The People Behind Hero
A small team of volunteers, coaches, and community leaders building something meaningful on the mats — and off them.
Core Team
Retreat Coordinator · Head Coach · Volunteer
Ron Jarman
Ron is a Black Belt who started training BJJ in 2011 under Carlson Gracie Jr. in Chicago. As a white and blue belt he competed regularly in IBJJF, NAGA, Grappling Games, and other organizations — winning multiple medals and finding that what started as a way to get back in shape quickly improved nearly every aspect of his life. He and his wife Holly moved to Tamarindo in 2017. For Ron, coaching the kids has been an extraordinary experience — passing on what the sport gave him to the next generation.
Head of Humanitarian Programs · Volunteer
Holly Hetzel
Holly brings a long history of humanitarian work in the US and abroad. A board member of Rainbows Chicago and closely connected to Journeys within our Communities — providing clean water and scholarship programs in SE Asia — she channels that expertise into Hero's HeroKids, TamaFeeds, and FamilyFood projects.
Academy Manager
Martha Alvarez Mendez
Martha is the heart of Hero Academy. Her daughter was our very first student. She runs the gym day-to-day, leads partnerships with local non-profits, governmental bodies, and community organizations — a true keystone of everything we do.
Head Instructor, HeroKids · Volunteer
Ignacio "Nacho" Pacheco Madrigal
Nacho bridges the gap between Hero and the local community — instrumental in the growth of our HeroKids program and essential for navigating the cultural and language nuances that make this community work possible.
Founders
Founder
Rome Za
A black belt training since 2007, Rome is one of three people responsible for Hero existing at all. He continues to advise on curriculum and support the academy's growth as an organization.
Founder
Lola Dranker
Lola shaped the humanitarian path Hero has taken. After Hurricane Nate, she stepped into a leadership role to guide the academy's work as a disaster relief organization. Without her vision and direction, Hero would not be what it is to this community today.
Founder
Jason Shireman
Jason has trained martial arts most of his life and holds belts across multiple arts, with a strong competitive background in Olympic wrestling. A purple belt with 3.5 years of BJJ, both of his daughters are national BJJ champions. He finds it deeply rewarding to give back to a sport that has given him so much.
Founder
Jerad Ports
A black belt with over 15 years on the mats, Jerad's vision, time, and dedication were instrumental in building this project from day one.
Train. Give Back. Repeat.
Every retreat booking and gym membership helps keep Hero Kids free — training, gear, transportation, and mentorship for local youth in Tamarindo.