Meet Our Coaches

Gil Melendez

Gilbert "El Nino" Melendez is one of the most accomplished lightweights in MMA history. A two-time Strikeforce Lightweight Champion with a professional record of 22-8, Gil defended the title four times against elite competition including Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Jorge Masvidal. He also held the WEC Lightweight Championship and received an immediate UFC title shot when Strikeforce merged in 2013. Gil trained under Cesar Gracie alongside the Diaz brothers as part of the original Skrap Pack. He brings championship-level perspective to the MMA program at Skrap Pack Mission.

Mike Peltzer

Mike Peltzer is the owner and head coach of Skrap Pack Mission and has been on the mat every day since founding the gym. A BJJ black belt under Gilbert Melendez and longtime Gracie Fighter affiliate, Mike brings foundational depth from training in Rio de Janeiro under Dennis Asche and Roberto "Gordo" Correa, as well as under Mario Sperry. He has competed at every belt level and his teaching philosophy centers on understanding the why behind each technique. If you take a class here, you will train with Mike.

Rob Tran

Rob Tran is a San Francisco native and the head boxing coach at Skrap Pack Mission. His classes focus on technical fundamentals, footwork, and intelligent sparring. Rob develops boxers who understand what they are doing -- not just executing patterns. His instruction adapts to all levels, from beginners learning the basics to fighters preparing for competition. You will find Rob in the gym Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Krissa Hjartar

Krissa Hjartar is a BJJ coach and instructor at Skrap Pack Mission. She teaches no-gi jiu-jitsu with a focus on technical precision and an environment where every student feels challenged and supported. Krissa is a consistent presence on the mat and brings both competitive experience and genuine care for student development to her classes.

Ron Griffin

Ron Griffin is the head wrestling coach at Galileo High School and the wrestling coach at Skrap Pack Mission. He has built a reputation in San Francisco for developing technically sound, competitive wrestlers. Ron brings the same discipline and attention to detail he applies to his high school program to every adult wrestling class at the gym. His classes are built for MMA cross-trainers, BJJ practitioners, and anyone who wants a genuine foundation in takedowns and mat control.