Coach Anthony Pascarella
Where are you from?
I am originally from Coconut Creek, FL. But I am currently serving active duty in the US Army, so I have lived in Germany and TN over the past 12 years.
When did you start jiu-jitsu?
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 with UFC Gym Hendersonville who later transitioned to Legion Jiu Jitsu under Professor Gabriel. I came on Recruiting orders here in Nashville, so I finally had time without deployments and training to train Jiu-Jitsu full time.
Why did you start doing jiu-jitsu?
I spent all of my twenties in the Army training and deploying, which gave me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment being part of a team. When I came out to recruiting I was searching for something that would provide the same sense of belonging to a tribe and the everyday challenge to overcome hardship both mentally and physically. Legion Jiu Jitsu was the exact balance of all this and I have been hooked ever since!
Why do you like to teach?
I constantly remind myself of how overwhelmed I was when I first started Jiu-Jitsu. What should I be focusing on? Which moves should I be practicing? There is just so much. I was fortunate to have excellent coaches and teammates who took the time to teach me what they wished they knew when they were at my level. I feel it is so important to continue that cycle to pass down knowledge and help people continue to grow and develop their Jiu-Jitsu so they can continue to grow as humans and fulfill their reasons for training in the first place. I love sharing small details and helping others discover the beauty of Jiu-Jitsu!
List some of your accomplishments:
My biggest accomplishments in life are improving every day at being a better husband to my wife Stefa, and father to my two kids Kevin and Cassidy. Graduating Distinguished Honor Graduate in both the Army’s Advanced and Senior Leadership courses, achieving my Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science and my Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and most importantly leading through 18 months of combat and the impact I believe I made both on and off the battlefield for the brave men I served with. Earning my Purple Belt was a major accomplishment so far in my Jiu-Jitsu journey.
My biggest individual Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments include:
- Multiple IBJJF Open Championships
- 1-0 Professional Grappling Record
