Private Mixed Martial Arts Tutoring

I was introduced to grappling as a child from my dad, who, seeing my interest in replicating the moves out of old kung fu movies, connected me with BJJ teacher Darren Branch. I trained with Darren as a kid for years, falling more in love with what the practice had to offer and eventually trying my hand in competitions. I got my first taste of the deeper practice of martial arts by cultivating work ethic, courage, individuality, self control, and confidence.

As a teenager, I met Dave Hearst, from whom I learned Muay Thai. Striking posed similar challenges through a different perspective.

Years later I moved to Chicago to study Computer Science. I trained under Adil Benjilany. In Chicago I met lots of other martial artists and had the pleasure of practicing alongside high-level athletes and teachers, frequently working with professional MMA fighters, kickboxers, boxers, and grapplers. However, I was slowly losing the spark I had that, as a kid, gave me such a drive to learn martial arts.

At the same time, in Chicago, I was growing more conflicted about my career choice. Ultimately, I decided to move back to Cleveland. I searched all around to rekindle the flame I once had. I reconnected with Dave Hearst and shortly after, began teaching adult classes. Teaching was a total paradigm shift. The more I taught, the more curious I was about how people learn.

Later, Dave and I decided to start a youth program at the gym. Working with kids grew my passion tenfold. Seeing the growth and transformation that came in such a short time from it was extremely rewarding and served as an incredible reminder as to why I started this journey in the first place.

I continue to teach and practice and I find fulfillment in it — it is a gift to be able to take people through the same journey I went through. My methodology is always evolving as I'm constantly researching and testing new approaches to improve my process.

Teaching is a delicate topic. In my experience, it's rare to find anyone good at it. Most people are actually taskmasters masquerading as teachers. I have no interest in taking the drill-sergeant-like approach of making copies of myself or my style. In such a nuanced discipline like martial arts, the end goal is not to fit everyone I work with into a mold, but rather to allow self expression and creativity to emerge. To do this, I strategically use different games to pose challenges for people. When done correctly, this type of approach is conducive to allowing someone's own style to surface. I still make use of drilling as it is invaluable, however, I take care not to let it "over-rigidify" my style of approach.

I hope that everyone who finds themselves working with movement eventually arrives at a sense of self-actualization. In my experience, those who are open minded enough and willing to put in effort can seriously transform themselves. If this is something that interests you, then fill out the contact form below for more information. I work with anyone at any age or skill level. The only requirement: a willingness to learn.