FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A former Fresno jiu-jitsu instructor and gym owner has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor, prompting his former martial arts franchise and current gym leadership to publicly distance themselves from him.
Michael Monson, 48, was taken into custody by Fresno police Wednesday evening at his Fresno home. Jail records show he bonded out early Thursday morning.
Police have released few details about the allegations but confirmed the case remains under investigation.
Monson formerly served as head instructor and owner of a northwest Fresno gym that operated under the Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu franchise.
According to franchise representatives, they became aware of the allegations against Monson on Aug. 21 and severed ties with him the same day.
In a statement, the organization said: “Based on the information presented to us, we determined that the nature of the conduct alleged was highly inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards and values expected.”
Following the split, Monson’s gym underwent a sudden rebranding and ownership change. The facility adopted a new name, Frontline, though little public explanation was initially provided beyond changes visible on social media.
On Friday, crews were seen removing signage associated with the previous ownership and franchise affiliation.
Paul Elizondo, the gym’s new head instructor, said he first considered leaving the facility after learning of the allegations.
“They were really strong for me to not ignore…” Elizondo said. “As of that day, I wanted nothing to do with Jean Jacques Machado Jiu-Jitsu after that.”
However, Elizondo said he was later approached about taking over the gym.
Since assuming leadership, some parents have criticized how information surrounding Monson’s departure was communicated. Elizondo acknowledged concerns that he attempted to conceal what had happened.
“Definitely dealing with the rumors (about) me covering up, I guess the story is me covering up (the allegations),” he said.
Elizondo said he initially viewed discussions surrounding Monson as rumors and chose not to share unverified information with gym members. Instead, he attributed the ownership changes to Monson’s divorce.
“Everybody already knew Mike was going through a divorce, and it wasn’t looking good. So, you know, we went off with that. (We) made sure that you know the members were informed that there’s a new team seeking new ownership,” Elizondo said.
He emphasized that the current operation has no connection to Monson or the previous management.
“My new team has nothing to do with John Jacques Machado Fresno or Mike Monson,” he said.
Efforts by Action News to contact Monson for comment were unsuccessful.
Fresno police say the investigation remains active. No additional information about the allegations or potential victims has been released.
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