Pjeter Berishaj

Founder + Head Instructor

Pjeter Berishaj, owner and head instructor at Black Mountain Defense, has dedicated his career to developing practical, adaptable, and effective approaches to self-defense and personal protection. Drawing from his extensive background in Krav Maga, boxing, grappling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has synthesized these disciplines into his own dynamic mixed combat system. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of striking, clinch work, groundwork, and weapons-based defense, preparing students to respond to a wide range of real-world confrontations.

Pjeter continually expands his knowledge and skill through ongoing training in boxing, grappling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His instruction extends beyond traditional martial arts, emphasizing the practical application of techniques under pressure and the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations.

As a Certified Instructor in Integrative Defense Strategies (IDS), NRA firearms instructor, and Rangemaster Certified Instructor Development Course and Defensive Shotgun Instructor. Pjeter brings an integrated approach to defensive training. His expertise encompasses defensive firearms instruction, weapons-based combatives, close-quarters defense, and the application of force in real-world situations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding not only how to use defensive tools, but also when and why to use them.

His defensive training philosophy incorporates situational awareness, threat recognition, decision-making under stress, legal considerations, and practical defensive tactics. By integrating empty-hand skills, edged and impact weapon defense, and defensive firearms applications, he helps students develop the awareness, judgment, and technical ability necessary to navigate potentially dangerous encounters.

Pjeter's specialized areas of instruction include weapons-based grappling, in-fight weapon access techniques, integrated striking and grappling, and defensive firearms applications. Through Black Mountain Defense, he works with civilians, security professionals, and organizations to provide realistic, hands-on training designed to build competence, confidence, and preparedness.

Committed to continuous development and evolving defensive methodologies, Pjeter remains dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to protect themselves and others.

SIMON BERISHAJ

Lead Boxing Instructor

Simon is one of the lead instructors for the Youth Boxing Club at Black Mountain Defense and a certified USA Boxing coach. With 8 years of experience in the sport, including competitive bouts, he brings a deep well of knowledge, skill, and firsthand perspective to every session.

Simon’s coaching style is rooted in a holistic approach—emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also conditioning, strategy, and mental resilience. He believes boxing is as much about mental toughness and smart decision-making as it is about physical strength, and he works to instill those values in every student he coaches.

Vlora Marku

Lead Boxing & Jiu-Jitsu Instructor | Firearms Instructor

Vlora is a versatile and dedicated instructor with a Level 2 certification in Black Mountain Defense’s Mixed Combat System and a Level 3 certification in Integrative Defense Strategies (IDS). She is also a certified USPCA firearms instructor and holds a USA Boxing Coach certification. With a background in jiu-jitsu, weapons-based grappling, and boxing, Vlora brings a practical, well-rounded skill set to her instruction and continues to train and compete to keep her skills sharp.

At Black Mountain Defense, Vlora assists in a variety of classes, including firearms instruction. She also serves as one of the lead instructors for both the youth boxing program and kids’ jiu-jitsu classes—fostering discipline, focus, and confidence in young athletes.

Her creative background adds a dynamic edge to her teaching, helping her design engaging and effective training environments for students of all ages and skill levels. Vlora is currently pursuing Level 4 certifications in IDS, as well as Rangemaster certification, to continue growing her expertise.

CAMERON SOMERS

Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Cameron has a diverse background in combat training, with a primary focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here at Black Mountain Defense. Cameron holds a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a Black Belt in Krav Maga, and is certified at Level 3 in Black Mountain Defense’s Mixed Combat system.

As a BJJ practitioner and instructor, he is passionate about helping students of all levels develop their grappling skills, confidence, and technical understanding of the art. His teaching style emphasizes key concepts and techniques such as positional control, escapes, submissions, and the critical importance of timing and leverage. Because of his extensive knowledge in self-defense, he also integrates self-defense principles into his Jiu-Jitsu curriculum, ensuring that students not only excel in sport Jiu-Jitsu but also develop practical, real-world skills for self-defense situations.

Outside of the gym, Cameron is deeply committed to the continuous growth of his own practice. He regularly attends seminars, workshops, training camps, and actively competes to stay at the forefront of Jiu-Jitsu. This ongoing personal development ensures that his students receive the most current, effective, and high-level instruction.

RICH PRIEST

Firearms Instructor

With more than 15 years of firearms instruction experience, Rich brings a lifetime of shooting, hunting, and competitive shooting to every class he teaches. A Michigan native, he spent 12 years in Arizona before returning home and joining the team at Black Mountain Defense.

Rich is passionate about helping everyday people develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to responsibly protect themselves and their loved ones. His instruction emphasizes safe gun handling, practical defensive skills, and creating a welcoming learning environment where students of all experience levels can succeed.

As a Rangemaster Certified Defensive Shotgun Instructor, USCCA Certified Defensive Pistol Instructor, and NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, Rich is committed to continual growth as both a student and an instructor. He believes that quality training should be practical, engaging, and accessible, giving students the confidence and competence to perform under pressure.