Meet the Referees

Head Referee — First-Degree Black Belt | House of Moons Jiu-Jitsu | Mat 2

Professor Tim Slape

Professor Tim Slape brings 13 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, a wrestling background, and proven competition experience to The Forge. A first-degree black belt under Professor Jaime Jara, Tim earned his black belt in November 2023. His competition accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2023 IBJJF Master Worlds and championship wins in the Jiu Jitsu World League.

As the owner and instructor of House of Moons Jiu-Jitsu in Citrus Heights, California, Tim focuses on the details that turn solid fundamentals into effective grappling. His instruction is technical, direct, and grounded in firsthand experience, helping hobbyists build confidence and sharpen their skills while preparing competitors for the demands of tournament competition.

Tim has refereed for Grappling X since 2022 and United Industries since 2026. As Head Referee for The Forge, he brings that experience to every match, emphasizing fairness, consistency, competitor safety, and clear application of the rules. His goal is to give young athletes a professional, positive environment where they can compete with confidence and grow through the experience.

Event Referee — Brown Belt | House of Moons | Mat 1

Nima Nabavian

With a deep personal background across multiple combat disciplines, Nima Nabavian provides a steady, sharp, and experienced presence as a tournament referee. Nima started his grappling journey with six years on the wrestling mats before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he now holds the rank of brown belt and regularly competes in regional and national circuits. His diverse martial arts foundation is rounded out by a black belt in karate.

Having officiated across wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, and MMA cages, Nima understands the nuances of pacing, submissions, and scramble transitions inside out — ensuring matches are controlled strictly, scored accurately, and officiated with fighter safety as the top priority.

Event Referee — Brown Belt | Felipe Bragao | Mat 2

Ismael Alvarez Bermudez

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, Ismael Alvarez Bermudez has trained under Professor Felipe Bragao since he was 13. A favorite coach among the kids, Ismael brings a relaxed, approachable teaching style and a talent for breaking down complex techniques into clear steps that young athletes can learn, practice, and master. His passion for teaching extends beyond the mat, with plans to become an educator after graduating from Berkeley. As an event referee for The Forge, Ismael brings competition experience, a sharp eye, and an understanding of young competitors to every match he officiates on Mat 2.

Referee

Elena Torres

A composed mat official known for keeping competitors calm, explaining resets clearly, and placing athlete safety at the center of every decision.

Sample profile — official bio coming soon.

Referee

Daniel Kim

A detail-minded referee committed to consistent scoring, respectful competition, and creating a positive tournament experience for athletes and coaches.

Sample profile — official bio coming soon.

Referee

Andre Wallace

A steady presence on the mat with years of youth officiating behind him, focused on fairness, calm match control, and keeping every competitor safe.

Sample profile — official bio coming soon.