Our Instructors

Meet Our Instructors

Olympic-Level Coaches & Mentors

Train With Champions

Olympic athletes. National champions. World-class coaches. Meet the Team Raposa coaching staff.

Our Coaching Staff

Every instructor at Team Raposa is a certified professional with proven expertise. Our team includes Olympic athletes, national champions, law enforcement professionals, and dedicated educators β€” all committed to developing champions both on and off the mat.

Master Vinicius Raposa

Master Vinicius Raposa

Head Master at East Hanover, Founder of Team Raposa

πŸ₯‹Taekwondo
πŸ“ Oversees all three locations

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“5th Degree Black Belt, Kukkiwon Certified
  • βœ“Director Kukkiwon USA NJ Branch
  • βœ“USAT Coach & Athlete
  • βœ“20+ years experience
  • βœ“Serves 1,500+ students across 43 Newark Public Schools
  • βœ“Founder of CINA nonprofit & Kombato USA

"Master Raposa built Team Raposa from a single class in Newark's Ironbound into a three-location academy with Olympic-level instruction, a nationally recognized anti-bullying program, and a nonprofit serving thousands of students. His vision is simple: every child deserves access to world-class martial arts training, regardless of background."

Master Jimmie Carter

Master Jimmie Carter

Head Master at Newark Headquarters

πŸ₯‹Taekwondo
πŸ“ Newark

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“4th Dan Kukkiwon Certified
  • βœ“Over 20 years of martial arts experience
  • βœ“NJ State Champion
  • βœ“National Medalist
  • βœ“Expert in youth development and competition training

"Master Carter leads the Newark headquarters with two decades of competition and coaching experience. A NJ State Champion and National Medalist, he brings the intensity of a competitor and the patience of a mentor to every class."

Coach Freddie Hyde

Coach Freddie Hyde

Head Instructor at Newark Public Schools

πŸ₯‹TaekwondoπŸ₯ŠBoxing⚑Kickboxing
πŸ“ Newark

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“Taekwondo Black Belt
  • βœ“Kickboxing Instructor
  • βœ“Boxing Coach
  • βœ“Youth development specialist
  • βœ“Serves Newark Public Schools

"Coach Freddie brings expertise across multiple disciplines - Taekwondo, Kickboxing, and Boxing. His dedication to youth development through the Newark Public Schools program has impacted hundreds of students."

Master Diego Pereira

Master Diego Pereira

Head Master at Linden Location

πŸ₯‹Taekwondo
πŸ“ Linden & East Hanover

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“4th Dan Kukkiwon Certified
  • βœ“Coach of Olympic Bronze Medalist Sandy Macedo
  • βœ“Brazil National Team Head Coach 2015-2017
  • βœ“Former Brazil National Team Athlete
  • βœ“Taekwondo & Defender Instructor at Newark Public Schools since 2018

"Master Diego brings international competition experience to Linden. As the former head coach of Brazil's national cadet and junior team, he has developed champions at every level β€” and now he is developing the next generation of champions right here in Union County."

Julia Vasconcelos

Julia Vasconcelos

Team Raposa Family Β· 2016 Rio Olympian

πŸ₯‹Taekwondo
πŸ“ Team Raposa Family

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“2016 Rio Olympic Athlete
  • βœ“7x Brazil National Champion
  • βœ“7x Brazil National Team Member
  • βœ“2016 Military World Games Bronze Medalist
  • βœ“Olympic-level Taekwondo expertise

"Julia trained and competed with Team Raposa and remains part of our extended family. Her Olympic legacy reflects the standard of excellence our students train toward every day."

Coach Paul Cortapasso

Coach Paul Cortapasso

Assistant Taekwondo Instructor at Linden

πŸ₯‹Taekwondo
πŸ“ Linden

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“Head Manager of Linden Summer Camp & Afterschool Program
  • βœ“Dedicated youth development specialist
  • βœ“Year-round program coordinator
  • βœ“Student mentorship expert

"Coach Paul is the driving force behind the Linden Summer Camp and Afterschool Program. Parents trust Coach Paul to lead their children through camp, afterschool, and martial arts training year-round."

Coach Nyreek Showtime

Coach Nyreek Showtime

Boxing Coach

πŸ₯ŠBoxing
πŸ“ Newark

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“Professional boxing coach
  • βœ“Specializes in youth boxing programs
  • βœ“High-energy instruction style
  • βœ“Dedicated to building young fighters

"Coach Nyreek Showtime brings professional boxing expertise and infectious energy to our boxing programs. Known for his dynamic teaching style, he inspires young athletes to push their limits and discover their potential."

Coach Nyreek Jr

Coach Nyreek Jr

Head Trainer Boxing

πŸ₯ŠBoxing
πŸ“ Newark

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“Elite Fighter Specialist
  • βœ“Head Corner Coach
  • βœ“Youth boxing development expert
  • βœ“Mentorship and skill development

"Coach Nyreek Jr is an elite fighter specialist and head corner coach who brings championship-level expertise to our boxing program. He works closely with young athletes to develop their skills, confidence, and competitive edge in the ring."

Elias Neto

Elias Neto

Boxing and Kickboxing Instructor

πŸ₯ŠBoxing⚑Kickboxing
πŸ“ Newark

Credentials & Achievements

  • βœ“Brazil National Muay Thai Champion
  • βœ“Professional fighter
  • βœ“Elite combat sports background
  • βœ“Championship-level striking expertise

"A national champion in his own right, Elias brings elite-level striking knowledge to our Boxing and Kickboxing programs."

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