Ricardo Betancur
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. Ric is Black Belt under 4th degree Black Belts Pedro and Daniel Vianna. Ric is from Barranquilla, Colombia, in South America. He moved to the U.S. in 1995. He began training briefly under Bob Schirmer for MMA in 1999. Ric joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2000. He continued his Martial arts education in the Marine Corps in hand-to-hand combat training and was introduced to bodybuilding. Upon returning, he opted to spend more time bodybuilding until 2012, when he returned to Martial arts and found his home at The Vianna Brothers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Ric's passion is teaching. He loves the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been learning and sharing it since then. Ric takes great joy in training competitors and hobbyists alike. He is also a proponent of women in Martial arts for confidence and self-defense.
Terry De villiers
South African born, Terry immigrated to Kentucky in 2014. He began his martial arts career in 2002, training in Kung Fu and Shotokan Karate. By 2006, he had dipped his toes into the world of MMA, participating in amateur tournaments in Port Elizabeth. This experience got him hooked on Muay Thai, training under Kaensak Sor Ploenjit (Fairtex), and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Gary King (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu).
After settling in Kentucky, Terry earned his Purple belt from Mike O’Donnel (4 Seasons) and later his Brown belt from Ric Betancur (Fifth Element). Terry became Ric’s first student to reach the brown belt level under his guidance, in October 2022.
aaron beccara
Originally from Southern California, Aaron grew up playing traditional sports of baseball and football. After high school, he continued to stay fit through weight lifting and exercise until a friend invited him to a UFC Gym for a bjj class. He instantly fell in love with the sport and began practicing. After a year, Aaron moved overseas to China to teach English where soon after, covid hit. During this time, he was allowed to focus on BJJ under Vaughn Anderson along with dabbling in Muay Thai and Judo. Since schools were closed for 6 months he progressed substantially during this time. He continued to train in China before eventually heading back to the states. In late 2022, he and his family moved to Kentucky and in early 2023 he joined fifth element. Under Ric, Aaron has continued his growth in the sport with no intention of stopping.
Justin McIntosh
Originating from Eastern Kentucky, Justin McIntosh is a passionate and dedicated Muay Thai fighter. He honed his skills at the Lee Kickboxing Academy in Beattyville, Kentucky, and has become a prominent figure in Kentucky and the surrounding areas. He is classically trained in all styles of Muay Thai, mastering the intricate techniques and strategies that make this martial art so captivating. Justin is not just a fighter; he's also a teacher who seeks to pass on the rich traditions and techniques of Muay Thai to the next generation. With years of experience and a deep love for the art, Justin continues to significantly impact the Muay Thai community, both as a fighter and as a custodian of its timeless traditions. He teaches classes Sunday from noon to 2pm and Mondays from 4:00-5:00pm.