REQUEST INFORMATION NOW FOR METRO JIU-JITSU INSTRUCTORS
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS OF METRO JIU-JITSU
Coach David (Fox)
Founder/Owner - Head Coach - BJJ Black Belt
David has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2009 and is a Black Belt under Danny Alvarez.
David specializes in teaching adolescents and young adults, having over 8 years of experience leading his local youth group. David spent most of his childhood overweight and insecure (weighing 220 lbs in the 7th grade); he was never very athletic and always felt like an outsider by those who were. David began to transform his life at the age of 17 by lifting weights and watching his diet; after 2 years, his workouts became stagnant, and he needed a change.
David looked into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a new workout with possibly some self-defense aspects, little did he realize it would alter the trajectory of his life. Jiu-Jitsu leveled the playing field between athletes and non-athletes; he quickly realized it was a “thinking man’s game” rather than a “meathead’s game.” It required the ability to understand physics and leverage in addition to being physically fit.
After beginning Jiu-Jitsu, David’s instructor, Danny, suggested he register for a local tournament. Against his will, David fought and lost, but it sparked his journey as a competitor. Since then, he has competed in over 20 tournaments, bringing home over 13 medals.
David is a devoted husband and father who believes strongly in building confidence in others through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Awards and Achievements
- Arnold’s Classic Grappling Tournament 2011 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2011 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Buckeye Border Grappling Challenge 2012 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- NAGA Grappling Championship Detroit Gi 2014 - 1st Place Blue Belt
- NAGA Grappling Championship Detroit NoGi 2014 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2017 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Gladwin Open Submission Only Tournament Nogi 2017 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Grappling Industries Detroit 2017 - 2nd Place Purple Belt
- Toledo BJJ Open 2018 - 1st Place Purple Belt
- NAGA Cincinnati Grappling Championship 2018 - 1st Place Purple Belt
- Buckeye Border Grappling Challenge 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chicago Spring Open 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chicago Summer Open 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2018 - 1st Place Brown Belt
- Grappling Industries Detroit 2018 Gi Division - 2nd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Chicago Masters Division 2019 - 2nd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Chicago Open Class 2019 - 3rd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Dallas Summer Open 2019 - 2nd Place Gi Division Brown Belt
- IBJJF Dallas Summer Open 2019 - 2nd Place Gi Open Division Brown Belt
Coach David "Fox"
Owner/Founder - Head Coach - BJJ Black Belt
David has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2009 and is a Black Belt under Danny Alvarez.
David specializes in teaching adolescents and young adults, having over 8 years of experience leading his local youth group. David spent most of his childhood overweight and insecure (weighing 220 lbs in the 7th grade); he was never very athletic and always felt like an outsider by those who were. David began to transform his life at the age of 17 by lifting weights and watching his diet; after 2 years, his workouts became stagnant, and he needed a change.
David looked into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a new workout with possibly some self-defense aspects, little did he realize it would alter the trajectory of his life. Jiu-Jitsu leveled the playing field between athletes and non-athletes; he quickly realized it was a “thinking man’s game” rather than a “meathead’s game.” It required the ability to understand physics and leverage in addition to being physically fit.
After beginning Jiu-Jitsu, David’s instructor, Danny, suggested he register for a local tournament. Against his will, David fought and lost, but it sparked his journey as a competitor. Since then, he has competed in over 20 tournaments, bringing home over 13 medals.
David is a devoted husband and father who believes strongly in building confidence in others through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Never wants to be called Professor.
Awards and Achievements
- Arnold’s Classic Grappling Tournament 2011 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2011 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Buckeye Border Grappling Challenge 2012 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- NAGA Grappling Championship Detroit Gi 2014 - 1st Place Blue Belt
- NAGA Grappling Championship Detroit NoGi 2014 - 2nd Place Blue Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2017 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Gladwin Open Submission Only Tournament Nogi 2017 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Grappling Industries Detroit 2017 - 2nd Place Purple Belt
- Toledo BJJ Open 2018 - 1st Place Purple Belt
- NAGA Cincinnati Grappling Championship 2018 - 1st Place Purple Belt
- Buckeye Border Grappling Challenge 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chicago Spring Open 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Chicago Summer Open 2018 - 3rd Place Purple Belt
- Michigan Open BJJ Tournament 2018 - 1st Place Brown Belt
- Grappling Industries Detroit 2018 Gi Division - 2nd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Chicago Masters Division 2019 - 2nd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Chicago Open Class 2019 - 3rd Place Brown Belt
- IBJJF Dallas Summer Open 2019 - 2nd Place Gi Division Brown Belt
- IBJJF Dallas Summer Open 2019 - 2nd Place Gi Open Division Brown Belt
Coach Jimmy Parks
Kickboxing Program Director - Head BJJ Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Jimmy Parks started training traditional martial arts at a very young age. He learned dedication, hard work, and the benefits of martial arts firsthand.
Originally from Gibraltar, Jimmy is a down-to-earth instructor who has even fought in several cage fights at a young age. So whether you’re a beginner or aspire to step into the cage, he can help prepare you for that journey.
He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey with Metro Jiu-Jitsu shortly after we opened in 2018. Rising quickly through the ranks to Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, he then took charge of our kickboxing program as you see it today.
Coach Jimmy is widely lauded for breaking down concepts into simple, digestible steps for beginners. He’s a crucial part of the team, ensuring everyone feels welcome on day one. We are lucky to have him!
Coach Greg Mellas
Head BJJ Coach - BJJ Brown Belt
Coach Greg was a parent on the mat before he was a coach. He started training with Metro shortly after we opened in 2019 and enrolled both of his kids on the mat along with his significant other.
He has grown to become like a father figure on the mat, specializing in back takes, leg locks, and never turning down a tough match.
He coaches our adult and kids programs, preferring no-gi Jiu-Jitsu but is lethal in the gi as well.
Greg is an incredible mentor on the team and holds a standard of what we expect out of our higher ranks.
Coach Greg Mellas
Head Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Brown Belt
Coach Greg was a parent on the mat before he was a coach. He started training with Metro shortly after we opened in 2019 and enrolled both of his kids on the mat along with his significant other.
He has grown to become like a father figure on the mat, specializing in back takes, leg locks, and never turning down a tough match.
He coaches our adult and kids programs, preferring no-gi Jiu-Jitsu but is lethal in the gi as well.
Greg is an incredible mentor on the team and holds a standard of what we expect out of our higher ranks.
Coach Collin "Rising Tide" Miracle
Head Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Brown Belt
If you’ve stepped in the gym at any point during the past years from 2018 and on, you’ve probably been on the mat with Collin. At one time, he accumulated well over 500 classes in a single year.
His work ethic is unmatched, and we call him “Rising Tide” because he constantly challenges everyone on the team to improve their game and step out of their comfort zone.
Collin started wrestling in Allen Park schools, is a downriver native, and successfully graduated from college with a mechanical engineering degree. He’s a committed family man with a constant work ethic and a fierce competitor on the tournament scene.
He is always a critical thinker, known for his ability to anticipate problems before they arise.
Coach Jimmy Siwula
Head Wrestling Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Jimmy Siwula has been training at Metro Jiu-Jitsu pretty much since we opened. He has an extensive wrestling background, coming up through Wayne, Michigan, and is a Michigan native.
He has well over 300 tournament matches in his career and spends his matches focusing on securing the takedown.
In addition to his technical prowess, Coach Jimmy's mindset coaching on and off the mat is an incredible addition to the team.
Jimmy is an incredible asset to our team, helping both beginners and advanced grapplers improve their takedown game and get the fight to the mat.
Coach Jimmy has earned multiple World Championships and Pan-American Championships, placing first, second, and third throughout his career.
Coach Ryan Mackiewicz
Head Kickboxing & Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Ryan has been a part of the Metro family since he was 16 years old, joining in our first few months of opening.
His goal from day one was to fight in MMA, and we advised him to build a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu first. After reaching the rank of Purple Belt, he began training kickboxing with Coach Jimmy Parks and rapidly excelled.
His current smoker record in kickboxing is 1-1. Ryan is known for his incredibly soft demeanor coaching kids and his approachable way of breaking down techniques for complete beginners in kickboxing as well.
Coach Joe Breza
Head Wrestling Coach - BJJ Purple Belt - Judo Brown Belt
Coach Joe Breza has been grappling for more than 30 years. He was a D1 wrestler at Sacred Heart University under Coach Andy Seras.
He also co-founded the instructional WrestlingForBJJ.com with Jordan Pressinger and is a Judo brown belt under Coach Frank at EMU Judo in Ypsilanti.
He is an incredible addition to the team, brought on earlier this year to coach at our Westland campus and provide the entire team with a foundational wrestling edge for tournament success.
Joe has an incredible mindset and holds a PHD in neuroscience. He is currently a college professor as well—a fierce competitor and an amazing teammate. We’re so happy to have him!
Coach Dennis "Mr Flow" Chambers
Head Kid's Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Dennis came in like a wild bronco and earned himself the name "Mr Flow"—a tongue-in-cheek joke that he only had one speed: go hard, period.
Since those days, he has turned into quite the technician, winning gold at the IBJJF Detroit in 2025 and attending more wrestling classes than almost any other member of the team combined under Coach Jimmy Siwula.
Coach Dennis is an integral part of the team, constantly building relationships and making others feel welcome, and always quick to crack a joke to get you smiling and break the tension.
Coach Devin "Kratos" Crawford
Head Kids Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
You're going to have a hard time finding somebody who works as hard as Coach Devin, while overcoming several ailments, including sports-induced asthma.
One of our core memories with Coach Devin was during 2020 (when we "shouldn’t" have been operating classes due to the flu) when he had an asthma attack. I remember watching the medics come in, not quite sure what to make of a room full of hard-working grapplers when the rest of the world was six feet apart.
Since then, he has been part of our parent's night out as "Captain America," and with a stunning resemblance to the Greek demigod Kratos, and he has been the butt of many jokes and memes because of it.
He has an incredible wrestling background and still makes you feel welcome despite his daunting physical appearance. You won’t find a more dedicated father, husband, and teammate.
Coach Mark Leszczynski
Head Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Mark has a coach’s heart through and through. He has coached kids and adults in hockey for over 30 years in Trenton and around the area.
He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Masters gold medalist, first introduced to the art in the 90s when Royce Gracie and the Gracie family brought it to the States.
His journey with Metro Jiu-Jitsu began when he faced age discrimination at another gym—he was looked up and down, told he was a liability, and literally had the door shut in his face.
We welcomed him with open arms, and he has since become a father figure to both the adults and kids on the team.
Coach Asly Calderon
Head Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Asly is the perfect illustration of how effective Jiu-Jitsu can be for a smaller opponent to control, subdue, and even submit a larger opponent.
She has been training for years on the team and has not only helped with fundamentals coaching but has also excelled as a competitor.
She has shown consistent training across dozens of different class structures—whether it’s early morning competition classes, late-night rounds, or even midday sessions.
She is always quick to flash a smile and warm your day, and she is bold enough to ask questions in order to continually improve her game.
Coach Jamie Smith
Head Kid's & Adult Fundamentals Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Jamie is another person who was a wrestler before he trained Jiu-Jitsu. He is a natural-born leader, not only from his career in mortgages but also in his personal life.
Jamie is one of those soft-spoken men who knows how to make you feel heard and can communicate complex principles in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
He is one of our adult Jiu-Jitsu fundamental coaches and also a kids’ coach, as well as a parent of little Josh in the program.
We are grateful to have Jamie. If you live downriver, you have probably seen him as a white belt plastered across one of our trucks. It’s incredible to see how far he has come, and we are proud to have him on the team.
Coach Dylan Pequinot
Head Kids Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Dylan is a family man, a hard worker, and a testament to what your body can be capable of if you take care of it into your older years.
In his young 40s, Coach Dylan is an incredible specimen of athleticism, strength, and determination.
He is very cool, calm, and collected when working with our Little Lions kids, but also a fierce competitor. One of our most popular reels features him dominating the adult division—filled with competitors in their young 20s—despite giving up nearly 20 years in age.
We are proud and privileged to have him on the team, as well as his entire family.
Coach William "Shaheen"
Head Kid's Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Delilah Griggs
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Delilah is the first example of what the product of consistent training from kids all the way through adults can turn into. She first started training with us at 11 years old, then continued even through the COVID era.
Since then, she has joined the payroll as a summer camp coach and a kids’ coach, making other kids who are nervous or hesitant feel safe to step on the mat and see what they’re made of.
Coach Delilah has been through a lot personally, and I have seen her overcome challenges that would make most people quit. We love her and her family and could not be prouder to have her on the team.
Coach Chloe Woodcox
Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Tony Rowe
Head Kickboxing Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Tony has had a long journey with us. He first enrolled in Jiu-Jitsu early when we opened, then took a break due to some personal challenges.
He returned with a vengeance, not only training Jiu-Jitsu but also reconnecting with his striking roots—skills he honed during his early days in MMA.
Coach Tony brings a wealth of experience, both on the mat and in the ring, and his dedication to growth is a beacon for everyone in the gym.
Coach Lauryn Tidwell
Head Kickboxing Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Naomi Ellison
Front Desk - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Delilah is the first example of what the product of consistent training from kids all the way through adults can turn into. She first started training with us at 11 years old, then continued even through the COVID era.
Since then, she has joined the payroll as a summer camp coach and a kids’ coach, making other kids who are nervous or hesitant feel safe to step on the mat and see what they’re made of.
Coach Delilah has been through a lot personally, and I have seen her overcome challenges that would make most people quit. We love her and her family and could not be prouder to have her on the team.
Coach Jimmy Siwula
Head Wrestling Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Jimmy Siwula has been training at Metro Jiu-Jitsu pretty much since we opened. He has an extensive wrestling background, coming up through Wayne, Michigan, and is a Michigan native.
He has well over 300 tournament matches in his career and spends his matches focusing on securing the takedown.
In addition to his technical prowess, Coach Jimmy's mindset coaching on and off the mat is an incredible addition to the team.
Jimmy is an incredible asset to our team, helping both beginners and advanced grapplers improve their takedown game and get the fight to the mat.
Coach Jimmy has earned multiple World Championships and Pan-American Championships, placing first, second, and third throughout his career.
Coach Ryan Mackiewicz
Head Kickboxing & Jiu-Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Ryan has been a part of the Metro family since he was 16 years old, joining in our first few months of opening.
His goal from day one was to fight in MMA, and we advised him to build a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu first. After reaching the rank of Purple Belt, he began training kickboxing with Coach Jimmy Parks and rapidly excelled.
His current smoker record in kickboxing is 1-1. Ryan is known for his incredibly soft demeanor coaching kids and his approachable way of breaking down techniques for complete beginners in kickboxing as well.
Coach Joe Breza
Head Wrestling Coach - BJJ Purple Belt - Judo Brown Belt
Coach Joe Breza has been grappling for more than 30 years. He was a D1 wrestler at Sacred Heart University under Coach Andy Seras.
He also co-founded the instructional WrestlingForBJJ.com with Jordan Pressinger and is a Judo brown belt under Coach Frank at EMU Judo in Ypsilanti.
He is an incredible addition to the team, brought on earlier this year to coach at our Westland campus and provide the entire team with a foundational wrestling edge for tournament success.
Joe has an incredible mindset and holds a PHD in neuroscience. He is currently a college professor as well—a fierce competitor and an amazing teammate. We’re so happy to have him!
Coach Dennis "Mr Flow" Chambers
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Dennis came in like a wild bronco and earned himself the name "Mr Flow"—a tongue-in-cheek joke that he only had one speed: go hard, period.
Since those days, he has turned into quite the technician, winning gold at the IBJJF Detroit in 2025 and attending more wrestling classes than almost any other member of the team combined under Coach Jimmy Siwula.
Coach Dennis is an integral part of the team, constantly building relationships and making others feel welcome, and always quick to crack a joke to get you smiling and break the tension.
Coach Devin "Kratos" Crawford
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
You're going to have a hard time finding somebody who works as hard as Coach Devin, while overcoming several ailments, including sports-induced asthma.
One of our core memories with Coach Devin was during 2020 (when we "shouldn’t" have been operating classes due to the flu) when he had an asthma attack. I remember watching the medics come in, not quite sure what to make of a room full of hard-working grapplers when the rest of the world was six feet apart.
Since then, he has been part of our parent's night out as "Captain America," and with a stunning resemblance to the Greek demigod Kratos, and he has been the butt of many jokes and memes because of it.
He has an incredible wrestling background and still makes you feel welcome despite his daunting physical appearance. You won’t find a more dedicated father, husband, and teammate.
Coach Asly Calderon
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Asly is the perfect illustration of how effective Jiu-Jitsu can be for a smaller opponent to control, subdue, and even submit a larger opponent.
She has been training for years on the team and has not only helped with fundamentals coaching but has also excelled as a competitor.
She has shown consistent training across dozens of different class structures—whether it’s early morning competition classes, late-night rounds, or even midday sessions.
She is always quick to flash a smile and warm your day, and she is bold enough to ask questions in order to continually improve her game.
Coach Mark Leszczynski
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Mark has a coach’s heart through and through. He has coached kids and adults in hockey for over 30 years in Trenton and around the area.
He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Masters gold medalist, first introduced to the art in the 90s when Royce Gracie and the Gracie family brought it to the States.
His journey with Metro Jiu-Jitsu began when he faced age discrimination at another gym—he was looked up and down, told he was a liability, and literally had the door shut in his face.
We welcomed him with open arms, and he has since become a father figure to both the adults and kids on the team.
Coach Jamie Smith
Head Fundamental & Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Purple Belt
Coach Jamie is another person who was a wrestler before he trained Jiu-Jitsu. He is a natural-born leader, not only from his career in mortgages but also in his personal life.
Jamie is one of those soft-spoken men who knows how to make you feel heard and can communicate complex principles in simple, easy-to-understand ways.
He is one of our adult Jiu-Jitsu fundamental coaches and also a kids’ coach, as well as a parent of little Josh in the program.
We are grateful to have Jamie. If you live downriver, you have probably seen him as a white belt plastered across one of our trucks. It’s incredible to see how far he has come, and we are proud to have him on the team.
Coach Dylan Pequinot
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
Coach Dylan is a family man, a hard worker, and a testament to what your body can be capable of if you take care of it into your older years.
In his young 40s, Coach Dylan is an incredible specimen of athleticism, strength, and determination.
He is very cool, calm, and collected when working with our Little Lions kids, but also a fierce competitor. One of our most popular reels features him dominating the adult division—filled with competitors in their young 20s—despite giving up nearly 20 years in age.
We are proud and privileged to have him on the team, as well as his entire family.
Coach Delilah Griggs
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Delilah is the first example of what the product of consistent training from kids all the way through adults can turn into. She first started training with us at 11 years old, then continued even through the COVID era.
Since then, she has joined the payroll as a summer camp coach and a kids’ coach, making other kids who are nervous or hesitant feel safe to step on the mat and see what they’re made of.
Coach Delilah has been through a lot personally, and I have seen her overcome challenges that would make most people quit. We love her and her family and could not be prouder to have her on the team.
Coach William "Shaheen"
Head Kid's Jiu Jitsu Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Chloe Woodcox
Front Desk - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Tony Rowe
Head Kickboxing Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
Coach Tony has had a long journey with us. He first enrolled in Jiu-Jitsu early when we opened, then took a break due to some personal challenges.
He returned with a vengeance, not only training Jiu-Jitsu but also reconnecting with his striking roots—skills he honed during his early days in MMA.
Coach Tony brings a wealth of experience, both on the mat and in the ring, and his dedication to growth is a beacon for everyone in the gym.
Coach Lauryn Tidwell
Head Kickboxing Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
Coach Naomi Ellison
Kid's Kickboxing Coach - BJJ Blue Belt
If you ever hear some epic playlist music out of nowhere, then the likelihood is Coach Shaheen has entered the building. He can be found walking in 5 to 10 minutes late, sprinting with his slides and scrubs still on, blasting some epic music—whether it’s Ke$ha, Pitbull, or even some EMD—to get him in the mood for training.
Coach Shaheen is an incredible athlete and an amazing contributing team member. He has routinely taken many white belts under his wings and helped equip them for tournaments and competitions.
We are happy to have him as a coach and teammate.
