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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Police have released few details about the allegations but confirmed the case remains under investigation.<\/p>\n
Monson formerly served as head instructor and owner of a northwest Fresno gym that operated under the Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu franchise.<\/p>\n
According to franchise representatives, they became aware of the allegations against Monson on Aug. 21 and severed ties with him the same day.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Friday, crews were seen removing signage associated with the previous ownership and franchise affiliation.<\/p>\n
Paul Elizondo, the gym’s new head instructor, said he first considered leaving the facility after learning of the allegations.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
However, Elizondo said he was later approached about taking over the gym.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Definitely dealing with the rumors (about) me covering up, I guess the story is me covering up (the allegations),” he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that the current operation has no connection to Monson or the previous management.<\/p>\n
“My new team has nothing to do with John Jacques Machado Fresno or Mike Monson,” he said.<\/p>\n
Efforts by Action News to contact Monson for comment were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
Fresno police say the investigation remains active. No additional information about the allegations or potential victims has been released.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n