Evan Ivaldi
Wrestling & Jiu Jitsu Coach
About Evan Ivaldi
Evan Ivaldi has been part of the MatTime family since the very first day we opened our doors in 2016. Evan grew up on on the mats, initially in Jiu Jitsu and quickly established himself as a fierce wrestling competitor at 9 years old. In high school, Evan became a Varsity starter as a freshman and ended up a Masters Finalist and lost a tough blood round match at State in his first year. Although his senior CIF season was canceled (c o v i d) , Evan established a strong high school career and made up for a lost senior season by seeking competition at tournaments outside California where he recorded wins over multiple state champions from across the country. Evan's goal for a top-3 finish at the NHSCA National High School Showcase was stopped short by Mitchell Messenbrink (Team USA), but placed 5th in a very challenging tournament to wrap up his high school career.
CREDENTIALS & ACCOLADES
- 3x League Champion
- 3x Divisional Champion
- 3x San Joaquin Section Masters Finalist
- San Joaquin Masters Champion (Junior year)
- 3x State Qualifier / 2x Blood Round Finishes
- 2x Reno Worlds Finalist
- NHSCA National High School Showcase — 5th Place
- Placings at Doc Buchanan & Journeyman
- BJJ Purple Belt (2026)
After high school, Evan served as a machine gunner (0331) in the United States Marine Corps infantry with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines out of 29 Palms. During his deployment to Okinawa he earned the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Korean Defense Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Certificate of Commendation. While serving, Evan found ways to stay on the mat and still compete at a high level in both wrestling and no-Gi Jiu Jitsu — often training alongside former Division I wrestlers on base and former teammates wrestling at Cal Poly. A standout moment was winning a black belt no-Gi division in Japan while on active duty against strong international opponents.
Now back home, Evan contributes part-time as a coach in both our Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu programs. He brings a unique blend of the two disciplines, recently earning his purple belt in Jiu Jitsu, along with the discipline and leadership developed in the Marine Corps. His instruction helps athletes build well-rounded games — whether they are young wrestlers learning to scramble and control or adults sharpening their no-Gi skills with stronger takedowns and pressure. Evan is preparing to continue his own wrestling journey at Menlo College, a program that has captured back-to-back Division II National Championships. His journey from local standout to Marine infantryman to coach makes him a powerful example and mentor for everyone training at MatTime.
Evan dedicates his upcoming competitive season to his sister, Elena Ivaldi.