Jiu Jitsu & Submissions Grappling Coaches
Gee Vien
Gee Vien is a BJJ black belt (Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Association) and former head coach of Anaconda BJJ Syracuse and current head coach at Vien Jiujitsu. Raised in CNY, his sole passion in life is jiu-jitsu and is fully committed to refining and sharing the highest quality of grappling possible.
Coaching since 2012, he is hyper focused on skill acquisition and helping people chase daily improvement. He has helped lead children and adults to numerous gold medals in regional, national, and international competitions including IBJJF Worlds at all belt levels.
In the practice room, he strives to create a healthy gym culture where everyone can flourish while utilizing a no nonsense, high energy, cerebral approach.
When not coaching or practicing, Gee is usually found studying, spending time with loved ones, and hiking with his dog Lola.
April Parks
April Parks, a Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu black belt and the founder of Grappling Getaways, 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 CSD from teaching to social work. Teaching, empowering, and competing 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 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 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.
Wrestling Coach
Paul LeBlanc
Coach Paul LeBlanc is currently a Physical Education teacher at Jamesville-DeWitt CSD and the Varsity Wrestling Coach. He has taught and coached in the public school system for the past 11 years. He also coached at SUNY Cortland for two seasons. He has helped guide numerous state placers and college All-Americans. He truly enjoys helping wrestlers reach their highest level.
Prior to coaching he competed for SUNY Cortland where he was a 4-time conference champion and 3-time All-American with a runner-up finish his final year. He was also voted SUNY Cortland Male Athlete of the Year. Prior to Cortland, he was a 2-time NYS place finisher in high school and finished his senior year with an undefeated state title run.
“I am extremely passionate and I look forward to working with any wrestler that wants to improve.”
- Paul LeBlanc