A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy has made history at a law-enforcement jiu-jitsu program known as The Hive, becoming the first person trained there to earn a black belt since the program’s founding nearly a decade ago.
Deputy Eddie Quintana was awarded his black belt on December 15 at The Hive, a jiu-jitsu training space located inside the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Training Center. The promotion marked the first time a student progressed through every belt level — from white to blue, purple, brown and black — entirely within the program.
The belt was presented by Deputy Sean Gornewicz, one of The Hive’s founders, during a ceremony attended by Quintana’s family, fellow members of the Priority Response Team and deputies he trains alongside.
Gornewicz said the black belt represents more than technical ability.
“A black belt is not just your prowess or the techniques you have on the mat,” he said. “It’s about whether you can coach, mentor and build other students up.”
Quintana began training at The Hive in late 2018, shortly after graduating from the law enforcement academy. He said early classes were small and focused, often with only a handful of participants.
“I knew I was getting better, but each belt came as a surprise,” Quintana said, noting that the black belt promotion was unexpected.
Before entering law enforcement, Quintana wrestled in high school and later coached wrestling and CrossFit. He joined what was then the Miami-Dade Police Department academy in 2017 and decided to pursue jiu-jitsu after experiencing the technique during a self-defense class.
Quintana said jiu-jitsu has proven especially effective in the field, where control and leverage can de-escalate encounters without strikes.
“Almost everyone I’ve encountered, there’s no use of force beyond holding them down,” he said.
The Hive’s training program is open to deputies, police officers, first responders and non-sworn law enforcement personnel. Participants range from beginners to experienced martial artists, including professional mixed martial arts fighters and former boxers.
Sergeant Juan Colon of the Priority Response Team said he has watched Quintana’s development from his earliest days in the academy.
“I’ve literally seen him from the beginning, progressing from a beginner to a black belt,” Colon said. “It’s been a privilege and an honor.”
Officials said Quintana’s promotion represents a milestone for The Hive and reflects the program’s growing role in defensive tactics training within the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
