MDBJJ INSTRUCTORS
HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Scott Zapczynski
Scott Zapczynski is the owner and head instructor of the Metro Detroit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He is a certified 4th Degree Black Belt under world renowned BJJ legend and 8th Degree Black Belt (Red/White) Ricardo De La Riva. Scott is a very experienced instructor having begun his BJJ training in 1996. Shortly after beginning to train BJJ, Scott was blessed with the opportunity to start spending 4 months each year for over 10 years living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, becoming fluent in Portuguese and training everyday at Master De La Riva’s academy in Copacabana. Scott is the only American to have been awarded his blue, purple, brown and black belts from Master De La Riva at his academy in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This is where Scott honed his skills as a competitor and instructor having spent countless hours on the mats in Rio de Janeiro and many hours privately training with his great friends, fellow De La Riva Black Belt / Brazilian National Champion, Marcelo Grosso and Master Ricardo De La Riva. Without a doubt, the greatest influences on Scott’s BJJ come directly from Marcelo and De La Riva. Over the years, Scott has assisted Master De La Riva in teaching BJJ and Self Defense seminars in the USA and Brazil. The knowledge, leadership, guidance, integrity, friendship and loyalty taught to him by Master De La Riva are what will be passed on to the students of Metro Detroit BJJ.
In addition, Scott has gained a unique insight from his very fortunate opportunities to train/participate inside the fight camps of some of the greatest UFC Champions of all time, Anderson Silva, Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, Lyoto Machida and BJ Penn.
Scott grew up in Shelby Township and is a graduate of Eisenhower High School and Michigan State University.
