Our Coaches
JOU CHUN
Jou Chun, a distinguished three degree black belt awarded by the renowned Paulo Sorriso in 2016, serves as the head instructor at SYZYGY BJJ. With years of coaching experience, Jou has successfully guided a diverse range of athletes, from professional MMA fighters to elite-level grapplers in New Zealand. His extensive background has equipped him with a deep understanding of the sport, enabling him to foster the growth and development of each student he trains.
Jou's passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond competitive athletes; he also takes great pride in nurturing our kids' classes. With a unique and innovative approach, he creates a positive and engaging learning environment that inspires young practitioners to develop their skills, confidence, and discipline.
As a critical thinker, Jou constantly evaluates and adapts his coaching methods to ensure that each student reaches their full potential. His commitment to excellence and his ability to connect with students make him an invaluable asset to our team and a powerful influence in the world of BJJ.
NICK KIM
Nick KIM, who earned his black belt from esteemed instructors Jou Chun and Paulo Sorriso in 2023, is the head coach at SYZYGY BJJ Albany. Nick brings a wealth of competitive experience from kickboxing, MMA, and competitive grappling. He thrives on the thrill of competition and remains an active competitor, showcasing his passion for the sport.
His journey in BJJ has been filled with successes, and now he loves to share his knowledge with others. Nick has had the privilege of training professional MMA fighters and elite-level grapplers in New Zealand, helping them hone their skills and reach new heights.
Nick’s passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond his competitive successes; he sees it as a powerful tool for personal transformation and community enrichment.
He wholeheartedly believes in the positive impact that BJJ can have on people’s lives and is committed to sharing that experience with everyone around him. Nick is particularly talented at connecting with kids, nurturing their growth as athletes and individuals while making sure they have fun along the way.
With his warm smile and friendly demeanor, Nick creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported. He is not just a coach; he’s a mentor and a friend, ready to inspire and uplift those around him.
TZE SNEAH
As one of our purple belt coaches, Tze brings a truly unique perspective to the mats. His deep expertise in coaching was honed over years of experience as a high-level badminton coach, and he has an incredible talent for translating those universal principles of skill development, strategy, and motivation seamlessly to jiu-jitsu. Known for his clear communication and charismatic style, Tze makes complex techniques easy to understand for practitioners of all levels.
Tze’s true passion shines with our kids' classes. With a kind-hearted and understanding nature, he has a special ability to connect with our youngest students, building their confidence while they learn. He creates a fun, positive, and engaging atmosphere where kids not only learn jiu-jitsu but also develop discipline and respect, making him an inspiring and invaluable mentor for the next generation of grapplers.
DYLON WALSH
Dylon is our brown belt coach known for his incredibly effective and hands-on approach to teaching. His expertise comes from an impressive athletic background in both Mixed Martial Arts and high-level rugby. This unique history gives him a deep, real-world understanding of grappling under pressure and peak physical conditioning, and he is fantastic at translating that knowledge directly to his students on the mat.
Dylon is passionate about building practical and resilient grapplers. He’s an intuitive coach who uses his diverse background to connect with each person, figuring out exactly what they need to improve. By getting on the mats and working directly with his students, he gives them instant, constructive feedback that helps them develop much faster. He shares invaluable lessons on what works in the real world, how to build functional strength, and how to develop a tough, never-quit mindset, building grapplers who are strong both inside and out.