I started training Jiu Jitsu in 2013 under Clint Crabtree at Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  I was leveled up through brown belt under Clint, and then decided to open Deep Blue Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a friend, student, and training partner, Brian Queen. We sought out a team to join, and found a great cultural fit with professor Lucas Lepri.  I was promoted to black belt by Lucas Lepri in July of 2023. 

I also achieved the rank of Sankyu (brown belt) in Judo under Jim Murray, as part of the Godai Judo team . I’m married with two adult daughters, one of which who also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am a former restaurant operator, and now do business consulting and marketing at Consulting to Market.  I hold a B.S. in Economics, and I am a certified personal trainer under the International Sports Science Association.

My initial love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu came from the pairing of physical and mental challenges involved in rolling. I quickly learned the mental chess match was the key to winning the physical match, and that began a never ending quest to learn as much about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as possible. In the process of getting comfortable on the mats, a lot of great teachers and mentors shared their knowledge and love of the sport with me. Their time, dedication, and patience allowed me to grow in this sport and my love for teaching stems from the desire to pay this forward. I hope to create the same sense of joy, excitement, and technical wonderment in my students, as was instilled in me.