DNC Worldwide

Here are are a few profiles of our ninjas worldwide.  

INTERNATIONAL  

Afghanistan  

Spencer Sandlin, a graduate of Texas A&M University, is one of the founding members on DNC Worldwide. Currently a Contracts Manager for EPCM Services company Fluor Corporation, Spencer recently took on a position to be based in Afghanistan until 2011. Previous to his current stint at Fluor, Spencer was managing an executive search business with fellow ninja, Mike Calimbas. Fun fact about Spencer, in his younger days, he was actually a member of the prestigious Texas Children’s Choir until puberty robbed him of his high- pitched voice. As a small-town Texas native, Spencer enjoys BBQ, sports, and the company of good friends.  

Beijing, China  

Doug Ma is graduate of the University of Texas-Austin holding a BBA in Finance and currently lives in Beijing, China. After school, he worked on Wall Street for a couple of years before he decided to leave his job and travel the world. His journeys led him to China where he co-founded Go Tour-ING. Taking experiences from all his travels, he wanted to create tours that centered on sight seeing, networking, and partying for travelers aged 21-35. Besides traveling, Doug enjoys watching MMA, playing sports, and trying out new things.  

Dubai, United Arab Emites  

Christopher Reinig is a graduate of Georgia Tech University and has also studied at Johns Hopkins University. With a passion for racing, Christopher is currently in Abu Dhabi, UAE working under Frank Gehry’s Architectural Firm on the design for the Ferrari Theme Park, opening in Abu Dhabi in 2009.  

Granada, Nicaruagua  

Duane Batcheler was a successful professional in the world of finance in his previous life. In September of 2004, he decided to sell everything he owned to travel the world. He started in Central and South America and then on to Europe, SE Asia, and also through the Middle East and Africa participating in various cultural projects along the way. Duane is currently based in Nicaragua, where he is working on a global Eco-village project that focuses on sustainability and learning.  

Tokyo, Japan  

Hyper, a man known for his voracious appetite for life and achievement, helped co-found the original DNC in 2005. Professionally, he works in import/export and several other industries. He is a voracious student of philosophy, from Socrates and Descartes to Locke and Hobbes. A world-traveler, you may find him anywhere at anytime. He’s known to surprise many with his innate ninja abilities.  

STATESIDE  

Albany, NY  

Casey Marissa Wu joined the DNC in 2006 after attending The University of Texas Austin. She is currently working for a major game developer as Project Manager for a highly-successful console game franchise.  When not immersed with creating video games, this Red Dragon can be found running and playing soccer.  

Atlanta, GA  

Lindsey Moreno is a 2005 BS-Psychology graduate of Texas A&M University. Lindsey came to DNC Worldwide in it’s infancy,having worked together with several ninjas right out of school! Currently, Lindsey works with a nation-wide staffing agency as a Corporate Training Specialist – a role that has her traveling to the company’s offices nationwide. She is a recent newlywed, having tied the knot with the love of her life, Daron Moreno, this past February.  

Baytown, TX  

Jordan Rivas is a senior at The University of Houston and is Lead Instructor for Elite MMA Baytown. Jordan holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has many accomplishments in competitive grappling including a silver medal at the Pan-Am Games, a silver medal at the World Championships, a gold medal at the Battle of H-Town, etc. He also holds a 3-0 record in Mixed Martial Arts. Jordan is married to Alaina Rivas, who he met through the DNC.  

Robert Yamashita is a graduate of San Jacinto College with a degree in Radiology. By day, Robert is an X-Ray Technician at a local Houston hospital. By night, he is the boogie man of all the karate and bjj kids at Elite MMA in Baytown. Robert has been training in traditional karate since the age of nine, kickboxing since thirteen, and BJJ for almost five years. He enjoys long hours of training, reppin the dirty dirty Elite at any DNC function and keepin his laser sights straight for the occasional game of beer pong. Favorite Quote: “lock your car doors, Baytown Elite is in the house!!”  

Franky Martinez aka “El Gallo” is the gentle giant of the DNC, evident by all the medals he has won in submission grappling competition. Franky is currently a BJJ Blue Belt under Eric Williams and also works as a Diesel Technician in Houston. Franky’s interests include spending time with friends, training as much as possible, competing in as many tournaments as possible, spending time w/ family, and just enjoying life to the fullest.  

Dallas, Texas
  

Jenny Buchan is a writer/blogger currently working on two books, a children’s story and a fantasy novel. After a life-altering event changed her life, Jen has been writing while going though the process of finding herself. She dwells on the mundane, inane and insane parts of living, always and forever asking why. Dubbed a ninja of words and deeds by her close friends, she loves the lore of language and the spontaneity in life. Though she spends a great deal of time working (in management), she finds time for fun with friends, writing, and a million other things she enjoys.  

District of Columbia (Washington DC), United States  

Ponciano Manalo is currently a graduate student at Johns Hopkins working on his post-graduate studies in International Policy. He previously served as an Intelligence Analyst for an International Security Consulting Firm in Houston, TX. A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans and former resident of four nations worldwide, “Jino” is an accredited expert in the analysis of global current events and hot-spots.  

Houston, TX  

Mike Calimbas (Founder of DNC Worldwide) has concentrated his expertise in several areas including: human resource management, strategic sourcing, network recruiting, sales, and interactive advertising. A business graduate from the University of Houston Downtown, Mike currently works for a leading provider of global facility management and green energy solutions. He is also a regular contributor for numerous publications (online and print), writing and providing content on a variety of different subjects. In his spare time, Mike is heavily involved with charitable causes – promoting, sponsoring, and organizing events for numerous charitable organizations including: BONA Foundation (Fighting Childhood Obesity), Noah’s Kitchen (Providing Food & Assistance to Houston’s Homeless), Houston Area Women’s Center (Advocacy service for children who have been victims of or witnesses to violent crimes), The Hoang Nguyen Foundation (After-School Tutors Program) and Extra-Life (Pediatric Cancer Treatment & TX Children’s Hospital).
  

Kris Calimbas holds a BA in Public Relations from Texas State University. Kris’ expertise lies within the senior healthcare industry. He currently works as an Account Manager for a major hospice group. Kris is uniquely adept at business networking and is well-versed in both coaching and mentoring others in the areas of marketing, advertising, and networking.  

Luis De La Fuente holds a BS in Chemical Engineering with a Certificate of Business Foundations from the University of Texas. He currently works as a process engineer specializing in pressure relief system analysis. He also co-founded and runs Six Seraphim Design Group, a visual and media marketing firm. When not busy working, he can usually be found in the gym, on the mats training, or at his favorite watering hole. 

 Kimberly Even currently works a Project Coordinator for an interactive marketing agency in Houston, TX. A mother hen at heart, Kim is takes great pride in spending time with her ninjas and organizing events for the DNC crew. Her main hobbies include kickboxing, networking, and trying as many restaurants as she can. Her goals include running a marathon and contributing to the on-going growth of DNC Worldwide as an organization active within the local community. 

Eric Junker is a licensed attorney in the state of Texas. He received his BA from Texas Christian University and his JD from Southwest College of Law. Eric currenty has a practice based out of Richmond, TX. He has followed the business of MMA since its inception and is a specialist in contract law as it relates to representative management for MMA fighters.  

 Greg Manuel is a graduate of Texas A&M University and received his MBA from Texas Tech University.  He is currently a Corporate Recruiter for the EPCM Services company SKEC America in Houston, Tx.  Prior to his position with SKECA, Greg has been a Customer Relationship Manager with the search firm Futurestep Korn/Ferry International and Corporate Recruiter and HR Generalist with Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals.  Greg’s future career aspirations involve finding a role that would allow him to link human capital and human networks as one broad marketing concept.  Greg is a native of Sugar Land, Tx and loves to eat, cook, spend time with friends and anything competitive or outdoors.

Megan Moore is a Human Resource and Staffing expert also with a background in office management. She’s currently working on-site for a major client in Houston specializing in Fortune 500 call-center support. Megan’s main hobbies when she’s not in office include: traveling, reading, focusing on organic foods and health, and spending time with good friends. Megan also recently moved to Houston from her hometown of Bryan/College Station, TX and is the significant other of DNC Founder, Mike Calimbas. Mike and Megan are expecting their first child with in December of 2009!  

Ben Oliver is currently a Biology/Business major at the University of Houston. He began attending UH after completing his undergrad at UTSA in San Antonio, TX. Ben loves to relax and party with friends. He is a pretty humble guy but takes his MMA training at Elite very seriously. His goal is to compete in Mixed Martial Arts within the next year and continue to advance in BJJ whiole staying away from any more injuries!  

Gustavo Rocha is the Brazilian sensation at ELITE, born in Curitiba, PR, he surprisingly started training MMA in Houston under Eric Williams. Gus focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is also one of the Assistant Instructors at ELITE. After a one year season of surfing in Brazil, Gus is back in Houston studying Global Business at UH. Gus is also the brains behind the creations of Animal Fightwear.  

Angela Ruhnow is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas with a BBA in general business. She currently works as a Junior Accountant for an international company based in downtown Houston. In her off-time, she is busy perfecting her cardio kickboxing skills (her newest favorite hobby) or out and about stirring up trouble with her favorite ninjas.  

Patrick Sherman is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is currently enrolled in the Universtity of Texas at Austin MBA for Professionals program in Houston while working for Amigo Energy. Patrick is also a veteran of the Texas Army National Guard, and served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a BJJ Blue Belt under Eric Williams and competes periodically around Texas. Patrick enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, sports, and riding horses. He also plays guitar and reads in his spare time. Future interests include traveling in South America and South-East Asia.  

Ricardo Talavera is a Petroluem Engineering graduate of West Virginia University. He is currently a software consultant in the oil & gas industry. Ricardo is also a Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter with a 3-0 record. Ricardo enjoys spending time with his growing family and is a die-hard Mountaineers fan, having played baseball there while attending school.   

Tal Williams works in the I.T. department for an international law firm in downtown Houston. Through cunning and alchemy, training jiu jitsu at the Elite temple has liberated this aging stiff from mental illness and social retardation. His main goals are as follows: record an album, write a novel, web development, early retirement, everlasting happiness. 

Taylor “Cookie” Winzeler is one of our junior members at DNC Worldwide. A senior at Westside High School, Taylor is the Captain of his varsity wrestling team and is also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Eric Williams and Hai Nguyen. His main interests include training, graphic design, and hanging out with his friends and girlfriend. 

Kansas City, MO   

Ajay Ellison is a network engineer at Sprint and active MMA fighter. Outside of those, Ajay also has extensive experience in security and management of operations for several venues within the club & nightlife scene, both in Houston, TX as well as Kansas City.   

Princeton, NJ  

Chris Belkot, a self proclaimed cook-and-a-half, attended California University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Since 2003, he has been working at the Athletic Department at Princeton University and also moonlights as a bouncer/bartender at Princeton’s Ivy Inn. Chris has had a lifelong relationship with contact sports, starting his wrestling career in 1993. He is a recreational boxer and currently planning on enrolling in BJJ, as many ninjas often do. In his spare time, Since 200, Chris has also been coaching children and adults alike in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-roman wrestling. Chris also enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking.  

Seattle, Washington  

Mark Foster graduated from the University of Texas in 2005, with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. He is currently working for AeroTEC in Seattle as an Experimental Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer. During his career-to-date, Mark has flown all over North America working on flight test programs for a variety of aircraft, most notably as a lead on the flying test bed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner engine development program. As a native Texan, Mark takes advantage of the great abundance of Northwest outdoor activities. His recent activities have included scuba diving, fishing, hiking, boating, skiing, camping, and spontaneous exploration.  

Sugar Land / Katy, TX  

Andy Berman is a current student at University of Houston Downtown – majoring in Business Finance. While not in class, Andy works as a Bartender/Manager at Sienna Plantation Grill and Golf. His main interests include golfing and gaming.  

Emily Berman is currently a writer for the energy industry at IHS. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004 with dual degrees in journalism and psychology and a minor in Spanish. After college, she worked as a journalist/reporter for weekly newspapers, first in Tulsa and later Dallas. Emily has a passion for words and has made a solemn vow to always write in some way or form for the rest of her life. Her life goal is to leave a lasting impression on at least one human soul through her words in whatever form they may take shape. After a life-changing experience of living in northern Spain for six months — perfecting the Spanish language and teaching conversational English — Emily has found a new life for herself in Houston. She and her fiancé just bought a home and plan to be married in May 2010. Interesting fact about Emily: She is the fraternal twin of fellow DNC Ninja Andy Berman.  

Chad Kight is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Chad holds the rank of brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royce Gracie. He is also a certified instructor in Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Joe Soliz. Chad currently teaches full-time at Sugarland Mixed Martial Arts in Sugarland, TX.  

Paula Donato is a nursing professional here in Houston. Having recently been promoted, Paula has great aspirations in both her personal and professional life. Paula spends plenty of time with her beautiful daughter Madison, who is 4 years old and is expecting a second daughter this year.  

  

Allen Ragasa, a veteran of the restaurant industry, is an amateur cyclist and also a veteran of several marathons. When he isn’t busy training for those events, Allen immerses himself in charitable organizations. As a avid gamer (PS3, Wii and 360), Allen is currently involved with Extra Life, a 24-hour gaming marathon event which raises money for Pediatric Cancer research & treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital. You can follow Allen on Twitter here.  

Vincent Rivera is currently one of the Assistant Instructors at ELITE and focuses on instructing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense to both children and adults. An expert-level Rockband player, Vincent is talented at song and dance, both onscreen and in the real world.  

JR Casimiro, a graduate of sunny Arizona State University joins us this year as the 5th Filipino Ninja. JR is a oil & gas professional specializing in Materials and Manufacturing Technology. In his spare time, JR immerses himself at the gym and at the bar, usually one after the other.   

Woodlands / Spring, TX  

Steve Lieby holds a BA in Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin University. He is the Construction Coordinator/Project Manager for the City of Houston. Steve holds the record for most weight lost thanks to Elite, 80+ lbs, earning the name “Lightweight”. At 6’5″, 235 lbs., “Lightweight” trains BJJ at the Champions location in North Houston as well as assists with the children’s BJJ class. He is also the Athletic Director for the Cypress Youth Football Colts. he is married to his loving wife Melynda, who he met through the DNC Worldwide.  

[more profiles forthcoming...]