2nd Degree Black Belt · Vicente Junior · De La Riva Lineage
Genaro
"Sixgungorilla"
Lerma
Fundamentals to advanced. Gi and NoGi. Leg locks and catch-as-catch-can. Fifteen years on the mats at Conquest — from Crofton Original to the instructor room.
The man behind the beard
About Genaro
Genaro Italo Lerma is one of the few Crofton Originals — with Conquest since the beginning, and one of only a handful to go from white belt to black belt entirely under Professor Vicente Junior. Now a second-degree black belt, he's one of Conquest's most visible instructors, teaching at both the Pasadena and Millersville academies.
His game is grounded in the De La Riva lineage with a heavy dose of leg locks and catch-as-catch-can wrestling — old-school pressure with a modern lower-body attack. He teaches everything from kids classes and fundamentals to all-levels and advanced sessions in Gi and NoGi.
Genaro's results show up most in his students. He coached Chris Shifflett to gold at the 2023 IBJJF World Master Championship and has guided students to podium finishes across the region. As a competitor himself, he's medaled at IBJJF and local tournaments alike — including double gold at the 2018 IBJJF Washington D.C. Spring Open NoGi, winning both his division and the absolute at brown belt.
Where to find me on the mats
Class Schedule
The Swamp · Pasadena
Conquest Martial Arts — 8579 Fort Smallwood Rd, Riviera Beach, MD
| Mon | Ladies NoGi 6:00–7:00 PM |
| Mon | NoGi All Levels 7:00–8:00 PM |
| Tue | NoGi All Levels 12:00–1:00 PM |
| Wed | Fundamentals · Gi/NoGi 7:00–8:00 PM |
| Thu | Gi All Levels 12:00–1:00 PM |
| Fri | NoGi Advanced 6:30–8:00 PM |
| Sat | NoGi Fundamentals 9:00–10:00 AM |
| Sat | NoGi Advanced 10:00–11:00 AM |
Killersville · Millersville HQ
Conquest Martial Arts — 412 Headquarters Dr Suite 1, Millersville, MD
| Sun | Ladies Only · Gi/NoGi 11:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| Sun | Open Mat 12:00–1:00 PM |
| Tue | Kids Class · Ages 4–8 5:00–6:00 PM |
| Tue | Gi Fundamentals 7:00–8:00 PM |
| Thu | Kids Class · Ages 4–8 5:00–6:00 PM |
| Thu | Gi Fundamentals 7:00–8:00 PM |
Class times can shift around holidays and events — check @gorillajiujitsu for updates, or the full gym schedule at bjjconquest.com.
One-on-one training
Private Lessons
Competition Prep
Game-planning, positional sparring, and conditioning built around your bracket and your timeline.
Fix Your Fundamentals
Tighten the basics that hold everything else together — posture, frames, escapes, and the details classes move too fast to drill.
Leg Locks & Catch
Entries, control, and finishing mechanics for the lower body game — taught safely, from the ground up.
From the mats
What Students Say
Maddie S. Conquest studentProfessor Lerma is the best instructor I've had the privilege to learn from. As an experienced competitor and coach, he brings a level of professionalism, discipline, and attention to detail that immediately sets him apart. His leadership rivals the best I've experienced throughout my time in the military — clear, decisive, and focused on building not just individual capability, but team cohesion.
His fundamentals classes are especially outstanding. Even upper belts regularly attend them, as they reveal new layers and details that elevate everyone's game. Every class is thoughtfully structured with thorough technical breakdowns and a real emphasis on the core principles that matter most. Professor Lerma is incredibly invested in every student's progress — nothing slips by him, even when you want it to.
What makes Professor Lerma truly unique is how he tailors his approach to each person. He reads people well and adjusts his coaching style to bring out the best in every student, whether you're a beginner nervous to attend class or a seasoned grappler who doesn't need warm-ups. He keeps his academy spotless and runs it with pride, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Beyond the mats, Professor Lerma treats his members like family. He's not just an instructor — he's a genuine mentor and friend both inside and outside the gym. He's always willing to offer guidance, whether it's about technique, competition strategy, or life in general. His passion for the art and care for his students are second to none.
If you're looking for high-quality grappling training, definitely reach out to Professor Lerma. You won't find a better coach or a more supportive environment.
I started training with Genaro in 2020 with no experience whatsoever in any grappling art. Through his guidance and training regimen, I was able to achieve a gold medal at the 2023 IBJJF World Master Championship in the roosterweight blue belt division. Genaro is a fantastic and attentive coach and mentor. If you are consistent and put the work in, he can mold you into a serious BJJ competitor as he did with me.Chris S. 2023 IBJJF World Master Champion
I've trained in group classes for years and never felt confident. Private lessons with Coach Genaro changed everything. Patiently, he helped me identify, fix and work through mistakes I didn't know I was making. The personalized feedback and attention to detail have significantly improved my technique and, most importantly, my confidence on the mat. Worth every minute!Bell N. Private lesson student
I've done many privates with Coach G, and what keeps me coming back is his unapologetic honesty. He's excellent at finding the weakest point of your game and going right at it. If something's working for the wrong reasons, he'll tell you straight — "that'll work on white belts, but it's a bad habit that'll get you hurt against anyone who knows even a little jiu-jitsu." That kind of tough love is rare in instruction these days. Take a private with Coach G at least once on your BJJ journey — he doesn't pull punches, figuratively or literally.Joe O. Private lesson student
Lineage & affiliation
The Team
Conquest Martial Arts & Fitness
Millersville · Pasadena · Kent Island, Maryland. All classes above are taught under the Conquest banner.
ProfessorVicente Júnior BJJ
Lead instructor for all three Conquest locations. Every one of Genaro's belts — white through black, and both degrees — came from Professor Vicente Junior.