Coach Carlos has been training and studying martial arts since the age of 5 and coaching over
the past 13 years. Carlos is also a local law enforcement officer and U.S. Navy veteran. His
martial arts background is in Muay Thai, Japanese Karate, Japanese Kenjutsu, boxing, Filipino
Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do and various systems of law enforcement defensive tactics to include
defensive firearms deployment.
Carlos first began as a Muay Thai assistant instructor under Master Michael Boyce in
Winchester, VA (www. Boycesmartialarts.com). He then trained in Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do
and Filipino Martial Arts at Navy SEAL Pat Tray’s Trident Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in
Woodbridge, VA (www.tridentmma.com). Carlos also assisted with instruction under Kru
Michael Custodio at Trident Academy before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
As a U.S. Navy Master-At-Arms (Military Policeman), Carlos began his education in law
enforcement while continuing his martial arts training around the world. Through his travels
during his service, Carlos was able to train at martial arts academies in countries such as
Bahrain, The United Arab Emirates and Sicily, Italy. In 2011, he left military service and began
his career in civilian law enforcement. Capitalizing on his talent and experience teaching, his
agency appointed him as a field trainer and instructor. Carlos holds multiple law enforcement
instructorships and certifications including small arms range line coach, defensive tactics
instructor, escalated threat response, the use of deadly force and the use of less lethal
weapons. He also regularly teaches local citizens concealed carry safety classes and personal
self-defense.
In 2014, Coach Carlos traveled with Coach Miguel to earn his KRU rank from Khun Kru Cardo
Urso who lives, teaches, and trains professional fighters in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Coach
Carlos also holds a blue belt in BJJ under Professor Kelly.
As an instructor, KRU Carlos has successfully coached children and adults at all levels, to
include members of local and federal law enforcement and members of the Armed Forces. He
assists Kru Miguel with the KOA Team Muay Thai program in the teaching of proper technique
while challenging and encouraging students physically and mentally in a safe training
environment.
In March 2024, Carlos assumed the Head KRU position at KOA Team as KRU Miguel stepped back to focus on being a student again at KOA to make room for other opportunities in his personal life; KRU Miquel continues to train and assist on KOA mat as a Founder and advisor to the Team.