Stephen Kesting is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt who has nearly 40 years of martial arts wealth and knowledge. Stephen is the founder of Grapplearts.com and beginningBJJ.com which are online sites that provide information about many kinds of martial arts. His online forum is well known and highly regarded for its ability to answer all questions related to martial arts. Stephen has helped tens of thousands of grapplers improve their martial arts. Stephen Kesting received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Marcus Soares, who is an 8th degree black belt directly under the tutelage of the famous Carlson Gracie. Stephen is also a certified instructor under Erik Paulson’s Combat Submission Wrestling. Stephen’s other credentials include a black belt in Kajukenbo Karate, an instructor certification in Dan Inosanto’s Jun Fan JKD, he has also studied Maphilindo Silat, Filipino Martial Arts, Japanese Judo, Russian Sambo, Chinese Kung Fu, Brazilian Capoeira and Muay Thai Kickboxing.  Stephen Kesting also works as a fireman in Vancouver, British Columbia. Stephen’s bravery and ability to adapt to all of his vocations is inspiring.Stephan can be reached at @stephan_kesting

Professor Steve Hordinski III has the profound privilege of sharing the gift of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with others. This martial art has the power to transform lives and improve everyone's quality of life.With decades of martial arts experience, Steve's journey began with Kenpo Karate, where he earned his Black Belt. As a Deep-Sea Navy Diver in the United States Navy, he discovered Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Relson Gracie Black Belt Phil Cardella. This exposure had a profound impact, transforming his life in ways he never thought possible.After his first class, Steve was hooked. Stationed in Hawaii, he trained at Grandmaster Relson Gracie's school, learning from one of the founding masters of Jiu-Jitsu. This rare privilege allowed him to learn from the source, and now he's honored to share that knowledge with others.As a fourth-degree Black Belt, Steve specializes in self-defense-based Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on takedowns and striking. He has taught seminars nationwide, promoted individuals to Black Belts, and supported non-profits aiding disabled veterans. Committed to leading by example, Steve invites you to experience the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu and looks forward to seeing you on the mat.

Mike Mahaffey is a second-degree black belt in BJJ under Chris Haueter and Matt Linsemier out of Magic BJJ in Lansing, Michigan. Mike is a lifelong martial artist, who started training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 14. Mike also holds black belt ranks in Tae Kwon Do and Karate and has trained in kali and Kobudo as well. Mike first experienced jiu jitsu in 1995 but didn’t start serious study of the art until 2006 and has been training BJJ ever since. Mike enjoys competing and coaching BJJ, and now at the age of 54, hopes to help older and younger practitioners alike get the most out of their training with his “Old Bastard Jiu Jitsu” style, which focuses on solid fundamentals, and prioritizes base, posture, and structure over flashy and complicated techniques.”Mike can be reached on Instagram at: @oldbastardbjj

Richard Nguyen is an aspired mixed martial arts fighter training out of American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, CA. and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt under Ron Keslar of American Elite Grappling. Richard is also a stand up comedian and is a graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance.

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with @danielfredell about: strength and conditioningconsiderations for the Jiu-Jitsu athlete; jiu-jitsu training; and diet and recovery considerations.Daniel has studied many different disciplines and have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Black Belt Under KarelPravec), Krav Maga (Currently Tan Shirt under Caroline Kone at Warriors KravMaga), and Muay Thai.Daniel has an associate degree from Gaston College in the Health and Fitness Science Program. There he wasawarded the Leadership Award, Excellence Award, and Outstanding Graduate Award. Daniel also completed a two-semester dual internship with Hickory Cardiologyand the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Frye Regional Medical Center. Daniel was hired as a Rehab Tech II at Frye shortly after his internship ended.Daniel is a Certified Fitness Professional through ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and ACE(American Council on Exercise). While Daniel has moved away from the medical facility, he still works closely with local Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, MassageTherapist, and Rehabilitation Therapists through their referrals for patients in need of building functional strength and mobility.Daniel is the author of two books which are books are available in paper-back on Amazon at:Jits-Fit: The Grappler's Guide toFitness: Fredell, Mr. Daniel Ray: 9781536980851: Amazon.com: BooksSimple to Savage Kettlebell:Taking You from Beginner to Advanced - Kindle edition by Fredell, Daniel.Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Daniel can be reached at: Instagram  @danielfredellFacebook:  DanielFredellWebsite:  www.danielfredell.com

Steve McKinney has been in the fitness industry for nearly 34 years. He is the owner of Fitness and More, Inc. and is a 1st Class Certified Personal Fitness Trainer. In 1990 he won the Mr. Southern Illinois Body Building title and was a top 5 finisher in the Mr. Midwest competition. He is the innovator of the 3-W Approach to Fitness and has personally supervised over 4000 workouts per year for the past twenty plus years! Steve specializes in private 1-2-1 High Intensity Training sessions. Steve is a 2 time pan-am silver medalist in blue and purple belt and currently holds a Black Belt in BJJ under Kyle Watson. Go to www.simplifyingjiujitsu.com to get a download of Steve’s video instructional titled “Efficient BJJ Strength in 15 minutes”. Steve’s book, “The Gospel of Fitness” will be released on January 31, 2025 on Amazon.com. Make sure you go to Amazon and pick up a copy!

Jason Scully is a 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 25 + years of experience. Jason is the Owner & Coach of Revel Jiu-Jitsu in East Brunswick New Jersey. Jason teaches both adults and kids Coach. Jason is also the creator of The Grappler’s Guide (one of most popular online learning sites in the world for grappling). Jason is an ADCC trials bronze medalist; Brown Belt World Championship Bronze Medalist; Black Belt No-Gi Pans Bronze Medalist; Multiple IBJJF Open Medalist; Advanced and Expert Division Champion (NAGA, Grapplers Quest, etc..). Jason was inducted In the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and has a YouTube channel (The Grapplers Guide) dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu with 163,000 Subscribers. Jason can be reached at @the_grapplers_guide in Instagram.

Robert Donofrio is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rob Khan, who is a black belt under Royce Gracie. Robert is the owner of Gracie Brandon in Riverview, Florida, which is a mixed martial arts facility specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Robert has competed both in the highest level in sport BJJ as well as professional MMA. Robert can be contacted on Instagram at: @robbydjitsu83 @graciebrandonbjj

ATHAN SIAMAS: Athan Siamas is a brown belt under Mike Jaramillo and a co-founder/instructor at Renzo Gracie East Side Martial Arts. His experience as a teacher includes Renzo Gracie Middletown, Renzo Gracie Union Square, and in the famous “blue basement” at Renzo Gracie Academy HQ, in New York City. Through his ambassadorship with We Defy Foundation, Athan participates in seminars around the country, raising funds to provide combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through the art of jiu jitsu. Athan is also co-founder of The Happy Pill Project, a social media outlet that promotes the healthy and positive aspects of the jiu jitsu lifestyle with the goal of growing a larger and stronger community. In addition to being the engine behind its YouTube and social media posts, Athan is perhaps best known for his role in front of the camera as Mike’s main uke (the person who helps with the technique demonstration). Although Athan is the first to say that he does not always enjoy competing, he continues to challenge himself by entering competitions ranging from local tournaments to world championships. He believes the process of competition exposes him to different elements of jiu jitsu making him a more effective practitioner and instructor. CYNTHIA YANG: Cynthia Yang is also a co-founder and instructor at RGES. Recognizable on the mats by the orange notebook she writes in during lessons, she is the person behind the free flowcharts & illustrated glossary on The Happy Pill Project’s Linktree. Cynthia received her brown belt from Mike Jaramillo and continues to train at Renzo Gracie Academy HQ. Athan can be contacted on Instagram at: @athanjj Cynthia can be contacted on Instagram at: @cyy.bjj

Randy started his Jiu Jitsu’s journey in 2009 under a Renzo Gracie affiliate and later switched to Vicente Junior as his primary instructor. He began instructing in Dover Delaware with Team Viper as a blue belt. Once he attained his purple belt Randy began instructing on the Dover Air force base and later in November of 2016, he received his brown belt. In December 2018 he earned his black belt under Vicente Junior. Randy currently trains and teaches at Gracie Gulf Coast Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Biloxi, Mississippi. Rancho can be reached on Instagram: @black_belt_randy