THE TEAM
WHO ARE WE?
Heights Martial Arts is more than a gym.
It’s a community of people who know their values, who show up to strengthen their purpose, and who understand that success is never built alone.
HMA is a team. We win together, lose together, and grow together. On the mats,
we humble the ego and lean into authentic connection.
We support each other in every arena.
Through traditional Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu and Muay Thai, we ignite the dedication, resilience, and strength that already exist within us. Combat sports are hard.
We do hard things because we understand that challenge is the only way we grow.
Whatever your reason for training - you've always got us in your corner.
JOHN ORTOLANI
COACH
I’ve been training for most of my life. Not always Martial Arts, but always training. I trained and competed in everything that piqued my interest. As a kid, I was into kung fu and baseball, then I transitioned to football and eventually lacrosse and wrestling, all while snowboarding and riding BMX recreationally. Ultimately, I dove deep into lacrosse and martial arts and was able to compete at a very high level for the last 20 years.
Each sport gave me something different to take to the next,
and over time, I’ve accumulated a wide array of skill sets.
Those different skills have allowed me to connect with so many different types of athletes and be able to explain techniques and strategies
in ways that can be understood by everyone.
From young children starting out, to the middle-aged average person looking to start something new, to the competitive athlete looking to go to the next level, I get excited to help them
reach whatever goal they've set for themselves,
to just be 1% better than they were yesterday.
Because success doesn't happen overnight,
and it definitely never happens solo. I've spent my life being a part of a team. I attribute those connections to my success as an athlete, friend, son, husband, and father.
It's my greatest joy to be a small part of my students' journey
on the mat and in life.
JILLIAN BOSSERDET
COACH
My dad always says it was a natural progression to fighting for me. From soccer- kicking a ball into people, to lacrosse - hitting people with a stick to get a ball, to Muay Thai - completely taking the ball out of the equation and learning to just hit and be hit,
I guess I see where he was coming from.
I’ve spent sixteen years in the Muay Thai and martial arts world, most of it coaching, but also doing a bit of fighting, starting in Thailand and eventually making my way around the US. Muay Thai is way more than just learning to hit and be hit.
Martial Arts remind people they can do hard things with composure and grace - get through whatever life throws at them. For a lot of us, it becomes meditation in movement —
the world fades, and you can only be fully present.
Muay Thai demands discipline and commitment,
and in the right environment, it shows how much community and connection matter for developing resilience in any capacity.
No one succeeds alone.
I try to connect what happens in the gym to what happens outside it. As a writer, training is never just about throwing a kick or executing an armbar— there’s always something psychological or emotional underneath it,
a lesson or message or joke to take with you.
STEFANIE ORTOLANI
TEAM MANAGER
Stefanie Ortolani serves as the Team Manager at Heights Martial Arts, where she oversees the day-to-day operations and helps create an exceptional experience for every member and family. As the wife of owner and Head Instructor Professor John Ortolani, Stefanie has played an integral role in the growth and development of both the adult and youth martial arts programs.
With more than 10 years of management experience, Stefanie brings a strong background in leadership, client relations, and business operations. In addition to her role at Heights Martial Arts, she manages a successful financial services firm, combining organizational expertise with a passion for serving others.
STRONG FOUNDATIONS BUILD UNSHAKEABLE TEAMS
Office: 1703 N 24TH ST
TAMPA, FLORIDA 33605
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Call: 813-501-2047
Email: [email protected]
