Jon Calestine

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts

Jonathan Calestine was born on September 15, 1994, in Brooklyn, New York. Facing academic challenges during his youth, Calestine left high school at age 15 and began working in construction to support himself. At 17, with newfound independence and resources, he joined the Renzo Gracie Fight Academy in New York City. Initially, Calestine focused primarily on wrestling, laying a strong foundation for his future grappling career.

BJJ Development Under Anthony Bergamo and Daisuke Yamaji

Calestine's dedicated journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began under the mentorship of Anthony Bergamo (Tony B). Inspired by training partner Matt Kaplan, Calestine postponed his plans to enlist in the army, opting instead to compete at a Grapplers Quest tournament. This pivotal experience ignited his passion for competitive grappling. Soon after, Calestine transitioned to training predominantly with Daisuke Yamaji at the Renzo Gracie Fight Academy in Brooklyn. Yamaji became his primary instructor, guiding Calestine through each belt promotion and shaping his technical growth.

Influence of Eddie Cummings and the Danaher Death Squad

From his blue belt onward, Calestine regularly attended specialized competition classes led by Eddie Cummings, an original member of the renowned Danaher Death Squad. Under Cummings' tutelage, Calestine refined his leg-lock techniques and developed innovative strategies, quickly gaining recognition as a skilled leg-lock specialist within the no-gi grappling community.

No-Gi Specialist Career and Competition Highlights

Calestine established himself as a prominent figure in no-gi grappling by winning the championship at EBI Eddie Bravo Invitational 15 (2018). He consistently competes at elite-level no-gi events, including the ADCC East Coast Trials in 2021 and 2023. At these prestigious tournaments, Calestine advanced deep into the brackets, facing notable competitors such as rising talent Cole Abate. His repeated participation in ADCC Trials underscores his ongoing pursuit of qualification for the esteemed ADCC World Championship.

Technical Philosophy and Teaching Methodology

Analytical Approach and Positional Mastery

Calestine emphasizes technical precision and positional understanding over physical attributes. His analytical approach to grappling prioritizes meticulous study of positioning, particularly through mastering hip heists and utilizing seated guard effectively against larger opponents. Calestine regularly shares his insights through seminars, international leg-lock camps, and instructional content available on platforms such as JiuJitsuX.

Current Coaching Roles and Mentorship

Calestine coaches at Kings Combat Williamsburg and Renzo Gracie Brooklyn, actively mentoring the next generation of grapplers. He continues to refine and disseminate his specialized knowledge in leg-lock techniques and innovative guard play, emphasizing competition-tested strategies and technical precision in his instruction.