About - MOTIV MARTIAL ARTS

ABOUT US

Martial arts and fitness training offer a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being, empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their personal best.

Our Mission Statement

Motiv is a vibrant and dynamic place where individuals from all walks of life come together with a shared purpose of achieving their personal fitness goals. Whether you are a seasoned athlete with years of experience under your belt or someone who is just embarking on your fitness journey, the gym offers a supportive, inclusive, and highly motivating environment that caters to everyone. In this space, you’ll discover the tools, resources, and a strong community that you need to push your limits, build strength, and ultimately become the best version of yourself. With a variety of classes, equipment, and professional trainers, each visit to the gym can inspire you to challenge yourself further, explore new workouts, and foster meaningful connections with others who share your fitness aspirations. Embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with your fitness journey, as the gym becomes more than just a place to work out, but a second home that empowers you every step of the way.

A Martial Arts Home for Everyone

This is a martial arts home for everyone, where all can find their path. Our doors are open to all, regardless of age, background, or experience. Here, the discipline and spirit of martial arts unite us, empowering each individual to discover their strength and achieve their goals.

Real Competition Experience

Supportive Environment

Our Coaches

Annika Kahl

Muay Thai

Annika Kahl has been immersed in the art of Muay Thai since 2013, dedicating over a decade to refining her craft as both a competitor and a coach. With more than nine years of coaching experience and 18 Muay Thai and Kickboxing bouts under her belt, Annika brings unmatched expertise, discipline, and passion to Motiv Martial Arts.

Her competitive career has taken her from local fight nights on Long Island to world-renowned training grounds in Thailand and international stages in Italy. Along the way, she has collected an impressive list of accolades that showcase her dominance as a striker, including:

- USMTO Champion (2017)

- WKA Champion (2018, 2019, 2021, 2025)

- 2nd Place, WKA World Championships (2018)

- TBA Champion (2019)

Annika’s approach to coaching is shaped by her years of firsthand experience in the ring as well as her ability to adapt training to each individual. Whether she’s working with beginners taking their first steps into Muay Thai, competitive fighters preparing for their next bout, or kids building confidence through martial arts, Annika emphasizes technical precision, mental resilience, and personal growth. Her dedication ensures that every student, regardless of background or skill level, receives the tools they need to succeed, on the mats and beyond.

Vinny Melillo

MMA

Vinny Melillo began his martial arts journey in 2010 and has spent the past 15 years mastering the striking arts and sharing that knowledge as a coach since 2013. With 20 fights across Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing, Vinny brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of multiple combat disciplines to Motiv Martial Arts.

A three-time champion and seasoned international competitor, Vinny has fought five times in Thailand—the birthplace of Muay Thai—over the course of ten training trips abroad. His commitment to continual growth and global experience has shaped him into a well-rounded and technically refined coach, capable of guiding both beginners and seasoned fighters alike.

In addition to his striking accomplishments, Vinny is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under UFC Hall of Famer Matt Serra, adding a grappling dimension that makes his coaching style uniquely complete. This October, Vinny represented Team USA at the WKA World Championships in England, taking Gold in Muay Thai and Silver in Kickboxing, further cementing his reputation as a world-class martial artist and ambassador for the sport.

Whether he’s cornering a fighter, refining technique on the pads, or helping a new student throw their first punch, Vinny combines world-level experience with the patience, precision, and passion that define Motiv Martial Arts.

Chris Macchi

boxing

Coach Chris has dedicated the past 15 years of his life to martial arts, specializing in boxing while training across multiple disciplines. His experience, passion, and knowledge make him a well-rounded coach both inside and outside the ring. Chris also owns Flex Fight Series, a fight promotion dedicated to showcasing talented martial artists and fighters.

Thomas Ragusa

Youth Wrestling

Coach TJ is a dedicated grappler with a strong wrestling background and a passion for helping the next generation grow on and off the mats. He’s eager to share his knowledge, experience, and love for grappling with young athletes while helping them build confidence, discipline, and strong fundamentals.

Richie Ortega

MMA

Coach Richie is a current MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the prestigious Renzo Gracie lineage. A true new-school martial artist, Richie blends high-level grappling, striking, and modern MMA techniques into his training. He brings a competitive mindset, real fight experience, and a passion for helping students sharpen their skills and become confident martial artists.

Mike Bonfati

BJJ

Coach Mike is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner currently holding a purple belt and working his way toward brown belt. Known for his hard work, relentless attitude, and passion for the art, Mike brings energy and a student-first mindset to every class. He’s constantly sharpening his own skills while helping those around him grow, improve, and fall in love with BJJ.

Nicholas Savoia

bjj

Coach Nick is a seasoned martial artist who brings years of experience and a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the mats. A BJJ black belt under Charlie liu, Nick is known for his calm, composed approach—even under the pressure of high-level competition. He loves sharing his knowledge with students and helping them develop the technique, confidence, and mindset to thrive on and off the mats.

Rocco Giambrone

MMA

Coach Rocco brings real fight experience and high-level MMA knowledge to every class. As a current professional MMA fighter, he understands what it takes to compete, train, and perform under pressure. Rocco brings that experience to MOTIV, helping students develop sharp technique, confidence, conditioning, and a true fighter’s mindset.

We believe in empowering individuals through martial arts, fostering personal growth, and building a strong, inclusive community.