TORRENT BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Hanover Pembroke Martial Arts & Fitness for All Ages!
Meet Our Team
Mike Downes
Head Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Mike Downes began his grappling journey in 1982, learning his first Jiu-Jitsu techniques from renowned wrestler Wade Schalles at the Monomoy Wrestling Camp. Since then, grappling has remained a constant in Mike’s life. He wrestled competitively in high school and college, represented Massachusetts on the National Team at the Junior Olympics, and later coached high school wrestling.
Mike holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Black Belt in Taekwondo. His martial arts experience spans a wide range of disciplines, including Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Kempo, and Judo. He has also studied anatomy and kinesiology at San Francisco State University, worked as a personal trainer and physical therapy aide, taught anatomy and physiology at the college level, and founded a yoga school.
Before founding Torrent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mike rose to the position of lead instructor at a school ranked in the top ten in the nation by Black Belt Magazine. With a passion for education and community, Mike set out to build a Jiu-Jitsu academy that welcomes all levels—from competitive athletes to those looking to train for fitness and self-improvement.
“Every time I walk through the door, I have to pinch myself,” Mike says of his dream come true. Supported by his wife of 33 years and their three amazing daughters, Mike leads Torrent with gratitude, passion, and an unwavering love for the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Lainy
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
Lainy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt who began her Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016. With a passion for teaching, she currently serves as an instructor and coach for the kids' class, helping young students develop both their Jiu-Jitsu skills and character. Lainy is known for her strong guard game and is particularly fond of the Triangle Choke, a technique she uses with great efficiency.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, Lainy enjoys reading and traveling in her free time, always seeking new experiences and knowledge. Her approach to teaching is patient, encouraging, and dedicated, making her a favorite among students of all ages.
Jordan Zukowski
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
Jordan Zukowski is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt with over 15 years of experience on the mats. With a strong athletic background that includes college-level basketball, baseball, and golf, Jordan brings a well-rounded and competitive edge to his Jiu-Jitsu game. His diverse athletic experience has shaped his approach to Jiu-Jitsu, making him a dynamic and versatile instructor.
Jordan is known for his fluid movement and strategic approach to grappling, favoring an Open Guard style. He’s especially effective with the Darce Choke, a technique he’s mastered through years of focused training. His deep understanding of sports, combined with his Jiu-Jitsu expertise, allows him to connect with students on both a technical and athletic level.
Jordan’s teaching style is dynamic and detail-oriented, focusing on helping students grow physically and mentally through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. His approach encourages students to explore their strengths while building a strong foundation for long-term progress in the sport.
Nevada Smith
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
Nevada Smith is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt and instructor known for his smooth sweeps, relentless top pressure, and love for armlocks. With a background in skateboarding, Nevada brings balance, creativity, and a unique rhythm to his Jiu-Jitsu game. His guard style is all about sweeping and getting to the top, where he thrives.
Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a sport for Nevada—it’s his favorite hobby and a way of life. Being part of a close-knit team that feels like family is something he values deeply. “It’s fulfilling in a way I hope everyone is lucky enough to experience,” he says.
Legend has it, Nevada was discovered in a cardboard box behind the old academy one cold December. A gi was thrown over his shoulders to keep him warm, and he immediately started shrimping like a wild animal. Clearly, he had the instincts of a natural-born grappler—and it’s been impossible to get rid of him ever since.
Jesse Scott
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Jesse Scott is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and dedicated No-Gi instructor known for his dynamic grappling style and athletic background. Before discovering Jiu-Jitsu, Jesse was a multi-sport athlete—he wrestled and played baseball in high school, then went on to play collegiate baseball at Farmingdale State College. His experience in competitive sports laid a strong foundation for his smooth transition into submission grappling.
On the mats, Jesse favors a creative and pressure-based style, utilizing Octopus Guard to set up transitions and attacks. His favorite submission is the Arm Bar, and his approach to No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu reflects his combination of wrestling fundamentals, athleticism, and technical knowledge.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, Jesse is a committed student of the sport and a valued member of the Torrent community. His passion for coaching shows through in his classes, where he emphasizes fluid movement, positional control, and constant improvement.
Ed Barrett
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Ed Barrett is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt who has been training under Coach Mike since 2018. With a solid background in both engineering and business—holding a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA—Ed combines analytical precision with a thoughtful, structured approach to teaching and leadership at the academy.
Balancing a successful career in the medical device industry, Ed plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the school, both on and off the mat. His calm demeanor, attention to detail, and deep technical knowledge make him especially effective in orienting new students. Known for his clear, concise, and safe instruction, Ed helps newcomers feel comfortable and confident as they embark on their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Ed’s passion for continuous learning, coupled with his dedication to fostering community, allows him to guide others on their path to growth—both as practitioners and as individuals. His contributions to the academy reflect his belief in the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Max Bullock
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Max Bullock is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and a lifelong martial artist who deeply values the mental and physical growth that comes with training. Though Max humbly does not consider himself an instructor, his contributions to the team are invaluable—he is always willing to assist, support teammates, and help Coach Mike whenever needed.
With a black belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate, Max brings a traditional martial arts mindset to his Jiu-Jitsu practice. His favorite technique is the Rear Naked Choke, and he enjoys using butterfly guard to set up sweeps and attacks, reflecting his well-rounded approach to grappling.
Max’s martial arts journey began with early inspirations like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, which sparked his passion for the UFC and eventually led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training alongside his brother, also a purple belt, and continues to grow both his skill set and philosophy through a lifelong commitment to martial arts.
Jaryd McGonagle
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
Jaryd McGonagle is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt with over nine years of Gi experience and a diverse background in martial arts. As one of Torrent’s original students, he plays a key role as both an advanced student and dedicated instructor.
Jaryd’s martial arts journey began with Western boxing and expanded into Muay Thai and No-Gi submission grappling. He started competing in 2010 at Straight Blast Gym East Coast and has since medaled in regional and national tournaments including IBJJF, Grappling Industries, NAGA, Tap Cancer Out, and JJWL.
Known for his smooth Lasso Guard game and love for the Flower Sweep, Jaryd brings a technical, strategic style to his training. He’s especially passionate about helping newer students build strong fundamentals and develop a lifelong appreciation for Jiu-Jitsu.
Beyond the mats, Jaryd is a devoted husband and father to two young daughters. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Boston Architectural College and enjoys drawing and snowboarding in his free time. For Jaryd, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle grounded in connection, growth, and community.
Sean Goss
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Sean Goss is a 2-stripe Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the owner/operator of a photo lab in Hanover, MA. What started as a way to stay active amidst a busy professional life quickly turned into a lifelong passion for Jiu-Jitsu.
With no formal athletic background, Sean embraced the sport as both a physical challenge and a mental outlet. His guard game blends closed and open guard transitions to set up dominant positions, and he favors arm locks for their efficiency and control.
What Sean values most in Jiu-Jitsu is the ability to adapt—whether it’s adjusting to a bigger, faster opponent or facing life’s everyday challenges. For him, learning to manage energy, stay composed under pressure, and grow through discomfort has been as rewarding off the mat as on it.
Sean also finds deep meaning in the strong sense of community that Jiu-Jitsu builds. He believes the sport fosters connection, personal growth, and resilience—and most importantly, it’s just a lot of fun.
Mark
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Mark is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt with over 13 years of No-Gi grappling experience and a background that includes two years of competitive fighting in Thailand. His time abroad sharpened both his striking and mental grit, adding depth and resilience to his overall martial arts journey.
Now focused on the Gi, Mark brings a gritty, submission-hunting style to the mats. He favors bottom half guard for its control and transition options and is especially known for his favorite move—the rolling toe hold from top half guard, a testament to his aggressive and technical approach.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, Mark works as a diesel mechanic, bringing the same hands-on discipline and problem-solving mindset from his trade into his training. He’s also a proven competitor, having earned 1st place in NAGA tournaments.
Mark’s blend of real-world toughness, deep grappling experience, and commitment to the grind makes him a respected and impactful presence on the Torrent mat.
Evan Kelly
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Evan Kelly is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and instructor who brings a sharp mind for both movement and mechanics to the mats. Since starting his Jiu-Jitsu journey, he’s developed a deep passion for the art and quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful, technical practitioner.
Evan’s guard game is centered around wrestling up, and he favors the Dagestani Handcuff—a technique that showcases his strategic, pressure-heavy style. He also enjoys working from gift wrap, exploring its control and attack options in depth.
Off the mats, Evan is a Production Group Lead at Boston Dynamics, where he applies his technical mindset to cutting-edge robotics. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering, reflecting his diverse skill set and curiosity.
Whether he's debugging robots or breaking down Jiu-Jitsu sequences, Evan brings focus, creativity, and intensity to everything he does.
Marissa Sinclair
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Marissa Sinclair is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and passionate coach for the kids’ class. Starting her Jiu-Jitsu journey in May 2023, Marissa came into the sport without an athletic background but quickly discovered how enjoyable and rewarding it could be. Her story serves as an inspiration to those who think they’re not "athletic enough" to try something new—proving that anyone can walk onto the mats, step outside their comfort zone, and make meaningful progress.
Promoted to blue belt, Marissa is proud of her progress and is looking forward to many more milestones in her Jiu-Jitsu journey. One of her favorite techniques is using the gift wrap from mount to control and submit opponents, and she’s always working on improving her guard game, especially her closed guard and De La Riva guard.
Jiu-Jitsu has become a family affair for Marissa, as her husband and young daughter both train as well. Outside of the academy, you’ll find them all spending time together on the mats—truly a family that rolls together!
Marissa encourages anyone who’s nervous about starting Jiu-Jitsu to give it a try: "It’s challenging and humbling, but it’s also a source of pride, dedication, and fun. And the best part? The Torrent family is incredibly welcoming and supportive. It’s a place where we learn, grow, and have fun together.”
Joe Hartigan
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Joe Hartigan is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and instructor at Torrent, bringing a lifelong love of contact sports and a no-nonsense work ethic to every class he leads. With a background in football and hockey, Joe’s approach to Jiu-Jitsu is physical, strategic, and grounded in discipline.
He prefers using a knee shield guard to manage pressure and set up attacks, and he thrives on the technical challenges that Jiu-Jitsu offers. Always eager to improve, Joe leads by example—showing that consistent effort and a passion for the grind go a long way on the mats.
Outside of training, Joe is the owner of a pest control company and an adrenaline enthusiast. He enjoys riding dirt bikes, off-road vehicles, and mountain biking—basically, if it involves risk and challenge, Joe’s in.
Mike Delaney
Instructor | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Mike Delaney is an instructor at Torrent BJJ known as much for his sense of humor as his passion for martial arts. He first burst onto the athletic scene as a proud member of the Trondheim Ice Hurling Team, famously launching a regulation 9-kilogram block an impressive 286 centimeters. He briefly considered the Strongman circuit but ultimately decided to stick with pursuits where strength wasn’t the only requirement.
On the mats, Mike is a dedicated and supportive presence, always ready to help teammates improve while keeping the vibe light and welcoming. His favorite part of Jiu-Jitsu? The people, the progress—and maybe a well-timed joke between rolls.
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Torrent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specializes in personalized martial arts instruction with an emphasis on self improvement and long-term health. Classes are designed to build self confidence, self esteem, strength, endurance and flexibility, through teaching students Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fitness techniques. Students of all ages learn in a safe and friendly environment. Torrent also offers a six-week program specifically designed for students who want to get into shape while learning the basics of Jiu-Jitsu
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