I have been training for 10 years under Jason Matherley, as well as with many of the other accomplished and amazing black belts in the Team Shawn Hammonds Association. I was awarded my brown belt in January of 2023 by Professor Jason Matherley.

I trained for the first several years of my jiu jitsu career in Tennessee with the Team Shawn Hammonds association before moving back to Ohio. The closest gi jiu jitsu gym was about an hour away, and then the Covid pandemic hit. Instead of taking a break, Jim and I started taking lessons virtually with local black belts. It was during this time that we approached Joe, and Delta Grappling Academy began in June of 2020.

My professional background in biomechanics has allowed me to learn jiu-jitsu with a technical and effective approach that I carry over in instruction. I take pride in how well our students do, whether it’s in a competition or being prepared for a self-defense situation.

I still actively compete because I believe in leading from the front, and I also believe this helps keep our curriculum current and effective. I love my BJJ fam and am blessed to get to do this.

Hello, my name is Brandon, I'm a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown belt, the Head Kids Class Instructor, and the Co-Head Instructor for the adult classes here at Delta Grappling Academy. My journey in BJJ began in September 2016 when I moved from Alabama to Connecticut to pursue graduate school. Transitioning to a new place can be challenging, especially for someone like me who comes from a large family. However, in those early days, I quickly discovered that my BJJ training partners became like a second family to me.

I met Derek and Jim on the mats during the summer of 2019 while I was interning in Ohio. We became fast friends and we trained together for several months. Soon after returning to school, I received a job offer to return to Ohio, and conveniently, I also received a call from Jim, who told me about the founding of Delta Grappling Academy.

Shortly before my move, I was honored to be awarded my purple belt by Professor John Gagne from Secret Pages BJJ/IMBCT/K.O.R.E. Relocating to Ohio during the midst of a pandemic, it was a no-brainer for me to train with people I knew and trusted, so off to Delta I went. From that moment, my journey with Delta Grappling Academy has been a story still in the making. I began covering the occasional adult class where help was needed and when the discussion for starting a kids program came about, I was all in.

My experience as an instructor on the mats began when I was a blue belt assisting with kids class and covering the occasional fundamentals class. I also have several years of teaching and tutoring experience as an academic, early during my undergraduate engineering time and later as a graduate research and teaching assistant. As both an instructor and a continuous student of BJJ, I have an insatiable passion for learning and experimenting. My teaching philosophy is rooted in building a strong fundamental and conceptual base that empowers students to explore and experiment for themselves. I firmly believe that BJJ is not just a martial art; it's an expression of self. At its core, it's a problem-solving art that imparts valuable lessons on and off the mats, enriching our daily lives.

As for that childhood dream of being called upon by the Power Rangers, I'm grateful that the call hasn't come yet because I don't think my seven years of BJJ, with a sprinkle of various other combat arts, has me fully prepared just yet. But who knows what the future holds? The journey continues, and I'm excited to share it with all of you here at Delta Grappling Academy.

While I began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017, it was not until the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020 that the beginnings of Delta Grappling Academy were underway. It was during those uncertain times that Derek and I decided to continue our pursuit of jiu jitsu with the help of local black belts through virtual resources.

With determination and guidance from our online resources, the foundations for what would later become Delta Grappling Academy were born. We opened our doors to members with a physical gym and a partnership with Joe in June of 2020.

I earned my blue belt in October of 2020 and my purple belt in January of 2023 under Professor Jason Matherley. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, but also the camraderie of my partners and everyone who has joined us at Delta Grappling Academy. I am excited to see what the future holds for our academy.

In addition to jiu jitsu, I am also an avid CrossFit and weightlifting athlete. My past accomplishments include the 2015 Pan-American Master’s Olympic Weightlifting Championship, along with several podium finishes at CrossFit competitions. Additionally, I hold:

*CrossFit Level 1 and 2 Certifications
*Pendlay Level 2 and 2 Olympic Weightlifting Certifications
*USA Level 2 and 2 Weightlifting Certifications
*NASM CPT and Corrective Exercise Specialist
*Certified Nutritional Therapist

I hope to add competitive jiu jitsu accomplishments to the list soon.

I have been practicing Jiu-Jitsu, karate, and MMA for over 18 years, and I am also the owner of VO2 Fitness and the VO2 Fitness Fight Team. When Derek and Jim approached me about a jiu jitsu program, I knew it would be the perfect addition to our community.

I earned my blue belt from Professor Arthur Ruff and my purple belt from Professor Shawn Hammonds in April 2021.

I am an assistant instructor for the adult class and the kids class, and prefer to toe-hold both adults and kids when given the opportunity. I am an MMA and combat sports veteran, and bring a unique grappling style to the Delta mats.

Profile coming soon.

With four years of dedicated training, I have immersed myself in the world of jiu-jitsu. For the past year and a half, I've been privileged to share my knowledge by assisting in teaching the kids' class and recently began teaching adult fundamentals.

The half guard is my go-to guard, where I feel most comfortable and effective. When it comes to submissions, my passion lies in executing gi chokes that bring tangible results.

Jiu-jitsu has not only been a transformative journey for me but also a gateway to inspiring others and continually pushing the boundaries of my own abilities.

I began my journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in July 2017, while living in Connecticut. My start came about while I was participating in the cardio kickboxing program at a local gym. Some of my friends who were already training in BJJ convinced me to give it a try as a new physical challenge. I embraced the opportunity, put on a gi, and haven't looked back. I trained until June 2018 when I had to relocate to chase career aspirations.

However, life has a way of bringing you back to what you love, and after a three-year hiatus, I found myself back on the mats at Delta in September 2021 when the women's program was established. In July 2022, I was awarded my blue belt by Derek and Brandon, with the approval of Professor Jason Matherley.

At Delta, I proudly serve as an assistant instructor for the kids' class. Witnessing the growth and development of these young practitioners is a source of immense joy for me. Teaching has a unique way of deepening one's understanding, and it has certainly sharpened my own skills as I break down techniques and explore fundamental concepts.

What I love most about BJJ is also what can be frustrating at times. It's a discipline that continually challenges both my body and mind. As a competitor, I'm driven by an unrelenting desire to improve. Beyond the techniques and competitions, there's a deep sense of community at Delta. My fellow teammates have quickly turned into a second family, and I'm certain that the bonds formed here will continue as lifelong friendships.

*Multiple Time IBJJF Open Champion (Lightweight, Middleweight, Absolute)

*IBJJF PanAm Bronze Medalist 2023

*IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con Silver Medalist 2022

My journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began in September of 2021 when I attended my first Women’s Only class at Delta Grappling Academy. Since then, I’ve completely immersed myself in this sport, attending every class that I can, cross-training, and competing often all across the country.

As an active competitor, I’ve had the privilege of testing my skills against some of the best in the game on the biggest stages, such as the IBJJF PanAms and Master’s Worlds. Competing has pushed me to grow as a practitioner and also taught me valuable life lessons about perseverance, discipline, and the importance of embracing both wins and losses.

Beyond my role as a competitor, I’ve also found great joy in sharing my knowledge and passion for jiu jitsu with others. I serve as a fundamentals instructor, helping newcomers to the sport lay a strong foundation and understand the core principles that make jiu jitsu such a powerful discipline. Additionally, I am an assistant kids instructor, where I get to introduce the younger generation to the art of jiu jitsu.

I am proud to be a part of the Delta Grappling Academy family!