Coaching Team
Head Coach
Fernando Moya
Fernando Moya is a seminal figure in Latin American martial arts with over 22 years of elite-level experience. As the first native Costa Rican to be awarded a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he holds one of the world’s most prestigious technical lineages, having been promoted to both Brown and Black Belt by the renowned John Danaher. Fernando professional experience includes serving as the Grappling Coordinator at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City, where he engineered the technical training protocols used by the world’s top professional mixed martial artists.
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Athletic Engineering: At Vector, Fernando applies the elite framework used in professional combat sports to the Vector Method (VM), a proprietary system for optimizing human performance built on four key pillars: Strength, Mobility, Skill, and Recovery.
Teacher of Teachers: Having established a network of 20 affiliates across Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama, Fernando is dedicated to professionalizing the sport and developing high-level instructors. Vector serves as the official Headquarters for this international network, making it the only facility where members can train under his daily leadership and instruction.
Program Leadership: Fernando oversees the design and refinement of Vector’s comprehensive martial arts curriculum, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and a high-performance environment for everyone from absolute beginners to professional competitors.
UFC Performance Institute Certifications:
Specialist MMA
Intermediate & Fundamentals in Sports Science
Intermediate & Fundamentals in Performance Nutrition
Intermediate & Fundamentals in Strength and Conditioning
Fundamentals in MMA
Global Strategy & Engagement: Fernando manages Vector’s strategic international partnerships and oversees the execution of coach intensives, tournaments, and collaborative training camps that position Vector at the forefront of the global performance training community.
Technical Mastery: Fernando’s instruction focuses on providing personalized, data-driven feedback, fostering an inclusive and challenging atmosphere that bridges the gap between general physical capacity and sport-specific mastery.
Youth BJJ Lead Coach
Daniela Villalobos
Dra. Daniela Villalobos is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and Muay Thai athlete who leads the Youth Jiu-Jitsu program. With over seven years of active experience on the mats and a decade of medical expertise, Daniela specializes in teaching movement with a focus on skill progression and injury prevention. Her unique background as a physician allows her to design a curriculum for students of all ages that prioritizes technical precision and long-term physical development.
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Youth Program Leadership: Specialized lead for kids’ martial arts programming, focusing on age-appropriate safety standards and skill-building.
Technical Martial Arts Rank: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and an experienced Muay Thai practitioner.
Certified BJJ Kids Instructor: Holds specialized certification in BJJ Kids Methodology, emphasizing confidence, discipline, and safe movement.
Injury Prevention Specialist: Leverages a medical background to provide coaching that minimizes risk while maximizing effective learning.
Self-Defense Instructor: Extensive experience leading women-centered training programs and fundamentals workshops.
Academic Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad Latina, supporting the structured development of youth athletic programs.
BJJ Coach & Operations Coordinator
paki
Paki brings over 20 years of expertise in combat sports and human performance to the mats. A dual Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Enshin Karate, he integrates a diverse background in striking, grappling, and throwing arts with an analytical approach to athlete development. By combining high-level tactical experience with methodologies like StrongFirst and Ginastica Natural, Paki designs structured, results-driven programs that emphasize technical precision and long-term physical well-being for students of all ages.
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Dual Black Belt Excellence: Holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Fernando Moya and a Black Belt in Enshin Karate under Yoko Ninomiya.
Multidisciplinary Combat Expertise: Extensive training and competition experience in Judo, wrestling, boxing, and Luta Livre, providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse movement patterns.
Strength & Conditioning Specialist: Dedicated practitioner of the StrongFirst methodology (kettlebell and barbell) and certified in Ginastica Natural by founder Alvaro Romano.
UFC Performance Institute Specialized Training: Currently completing advanced coursework in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, and Sports Medicine through the UFC PI.
Analytical Performance Methodology: Leverages two decades of professional experience in complex analysis to identify performance gaps, document progress, and implement targeted technical solutions.
Comprehensive Youth & Adult Coaching: Specializes in leading students from childhood through adulthood with a focus on safe, progressive skill development and measurable results.
Integrative Performance Philosophy: Combines physical training with principles from sports psychology and philosophy to build mental resilience and character alongside physical capability.
Global Training Pedigree: Developed his technical foundation across international training hubs, including Denver, Colorado, and Argentina.
Pilates & Mobility Lead
Isabella Karczynska
Isabella is Vector’s Lead Pilates and Mobility Instructor, bringing over 25 years of international coaching experience and a degree in Physical Education with a specialization in Corrective Gymnastics. Her approach to movement is rooted in a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology, focusing on building sustainable strength required for long-term health. At Vector, she bridges the gap between mindfulness and high-performance mobility to ensure every athlete moves with precision and longevity.
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Academic & Scientific Foundation: Isabella holds a degree in Physical Education from Kazimierz Wielki University, specializing in Corrective Gymnastics. This scientific background provides the foundation for her focus on movement quality and injury prevention.
Global Technical Pedigree: A Peak Pilates International Certified instructor, Isabella has continuously refined her coaching language at leading professional studios worldwide, including the Joseph Pilates Studio.
Comprehensive Certifications: Her diverse professional toolkit includes international certifications in Yoga, TRX, BOSU, and the Body Art program, as well as specialized training in prenatal movement.
Corrective Focus: As a Ministry of Sport certified Recreation and Fitness Instructor, she specializes in corrective strategies that transition the body from general physical capacity to optimized movement.
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Cesar Rivera
César Rivera is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and high-performance specialist. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports Coaching and High Performance Psychology and leads Vector’s functional fitness, strength foundations, and youth conditioning programs. César specializes in designing scalable, scientifically-backed training protocols that optimize performance and movement quality for athletes at every level.
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Master in Sports Coaching and High Performance Psychology: Unisport Management School.
Licenciatura in Physical Education (Teaching): Universidad Autónoma de Centro América (UACA).
Technical Degree in Sport & Fitness Management: Tecnológico de Costa Rica.
Elite Athletic Pedigree: Former professional high-performance athlete and national champion with Belén FC and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
International Educational Instruction: Provided specialized training for physical education professionals at the 7th Central American Camp for Professors of Physical Education.
High-Performance Background: Over a decade of experience in competitive sports, coaching, and strength and conditioning.
Management and Operations: Holds specialized technical training in sport and fitness management, focusing on facility operations and professional leadership in training environments.
Performance Science Foundation: Extensive knowledge in high-performance coaching and sports psychology, supporting athlete mindset and long-term physical development.
Health, Wellness, & Recovery Team
Youth BJJ Lead Coach & Wellness advisor
Daniela Villalobos
Dra. Daniela Villalobos is a Medical Doctor and Sports Medicine specialist with over 10 years of experience in clinical medicine and sports performance. She provides expert oversight for health and longevity initiatives, including metabolic efficiency and physiological testing. Daniela bridges the gap between clinical health and physical activity, guiding individuals in optimizing their body composition and managing their long-term wellness through data-driven strategies.
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Doctor of Medicine (MD): Graduate of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED) in Medicine and Surgery.
Performance Diagnostics: Expert in conducting and interpreting VO2 max testing, metabolic assessments, and body composition analysis.
Clinical Leadership: Former Medical Director of the Neue Leben Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center and Administrator at Clínica Saint Francis.
Health & Longevity Consultant: Specialized in metabolic health, exercise physiology, and the science-based formation of healthy lifestyle habits.
Multidisciplinary Oversight: Provides clinical guidance to ensure training protocols are aligned with the physiological needs and health goals of each individual.
Active Practitioner: A practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, providing her with a firsthand clinical understanding of the physical demands placed on the body.
Sports Medicine & Orthopedics
Felipe Deliyore
Dr. Felipe Deliyore is a sports medicine physician and regenerative medicine specialist who bridges the gap between clinical science and elite performance. With an MSc in Sport & Exercise Medicine from the University of Bath, Felipe provides Vector members with advanced musculoskeletal diagnostics and physiological performance testing. As an active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and academy co-founder, he possesses a firsthand understanding of combat-specific injury patterns, ensuring our medical oversight is as precise as the training itself.
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MSc in Sport & Exercise Medicine: University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Medical Doctor (MD): Universidad de Costa Rica.
MSc in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare: Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Spain, focusing on clinical decision support.
Regenerative Medicine Authority: Head of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Department at the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI), leading clinical protocols for tissue repair and chronic pain management.
Advanced MSK Diagnostics: Specialized in point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound (POCUS) and ultrasound-guided therapeutic interventions for joint and soft tissue injuries.
Technical Instructor: POCUS Instructor at the Universidad de Costa Rica and a StrongFirst Elite Certified Instructor (Kettlebell, Barbell, and Bodyweight).
Field Experience: Certified in PHICIS (Pre-Hospital Care In-Sport) Level 3, with extensive experience in ringside medical assessment and acute injury triage for competitive athletes.
Research & Publications: Published researcher in the fields of stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal recovery and neuro-regeneration.
Athletic Pedigree: Co-founder of Alliance Jiu Jitsu Escazú and the Simple Strength Community; active BJJ competitor with a deep understanding of grappling-specific movement demands.
Clinical Nutritionist
Adrián Flores
Adrián Flores is a Clinical Nutritionist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who specializes in the metabolic optimization of high-performance athletes. With over eight years of clinical experience and a competitive pedigree that includes multiple National Championships and World Championship quarterfinal appearances, Adrián provides the nutritional fuel for the Vector Method. He specializes in science-based planning and anti-inflammatory protocols designed to accelerate tissue repair, optimize body composition, and extend the athletic "health span" of our members.
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Licenciado en Nutrición: Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian specializing in sustainable lifestyle transformation.
Master’s in Sports Nutrition (Candidate): University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.
BJJ Black Belt 1st Degree: Technical leader and professor with a focus on high-level competition preparation.
International ISAK 1 Certification: Certified in Anthropometry for advanced body composition analysis.
Specialization in Resistance Training: National University (UNA), focusing on the intersection of load management and nutrition.
Elite Combat Pedigree: BJJ World Championship Quarter-finalist, Pan-American competitor, and multi-time National Champion.
Bodybuilding Distinction: 3rd Place in Debut Bodybuilding at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF).
Clinical Volume: Extensive experience managing nutritional programming for a high-volume client base of over 200 individuals monthly.
Bodywork Therapist
Harriet Lanka
Harriet is a master of precision bodywork and recovery with over 26 years of clinical experience. Specializing in PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy, trigger point therapy, and vibration therapy, she utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to reset the nervous system and restore structural balance. Her work focuses on accelerating regeneration and providing the "reboots" necessary for athletes to maintain the high workloads required for peak performance.
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Licensed Massage Therapist (26 Years): Extensive experience in clinical massage, orthopedic recovery, and therapeutic bodywork for high-performance individuals.
Somatic Emotional Release (SER): A specialized recovery protocol integrating PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, trigger point therapy, and vibration therapy to facilitate deep tissue repair and neural down-regulation.
Precision Bodywork & Hip Release: Expert in targeted release techniques designed to resolve structural imbalances, improve joint mobility, and reduce chronic tension.
Yoga Instructor (11 Years): Certified instructor with a focus on movement mechanics, structural intentionality, and somatic awareness.
Autonomic Regulation Specialist: Focuses on the physiological transition from a sympathetic (stress) state to a parasympathetic (growth) state to maximize the body's natural recovery processes.
Integrative Recovery: Collaborates directly with the Vector coaching staff to align bodywork sessions with specific training cycles and athlete longevity goals.
Community Authority: A long-time resident of Guanacaste with over 13 years of experience serving the local athletic and wellness community.
Massage TheraPist
Priscilla Vega
Priscilla Vega Ledezma is a Wellness Therapist with over 11 years of experience in elite recovery and spa management. She specializes in a multidisciplinary approach that bridges clinical masotherapy with advanced holistic modalities. By integrating precision bodywork, sound therapy, and myofascial release, Priscilla focuses on neutralizing physical stress and facilitating deep tissue restoration for athletes and high-performance individuals.
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11+ Years of Clinical Wellness Experience: Extensive background in therapeutic practice and operational leadership, including tenure as a Spa Manager for high-end resorts in Guanacaste.
Advanced Masotherapy Toolkit: Expertise in Deep Tissue, Myofascial release, and Swedish techniques designed for structural recovery and performance optimization.
Craniosacral & Sonotherapy Specialist: Certified in Craniosacral therapy and Tibetan sound healing (Sonotherapy), focusing on neural down-regulation and systemic relaxation.
Lymphatic Drainage Certification: Trained through the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) in clinical lymphatic drainage to support recovery and reduce inflammatory markers.
Holistic Recovery Modalities: Practitioner of sound baths, aromatherapy, and hot stone therapy to facilitate physiological balance.
Scientific Foundation: Professional training in anatomy, physiology, and massage fundamentals completed at the Universidad Técnica Nacional.
Massage Therapist
Alejandra Bárcenas
Alejandra Bárcenas is a Wellness Therapist with over five years of experience in high-performance recovery and professional spa environments. Having refined her expertise in luxury settings like Numu Spa (W Costa Rica), she specializes in delivering precise, personalized bodywork and advanced skin-focused therapies. Alejandra combines technical skill with a professional, empathetic approach to ensure every session supports the physical longevity and well-being of the active community in Guanacaste.
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5+ Years of Clinical & Wellness Experience: Extensive background in high-demand environments, including luxury resort spas and specialized medical-aesthetic clinics.
Advanced Esthetics & Microneedling: Professional Esthetician certified by Slinda Salud Integral (IFE), with specialized training in microneedling and clinical skin renewal protocols.
High-End Spa Background: Former Spa Therapist at the W Costa Rica (Numu Spa), where she specialized in body treatments and recovery-focused massage for a diverse international clientele.
Technical Bodywork Foundations: Skilled in therapeutic modalities aimed at functional recovery, physical maintenance, and stress reduction.
Protocol & Safety Specialist: Deeply committed to the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and client confidentiality, with a focus on meticulous attention to detail.
Academic & Technical Training: Holds certifications from the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) and the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) in specialized service and operational support.
Member Support
Member Experience Specialist
Sophia Montes
Sophia Montes brings a unique blend of clinical wellness expertise and high-level operational experience to the front-line member experience. With a professional background as an integrative nutritionist and a tenure in brand protection at Amazon, she excels at creating structured, welcoming environments. Sophia focuses on delivering a high-touch journey for every individual, ensuring that facility operations and member engagement are grounded in professional care, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of holistic well-being.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition: Universidad Hispanoamericana.
Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Neuroscience (Candidate): Instituto de Ciencias de Nutrición y Salud.
Data Analysis Technician: Universidad Internacional Politécnica.
Certified Brain Health Coach: Amen University.
Functional Nutrition Certification: Instituto de Nutrición GB.
Nutritional Psychiatry Certification: Integrative Psychiatry Institute.
Professional Aesthetician: Instituto Terapéutico de Costa Rica.
Ayurveda Medicine (Candidate): Naturalistico LLC.
Member Experience Specialist
Alejandro Gamboa
Alejandro Gamboa Segura is a Member Experience Specialist with a career rooted in high-level logistics and operational precision. With a background managing complex account portfolios and international operations for global organizations like 3M, Alejandro brings a meticulous, results-oriented approach to the member journey. He focuses on optimizing the intersection of facility operations and strategic communication to ensure a seamless, high-touch experience for every member of the community.
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Bachelor's Degree in Customs Administration & International Trade: University of Costa Rica (UCR).
Major in International Trade & Marketing: EUDE Business School.
Major in Strategic Marketing & Digital Communication: EUDE Business School.
Operational Logistics Expertise: Over a decade of experience in managing high-volume commercial operations and supply chain security.
Strategic Communication & Analysis: Specialized in creating continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.
Digital Systems Management: Expert proficiency in Salesforce, SAP, and advanced project management tools to streamline member-facing processes.
Owners & Founders
Justin & Jen Christian
After careers leading global teams at the forefront of technology and security, Justin and Jen Christian traded the corporate boardroom for the Guanacaste coastline. Both former Senior Managers at Amazon Web Services (AWS), they chose to relocate to Costa Rica to prioritize family, health, and a different rhythm of life. Vector is the result of their shared dream: a world-class facility that brings the same level of precision, excellence, and scale they practiced in the tech world to the local fitness and martial arts community. Together, they have built Vector to be more than just a training center—it is a community anchor designed for longevity, performance, and connection.
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Jen’s professional journey is defined by a transition from high-stakes national security and corporate leadership to community-centered entrepreneurship. With a PhD in Public Policy and a career spanning over 15 years as a Systems Engineer and Senior Manager at AWS, she is an expert at building complex systems and leading impactful teams. Since moving to Costa Rica, Jen has become a fixture in the local community, serving as a founding member of the local Rotary International branch and volunteering at her son’s school. At Vector, she blends her operational expertise with a passion for holistic health, ensuring the facility delivers a premium, seamless experience for every member and guest.
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Justin is a technology leader and entrepreneur who has spent his career at the intersection of mathematics, data science, and large-scale security analytics. Holding a PhD in Mathematics, he previously led global Security Analytics teams at AWS and served as the Chief Data Scientist for Global Security at Aetna. His background includes graduating from the NSA’s Cryptologic Mathematician Program and nearly a decade at the National Security Agency. Today, Justin translates his deep understanding of data and performance into the fitness world. As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, he is dedicated to building a training environment that prioritizes technical precision, data-driven wellness, and the science of human performance.