In the tragic plane crash that struck San Diego, California, Dominic Damian was confirmed among the victims. A respected software engineer, dedicated martial artist, and cherished friend, Damian’s sudden passing has left an immense void in both the tech and jiu-jitsu communities.
Dominic Damian, a longtime resident of San Diego, was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the quiet strength and compassion he brought into every space he entered. He was a seasoned software engineer with a remarkable resume that stretched across over a decade of innovation, leadership, and mentorship. At the time of his passing, he was working as a Senior Software Engineer at Olive, a position he had held since early 2024.
On his LinkedIn profile, he introduced himself simply and humbly: “Hello, I’m Dominic. A Software Engineer, Engineering Manager, and jiu jitsu black belt from San Diego, CA.” That sentence encapsulated the balance he maintained—between intellect and discipline, technology and tradition, rigor and heart.
Throughout his distinguished career, Damian held roles at various esteemed companies including Jock MKT, Remo, Knowable, Sandbox VR, and CrystalCommerce. He managed global engineering teams, led development of high-scale platforms, and mentored aspiring coders through his time at Thinkful. His technical expertise spanned AWS, Node.js, React, and a range of back-end and front-end technologies—tools he wielded with the same mastery he brought to the mats.
Beyond the screen, however, Dominic was a force in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He trained under the legendary Baret Yoshida and is remembered as Baret’s first black belt—a profound honor that speaks volumes of his skill, loyalty, and dedication. Known by friends and students as “Teflon Dom,” his influence on the mat extended far and wide. He also trained at Heroes Martial Arts during his time in San Jose, where he quickly became a beloved member of the community.
“He was intelligent, thoughtful, and had amazing jiu jitsu. A really kind guy who will be missed,” one teammate wrote in tribute.
On Memorial Day, Heroes Martial Arts and Baret Yoshida’s Submission Systems will host open mat events in Damian’s memory. At Heroes Martial Arts, both the Downtown (10:30 AM) and Eastside (6:00 PM) locations will honor his legacy through community rolls and shared reflection.
“Rest in power, Dom,” the gym posted online. “We’re stunned by his loss.”
Friend and longtime training partner Ty Smith added, “Brother, we love you and are going to miss you so very much. I will always cherish the two decades we spent training and competing together. Grief decides when it is finished with us. So pray and meditate on the memory of our friend, brother, teammate.”
Dominic was also close friends with Shapiro, who also perished in the crash. Their bond and shared passions ran deep, and their deaths together serve as a cruel twist of fate for those who knew and loved them.
In his life, Dominic Damian built products, taught students, led teams, earned a black belt, and lifted up those around him. In his passing, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and quiet strength.
He will be missed profoundly—but never forgotten.
FAQs
Who was Dominic Damian?
Dominic Damian was a San Diego-based software engineer and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. He worked for several prominent tech companies and was Baret Yoshida’s first black belt.
What happened to him?
He tragically died in a plane crash in San Diego. His close friend Shapiro was also among the victims.
Where did he work?
At the time of his passing, he worked at Olive. His past roles included positions at Jock MKT, Remo, Knowable, Sandbox VR, and others.
How is the jiu-jitsu community honoring him?
Open mat memorials will be held on Memorial Day at Heroes Martial Arts and Baret Yoshida’s Submission Systems. These events are meant to celebrate Dominic’s life and legacy on the mat.
Was he active on social media?
Yes. His social media pages showcased his passion for jiu-jitsu, technology, and community.