Michael Rivera

Coach Michael "Coach Mike" Rivera has been with Viper's Den from the very beginning — he was the first student when the academy opened, and today he gives back as one of the school's dedicated coaches. Coach Mike brings over 20 years of martial arts experience to the mat, including a 1st-Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and a 2nd-Degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate. He began his BJJ journey in 2014 under Professor Chris Timpone and earned his brown belt under Karel "Silver Fox" Pravec. Off the mat, Coach Mike is an Army veteran, a professional therapist specializing in addiction counseling, and a husband and grandfather of eight. His personal motto: "Strength is built through discipline. Character is revealed through adversity."