Instructor Bios

Gee Vien is a BJJ black belt (Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Association) and is the head coach at Anaconda BJJ Syracuse. Raised in Syracuse, New York, his sole passion in life is martial arts and he is fully committed to refining and sharing an effective and aesthetic style of jiujitsu to his community. 

Coaching since 2013, the pinnacle of it was leading his wife to multiple IBJJF golds including Pan Nogi at brown belt, and Pan Nogi and World Master at black belt.

In the training room, he strives to create a healthy gym culture where everyone can flourish while utilizing a no nonsense, energetic, and cerebral approach. 

When not training and teaching, Gee appreciates balancing his life off the mats with time alongside loved ones, hiking, traveling, exploring, studying, and walks with the family dog Lola.

April Parks, a Carlos Machado black belt, is a proud Syracuse native with a multi-sport background. April is a passionate advocate for women, children, fitness and self-defense.  For 20 years she has worked with children and families in the Syracuse city from teaching to social work.  Teaching and empowering is April’s true calling.

Her resume includes ESM Hall of Fame inductee, Division 1 Track & Field Athlete at Syracuse University and 5x IBJJF World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In teaching BJJ, it is April’s intention to spread love for the art that brought health, wellness, self-defense, opportunity, passion, friends and fulfillment to her life.  Coaching BJJ brings April tremendous pride and happiness, nothing is more rewarding than helping someone to both reach their potential and simultaneously learn to defend themselves.

When April is not on the mats she can be found spending time with family and friends, traveling the world competing, and running women’s Jiu-Jitsu camps.  April enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her dog, Lola.