Instructor

Born in Dec 1985, in Anchorage, AK, Stephen began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey when he was 22 years old, to replace high school wrestling for physical fitness. Stephen discovered an instant love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts. Training and competing in tournaments all over the world and eventually earning his black belt. In his 15 years of Martial Arts training, Stephen discovered that the best part of martial arts is both the individuality and togetherness that martial arts can bring to people. Togetherness in a community, but building up your individuality, confidence, and self-worth at all levels of martial arts. Committing to a positive environment and atmosphere of learning and joy. When he’s not at AGA, Stephen loves spending time with his wife, Tristian, and his son, Diomedes. He loves the outdoors, hiking, ice bathing, and weight lifting.

Instructor

Brandon started practicing martial arts at age 5 under his father, Kung Fu master, Bruce Bibee.  For black belt degrees, Bruce would encourage his students to study other martial arts and teach a class about what they learned.  In the mid-90s one of those martial arts was Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.  Bruce incorporated grappling to be a major part of his kid's class curriculum.  Brandon began training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at age 8.

 

Brandon was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in 2013. He also holds a black belt in the art of Kung Fu San Soo.  He is a three-time Alaska state submission grappling champion.  He has over 20 years of experience teaching.  He has taught adults and children's Jiu-jitsu and Kung Fu classes, he has also instructed and assisted with many self-defense workshops.  

 

Brandon is excited to be a part of the Anchorage grappling academy co-op.

Instructor

Lilan first stumbled upon martial arts when her dad made her start Tae Kwon Do at age 8 and started instructing at age 16. She took a 7-year break but has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practicing Acro Yoga since 2013, minus some time on the couch in honor of Covid. She loves what the balance and precision of Acro Yoga has added to her Jiu-Jitsu game. Lilan has discovered that Jiu-Jitsu is the ultimate way to clear your mind when the going gets rough and the most fulfilling way to spread joy when life is good! 

Instructor

​Brady can make a chokehold look like a dance move! With a black belt in the art of grappling and a PhD in dad jokes, he seamlessly blends technique with laughter. When he’s not rolling on the mats, you can find him perfecting his coffee brewing skills or trying to convince his cat to join his next training session. Join him for a class where you'll learn to defend yourself and share a laugh or two!

Judo Instructor

Since beginning his judo journey in 2003, Nifo has dedicated more than two decades to studying, practicing, and sharing the art of judo. In 2008, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt, marking an important milestone in a lifelong commitment to the sport.

 

As an instructor, Nifo has spent years helping students develop confidence, discipline, and practical grappling skills. While his early coaching experience focused on leading children's and youth judo programs, the majority of his teaching career has been dedicated to adult students. He specializes in introducing judo to practitioners of all experience levels, with a particular passion for helping adults discover that it is never too late to begin training.

 

In addition to his judo background, Nifo is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and primarily teaches judo within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. His instruction emphasizes practical, high-percentage takedowns and techniques that seamlessly integrate into a grappling-focused environment.

 

For Nifo, teaching judo is more than passing on techniques—it's an opportunity to give back to the sport that has shaped so much of his life. His mission is to make judo accessible, enjoyable, and effective for adult practitioners while inspiring the next generation of judoka to embrace the lifelong journey of learning.

Jarid “Grizzly” Symens started training Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011. Travels have taken Jarid to Las Vegas, Europe, and Thailand to learn the art of honorable violence. Originally from Homer, Alaska. Jarid has fought professionally in Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.

 

“Life had knocked me down, martial arts help me gain the strength to get back up.”

-Jarid “Grizzly” Symens

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“Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising each time we fall.”

-Confucius

Instructor

James Marchetti is a brown belt. He’s thicc AF & teaches our lunch class at 11:30 am, so he can consume any unlikely. He pastors a local church so you may refer to him as The Pastor of Disaster, or The Patron Saint of Violence. He owned a construction business for almost 20 years, so he places a high value on having a strong foundation, the proper order of operations, &… frames! He has parented 21 kids - so he’s prepared for pretty much any weird question or confusion you may have. Be wary of his growling stomach during the after-class rolls, lest ye be devoured.

Instructor

Meet James our jiu-jitsu instructor by day and bartender by night! When he’s not flipping opponents on the mat, he’s flipping cocktails behind the bar. Known for his signature move, the “Shaken Not Stirred Armbar,” James is here to teach you how to tap out on the mat and tap into your favorite drink. Join him for a class, and you might just end up with a black belt in grappling and mixology!​

Assistant Kids Instructor

Matthew is a purple belt who helps out with the kids jiu-jitsu classes. He started jiu-jitsu in 1999 and trained for three years before taking a long break. He recently rediscovered the joy of "playing" jiu-jitsu with his own children. He also has a second degree black belt in Japanese jujutsu and a first degree black belt in battoujutsu. He currently cross trains Musu Shinden-ryu Iaido and Shuai Jiao.