Meet the Team
Grand Master Jeff "Hanshi" Bonugli - Owner
Grandmaster Jeff “Hanshi” Bonugli founded Family Jiu Jitsu & Karate and brings more than 50 years of martial arts experience to the mats in Cuero. He holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Soryu Karate and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
A three-time IBJJF World Masters Champion during his competition career, Jeff has also been inducted into the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. Today, he continues to train, coach, and study. His teaching emphasizes technical skill, discipline, respect, and character—helping adults and children build confidence and keep progressing.
Kiyoshi Tinker Bonugli - Karate Instructor
Kiyoshi Antoinette “Tinker” Bonugli is a 7th Dan Black Belt in Soryu Karate with more than 30 years of martial arts experience. She developed her craft through decades of training alongside Grandmaster Jeff Bonugli and the late Samuel Cholico.
At Family Jiu Jitsu & Karate, Tinker helps new students build a strong foundation and experienced students refine their technique. Her teaching emphasizes precision, control, confidence, and respect. She brings the same expectations to every class: pay attention, put in the work, and keep improving. Her goal is to help students carry those lessons beyond the dojo.
Coach Josh Spivey - Kids & Adults Jiu Jitsu
Coach Josh Spivey teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to adults and children. An active Gi and No-Gi competitor, he is a two-time IBJJF American National No-Gi Champion and an IBJJF American National Gi Champion. He has reached No. 1 in Master 2 Blue Belt No-Gi rankings and No. 3 in Gi, with an 8–2 professional Jiu Jitsu record.
A husband, father, and full-time professional, Josh understands how training fits around everyday responsibilities. His coaching emphasizes confidence, discipline, and sound fundamentals for kids, with technical development and competition-tested lessons for adults. He brings an approach built on pressure, control, patience, and steady improvement.
.jpg)
Coach Brent Coates - Kids Jiu Jitsu & Karate
Coach Brent Coates teaches kids’ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Karate. He holds a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a Purple Belt in Soryu Karate under Jeff Bonugli, and continues to develop his skills in both disciplines.
A husband, father, and full-time professional, Brent brings a practical understanding of commitment and consistency to his coaching. His training combines Karate’s focus on movement and precision with Jiu Jitsu’s emphasis on control and problem-solving. He encourages students to build good habits, practice their fundamentals, and make progress one class at a time. His example shows that steady effort matters more than having unlimited time.