic combat style. Coach Craig eventually moved back to Buffalo and joined Team Ascension, quickly becoming a valued member. With his extensive background in grappling arts, Coach Craig became an instructor at BTC. Craig still coaches wrestling.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Team Ascension Purple Belt 1st Degree
- 2009 Bravado Blue Belt Champion
- Won his MMA debut in 46 seconds by RNC.
Team Ascension NY Muay Thai Coach:
Coach Nicholas Dodge is the most respected and feared thai fighter in the region. Coach Nick is devoted to building a strong muay thai community in Buffalo. In 2011, Coach Nick traveled to Thailand to study Muay Thai and the thai culture. Wanting to increase his knowledge and also test himself in Mixed Martial Arts, Nick began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Coach Nick won both of his MMA fights in the 2nd round by RNC and TKO respectively. Coach Nick travels to Ascension Niagara regularly, to train with Kru Roger Lumyoung. After defeating fighters from nearly every team in Western New York, Nick fought for and won the Northeast USMTA Title.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Team Ascension Blue Belt
- USMTA Northeast Welterweight Title Holder
- Undefeated in Muay Thai (5-0)
- Undefeated in MMA (2-0)
- Poo Choi Kru through USMTA
Team Ascension Kids/Teens BJJ Coach:
Coach John Swantek is a lifelong martial artist. He earned his Kenpo Black Belt in 1987. Later he trained in Preying Mantis Kung Fu, earning his Black Sash. It was while teaching Kung Fu that Coach John first met a young coach Jason. John still sought more from martial arts and began learning Krav Maga, becoming a level 3 instructor under Darren Levine. Coach John joined Team Ascension NY upon its opening, and brought with him a lfietime of teaching experience. Falling in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, John became dedicated to learning the art and began competing.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Team Ascension Blue Belt
- Eight Step Kung Fu Black Sash, Kenpo Black Belt
- Level 3 Krav Maga instructor
Team Ascension Kids/Teens/Adult BJJ Coach:
Coach Mike Noreman has been training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since he was 12 years old. Coach Mike began training in Long Island with Matt Serra, and earned his purple belt in 2012. Mike has been an avid competitor for his entire BJJ career, and brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to BTC.
Notable Accomplishments:
