About Sanctuary Training Center

Sanctuary Training Center is the culmination of the careers of long time friends and training partners, Aires Pacheco and Robert Morelli. Our current program is the result of a combined 40 years of experience. Obtained by going about it through different paths, they have joined forces to bring you the best in martial arts, self defense and fitness.

Coach Aires

Aires Pacheco started his journey right after high school. Although he was never able to train in martial arts in his younger years he started working in a local gym as a front desk/salesman. He quickly took the advice of the staff of this gym to rocket himself into his career as a fitness trainer. Following his childhood dream to be a martial artist he began training in boxing, Muay Thai, and submission grappling. While not having a traditional martial art facility to train in he traded his knowledge of fitness and sports conditioning for training with Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, wrestling and Boxing coaches and practitioners. All combined they propelled Aires to seek avenues to make this his career. Throughout the years he found himself moving up the fitness industry as a trainer and further into management. He transferred into the martial arts world full time where he has continued to hone his skills as a trainer and coach for not just people looking to compete but for everyone at any age. He continues to dedicate his years to learning every aspect of fitness and martial arts to give anyone he stands in front of every last bit of himself.

Coach Rob

Growing up playing school sports and becoming a professional musician at the age of 12, Robbie started training in martial arts shortly after high school. After losing a bet to his older sister he took his first class in Krav Maga self defense and eventually kickboxing, boxing, and traditional karate. Not too long after that he started his journey to learn how to teach adults and children in the art of self defense. He eventually took his teaching on the road across several states including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and of course NY, to further his knowledge personally and professionally. Throughout this time he earned his second degree black belt in Krav Maga and first degree in karate as well as a winning record in amateur kickboxing. He now brings all this knowledge back home to Sanctuary Training Center to help the community be safer and more fit.

Sanctuary is a term that means much more to us than a safe place. Sanctuary is where we go to put in the work it takes for us to be safe. It’s the environment we have built and continue to build for you to do the same. Welcome to sanctuary.