Santos ~ Jiu Jitsu ~ Judo ~ Arm & Leglocks ~ Gene LeBell ~ Gokor ~ MMA ~ UFC ~ Black Belt Magazine

Santos Flaniken, a native of Los Angeles, was introduced to "killer wrestling" as a child. His father who trained at the Hollywood YMCA with Al Baffert, was introduced to "submission wrestling,” better known as "catch-wrestling" by Al Baffert, training partner of Ed Strangler Lewis and Gene LeBell. The emphasis was on a series of techniques called "finishing holds.” In the 1960's, Santos' family friend Jack Rogers, a notorious Hollywood tough guy and boxing promoter, introduced Santos to the "toughest man alive" Judo Gene LeBell. Judo Gene inspired Santos and made it a point to never stop training in the art of submission wrestling. Gene LeBell Quote: “Jiu-Jitsu is wrestling with handles using the Gi.” Santos is one of only a handful of instructors who possesses a Black Belt Master ranking from Judo Gene LeBell and Gokor Chevichyan. He was awarded a Yondan in Judo from Olympic Judo coach Phil Porter (with Judo Gene's blessing as club instructor), AIKI Ju-Jitsu and Judo, Shichi Dan, Osaka, Japan, and Black Belt Grappling Coach at Gokor Hayastan MMA School in Los Angeles. Santos' specialty is that of Extreme Finish. He has an assortment of submission skills which range from foot and leg control (the guard) to a wide range of chokes, rides, arm locks, leg locks, take-downs, and general submission techniques. Santos travels the U.S. conducting seminars and spreading the technique that makes him an unbeatable coach. Presently, he teaches combat grappling at Malibu Judo Club where he has a steady following of martial artists from all disciplines. malibujudo.com