OUR History

Siri Pasco Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Siri Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2017 by Professors Gustavo and Katlynn Pires in Kennewick, Washington. Since then, Siri BJJ has grown into a leading academy in the Tri-Cities and a central hub for affiliates across the Pacific Northwest.

The name β€œSiri” comes from the Portuguese word for crab, a nickname given to Professor Gustavo during his early training days in Rio de Janeiro. It represents both his journey in the sport and the strong Brazilian roots that continue to shape the academy today.

In August 2023, Professor Wesley Cooper established Siri BJJ Pasco as an official affiliate under the Siri BJJ banner. Originally planning to relocate due to changes in his wife’s career, Wes was presented with the opportunity by Professor Gustavo to open an academy in Pascoβ€”giving him a platform to go all in on his dream and true calling – to be a coach and mentor to students of all walks of life.  

Wes’s approach to coaching is direct and purpose-driven. He believes in showing up consistently, doing the work, and holding a high standardβ€”no shortcuts. His mindset, β€œBe the Dream,” is something he expects from himself first and from every student who walks through the doors. It’s about taking ownership of your progress, staying disciplined, and pushing to improveβ€”not just in jiu-jitsu, but in life.

Siri BJJ Pasco operates with the same standards of training, discipline, and culture that define the Siri BJJ name. We are committed to providing high-level instruction while building a strong, accountable, and supportive team environment for students of all ages and experience levels.


Our Philosophy

Built On The Mat. Built For Life.

At the core of Siri BJJ is Professor Gustavo Pires’s belief in a β€œFamily Built on the Mat.” This captures the spirit of all Siri BJJ affiliates and the community we continue to build at Siri BJJ Pasco.

When you train here, you’re not just joining a gymβ€”you’re becoming part of something bigger. Our community is filled with supportive teammates, inspiring coaches, and future friends and mentors. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a brand-new beginner, you’ll be welcomed like family.

At Siri BJJ Pasco, Professor Wesley Cooper builds on that foundation by setting a clear standardβ€”show up, put in the work, and take ownership of your progress. His mindset, β€œBe the Dream,” reinforces what that family culture represents: a team that supports you, but also expects you to grow.

The result is an environment where people train hard, stay accountable, and continue to improveβ€”together.

Siri BJJ Pasco

Our Instructors

Professor Wesley Cooper
Wesley Cooper
Head Instructor · Wrestling & Jiu-Jitsu
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Shea Voss
Shea Voss
Instructor
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Coach Emmanuel Pena
Emmanuel Pena
Striking Coach
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Sebastian Garcia
Sebastian Garcia
Instructor
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Wesley Cooper
Professor Wesley Cooper
Head Instructor · Wrestling & Jiu-Jitsu
Professor Wes doesn’t just teach martial arts β€” he lives it. He trains, competes, and builds alongside his family, who are on the mats with him every day.

A lifelong wrestler, United States Marine Corps Veteran, and accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, Wes sets the standard through action. From an Idaho State Champion and Fargo All-American wrestler to an IBJJF American National Champion and World medalist, his path has always been built on discipline, resilience, and showing up when it’s hard.

Professor Wes still competes and travels to coach his athletes, building a team and academy focused on more than just techniqueβ€”developing composure under pressure, mental toughness, and consistency, while creating an environment where anyone can walk in and get better, whether their goal is competition, fitness, or personal growth.

His personal motto, “Be the Dream,” reflects his commitment to living with purposeβ€”both on the mats as a competitor and in his students’ lives as a coach and mentor. He’s passionate about helping people believe in themselves and take real steps toward their own goals.
Black Belt
@wescooperbjj
Shea Voss
Shea Voss
Instructor
Shea Voss brings a lifelong background in athletics, coaching, and service to the mats. From competing in soccer and basketball at a young age to coaching youth sports and teaching swim lessons by 18, she’s always been drawn to movement, discipline, and helping others grow.

After serving in the U.S. Navyβ€”where she built a strong foundation in body control and functional fitnessβ€”Shea went on to earn a degree in engineering while tutoring fellow veterans in math and science. But it was the search for community that led her to jiu-jitsu after moving to the Tri-Cities in 2020.

She started training in January 2021 and quickly fell in love with the problem-solving aspect of jiu-jitsuβ€”the idea that technique, timing, and strategy can overcome size and strength. Since then, she has competed at the white, blue, and purple belt levels and continues to sharpen her game on and off the mats.

As an Instructor, Shea is known for her structured, analytical approach and her ability to break things down in a way that makes sense. She’s passionate about creating a training environment that is safe, respectful, and challengingβ€”where every student, regardless of experience, can build confidence and improve.
Purple Belt
@shea.voss
Emmanuel Pena
Coach Emmanuel Pena
Striking Coach
Emmanuel Pena is an experienced combat sports coach with over 10 years of hands-on coaching in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. Growing up in Basin City, Emmanuel began helping local high school students, and over time, his passion for mentorship led him to train athletes of all ages.

With over eight years spent working with teens and a deep commitment to individual progress, Emmanuel has become known for his ability to guide fighters through their personal journeys in the ring and beyond.
Blue Belt
@emmanuelp16
Sebastian Garcia
Sebastian Garcia
Instructor
Sebastian Garcia is an active amateur mixed martial artist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, and instructor representing Siri Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the Tri-Cities fight community. He brings a high-level work ethic and a fighter’s mindset to everything he doesβ€”on the mats, in the cage, and in his coaching.

Training and competing year-round in both MMA and jiu-jitsu, Sebastian is constantly sharpening his skills and pushing his limits. His approach is built on discipline, consistency, and the understanding that real progress comes from showing up and putting in the workβ€”day after day.

As an instructor, Sebastian emphasizes accountability, focus, and steady improvement. He challenges athletes to push themselves while staying grounded in strong fundamentals, creating an environment where both competitors and beginners can grow with confidence.

Sebastian’s goal is to earn his way into the professional ranks of mixed martial arts, while continuing to represent his team and the Tri-Cities community with pride and intensity.
Blue Belt
@sebosmmajourney

the Siri Jiu-Jitsu Lineage

Professor Gustavo Pires
Gustavo Pires
6th Degree Black Belt · Siri BJJ Founder
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Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Gracie Jr.
8th Degree Coral Belt · IBJJF Founder
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Rolls Gracie
Rolls Gracie
Black Belt · The Family’s Best Fighter
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Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
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Carlos Gracie Sr.
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
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Mitsuyo Maeda
Mitsuyo Maeda
Judo Black Belt · Origin of BJJ
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Gustavo Pires
Professor Gustavo Pires
6th Degree Black Belt · Siri BJJ Founder
Professor Gustavo Pires, commonly known as “Siri,” is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. He is one of the top Gracie Barra competitors of his generation in the sport’s super-heavyweight division, with medals at the Pan American, No-Gi World, World Masters and Brazilian National Championships.

Pires is also known for his coaching abilities, having been crucial in the development of important grapplers such as AndrΓ© Campos and Bruno Rocha. The Headquarters academy for Siri BJJ is located in the Tri-Cities area.
Black Belt · 6th Degree
Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Gracie Jr.
8th Degree Coral Belt · IBJJF Founder
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is the son of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. He is an 8th degree coral belt, the founder of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), and the co-founder of the world-famous team Gracie Barra.
8th Degree Coral Belt
Rolls Gracie
Rolls Gracie
Black Belt · The Family’s Best Fighter
Rolls Gracie was a great innovator in the family’s art. He is notable for being considered the “family’s best fighter” and promoted several accomplished black belts including Marcio Stambowsky, Mauricio Gomes, and Romer Cavalcanti.

He also taught great Jiu-Jitsu fighters such as Royler, Rickson, and Carlos Gracie Jr.
Black Belt
Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
Master Helio Gracie is the younger brother of Carlos Gracie Sr. Along with his brother, he developed the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His sons went on to have successful careers in mixed martial arts, further spreading the Gracie family’s legacy around the world.
Red Belt · 9th Degree
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr., along with his younger brother Helio Gracie, co-founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu β€” an art based on the teachings of the famous Japanese fighter Mitsuyo Maeda.

Carlos Gracie Sr. is the patriarch of the Gracie family and fathered 21 children, 13 of whom were promoted to the rank of black belt.
Red Belt · 10th Degree
Mitsuyo Maeda
Mitsuyo Maeda
Judo Black Belt · Origin of BJJ
Mitsuyo Maeda was a famous Judoka who trained under Jigoro Kano. He was also the teacher of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. and his brothers.

He is known for winning over 2,000 professional fights during his career, earning him the title “the toughest man who ever lived.” His teachings to the Gracie family laid the foundation for what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Judo Black Belt

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Siri Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pasco

Prospective Student Sign-Up!

Everything you need for Jiu-Jitsu awaits at Siri Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pasco, except for one crucial elementβ€”you! Take the leap and become part of our Jiu-Jitsu community!

At Siri Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pasco, an array of resources and opportunities await, with one notable exceptionβ€”you!

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Lineage Profile
Professor Gustavo Pires
Gustavo Pires
Black Belt · Siri BJJ Founder
Professor Gustavo Pires, commonly known as “Siri,” is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. He is one of the top Gracie Barra competitors of his generation in the sport’s super-heavyweight division, with medals at the Pan American, No-Gi World, World Masters and Brazilian National Championships.

Pires is also known for his coaching abilities, having been crucial in the development of important grapplers such as AndrΓ© Campos and Bruno Rocha. The Headquarters academy for Siri BJJ is located in the Tri-Cities area.
Black Belt · 4 Stripes
Lineage Profile
Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Gracie Jr.
8th Degree Coral Belt · IBJJF Founder
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is the son of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. He is an 8th degree coral belt, the founder of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), and the co-founder of the world-famous team Gracie Barra.
8th Degree Coral Belt
Lineage Profile
Rolls Gracie
Rolls Gracie
Black Belt · The Family’s Best Fighter
Rolls Gracie was a great innovator in the family’s art. He is notable for being considered the “family’s best fighter” and promoted several accomplished black belts including Marcio Stambowsky, Mauricio Gomes, and Romer Cavalcanti.

He also taught great Jiu-Jitsu fighters such as Royler, Rickson, and Carlos Gracie Jr.
Black Belt
Lineage Profile
Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
Master Helio Gracie is the younger brother of Carlos Gracie Sr. Along with his brother, he developed the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

His sons went on to have successful careers in mixed martial arts, further spreading the Gracie family’s legacy around the world.
Red Belt · 9th Degree
Lineage Profile
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Carlos Gracie Sr.
Red Belt · Co-Founder of BJJ
Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr., along with his younger brother Helio Gracie, co-founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu β€” an art based on the teachings of the famous Japanese fighter Mitsuyo Maeda.

Carlos Gracie Sr. is the patriarch of the Gracie family and fathered 21 children, 13 of whom were promoted to the rank of black belt.
Red Belt · 10th Degree
Lineage Profile
Mitsuyo Maeda
Mitsuyo Maeda
Judo Black Belt · Origin of BJJ
Mitsuyo Maeda was a famous Judoka who trained under Jigoro Kano. He was also the teacher of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. and his brothers.

He is known for winning over 2,000 professional fights during his career, earning him the title “the toughest man who ever lived.” His teachings to the Gracie family laid the foundation for what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Judo Black Belt