Train With Experts
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Coach Brian
Head Coach, SBG Black Belt
Meet Coach Brian, an accomplished SBG Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under renowned martial artist Matt Thornton. As a proud member of the Straight Blast Gym (SBG) International family since 2013, Coach Brian fully embodies SBG’s core philosophy: “One Tribe, One Vibe.” His welcoming and supportive approach reassures students with our guiding principle—”This is SBG, you’ll be OK.”
Coach Brian’s deep passion for BJJ and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is evident in his dedication to guiding students of all levels toward personal excellence both on and off the mats. Known for his big heart and patience, he does an exceptional job teaching, effortlessly inspiring confidence, enjoyment, and lasting friendships among students.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Coach Brian brings strategic insight and creative flair to every session, crafting innovative training methods tailored specifically to each student’s journey and enjoyment.
A proud Navy veteran (2002-2005), Coach Brian infuses each class with discipline, resilience, and structured leadership. His military experience enriches his coaching, ensuring a focused and supportive environment that resonates with beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
While martial arts is undeniably his life’s passion, Coach Brian remains refreshingly relatable—appreciating simple pleasures like savoring burritos or reflecting on wisdom from influential figures like musician Henry Rollins and comedian George Carlin. His favorite album, “Living in Darkness” by Agent Orange, and favorite book, Ray Bradbury’s timeless classic “Fahrenheit 451,” reflect his commitment to authenticity, critical thinking, and deep introspection.
Always looking for ways to improve his practice, Coach Brian regularly tunes into the Barbell Medicine podcast, staying informed about the latest in performance, recovery, and holistic health.
Join Coach Brian at our academy—a supportive, community-driven space where martial arts training is fun, accessible, and rewarding. Whether you’re here to improve your fitness, build confidence, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of training, Coach Brian’s expertise and genuine care will ensure you’re in good hands.
Coach Elizabeth
Elizabeth began her Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 34 at SBG Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, motivated by a simple yet powerful goal: she wanted to feel like a bad-ass. Initially hesitant about grappling, Elizabeth first explored striking disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. It wasn’t until her coaches encouraged her to round out her skill set that she attended her first Jiu-Jitsu class, quickly discovering a passion for the art’s technical complexity and strategic depth.
Embracing Jiu-Jitsu wholeheartedly, Elizabeth expanded her training to include wrestling and joined both the MMA and Jiu-Jitsu competition teams. Competing as a white belt, she found that the greatest reward Jiu-Jitsu offered was self-confidence—a sense of empowerment she had always sought but never imagined she could fully embrace.
Elizabeth graduated from SBG’s Instructor Training Program and earned her blue belt in 2016. After a brief hiatus, she returned to training in early 2022, continuing to advance physically and emotionally, earning her purple belt in 2023. In the spring of 2024, Elizabeth moved to Bend and began coaching the Foundations class, where she shares her technical expertise, relentless spirit, and unwavering positivity.
Outside the gym, Elizabeth enjoys restful sleep, playful moments with her dogs, traveling to new destinations, mastering the art of looking cute in blurry photos, and occasionally making googly eyes at Coach Brian.
Coach Chris
Coach Chris brings over two decades of dedicated experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts to the mats. A committed member of the SBG community for more than 20 years, Chris serves as a strategic manager, advisor, and coach at SBG Bend, guiding students on their martial arts paths with enthusiasm and thoughtful precision.
Known for his disciplined yet approachable teaching style, Coach Chris combines strategic insight with practical, clear instruction, empowering students of all levels to grow and thrive in their martial arts journey.
Complementing his martial arts practice, Chris has extensive experience as an entrepreneurial technologist, successfully creating and guiding innovative business solutions. This unique blend of strategic thinking and real-world problem-solving informs his coaching style, making him a supportive and effective mentor.
As an avid outdoorsman, Chris also values resilience, mindfulness, and holistic personal growth, principles that deeply influence his coaching and community leadership.
Coach Chris’s humble, authentic approach fosters a welcoming environment built on respect, integrity, and continual personal and collective development—on and off the mats.
Coach Brennan
Born and raised in the vibrant community of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Coach Brennan found his way to the stunning landscapes of Central Oregon in 2020, immediately embracing the area’s incredible natural beauty and community spirit. In 2022, his passion for martial arts led him to begin training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, quickly rising to become an inspiring and dedicated coach at our academy. Brennan’s approach emphasizes resilience, patience, and camaraderie both on and off the mats.
In addition to his coaching role, Brennan is deeply committed to serving the local community through his impactful work with a nonprofit embedded at St. Charles, assisting individuals struggling with substance use by connecting them to vital resources and support.
When he’s not sharing his knowledge and passion for Jiu Jitsu or engaging in community support, Brennan enjoys exploring Oregon’s picturesque trails, diving into engaging books, and enthusiastically advocating for pizza in all its delicious forms—including pineapple pizza. He is also famously known for his love of puns, firmly believing that laughter is essential to life’s balance.
Coach Brennan looks forward to welcoming you onto the mats and helping you discover your own strength, confidence, and passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Coach Natalie
Coach Natalie has always been passionate about teaching and guiding individuals as they discover new skills and reach meaningful milestones. Throughout her diverse coaching career, she has had the privilege of instructing and mentoring students across various disciplines, ultimately finding her true calling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Natalie finds immense fulfillment in witnessing the transformative moment when a student successfully executes a new technique for the first time or skillfully applies their training during a live roll. Her commitment extends beyond technical instruction; she is deeply dedicated to empowering women, actively nurturing their growth and fostering their presence within a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Embracing the richness of diversity, Natalie loves the unique experience of collaborating with people from various backgrounds and skill levels, all united on the mats. Her coaching is characterized by adaptability and personalized instruction, consistently seeking the specific cues or nuanced adjustments that unlock breakthroughs for each individual.
Encouraging, empowering, and supportive, Coach Natalie looks forward to welcoming you onto the mats, eager to help you unlock your potential and celebrate every victory along your Jiu Jitsu journey.
Coach Neil
Judo Coach, Black Belt
Coach Neil has been immersed in the martial arts since 1968, when he began studying judo under Mr. Bong Yul Shin at Washington University. Over the decades, he has earned a 4th-degree black belt and trained in multiple disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Aikido. A dedicated competitor at the masters level, Coach Neil has medaled in national and international judo tournaments, demonstrating both skill and resilience well past the age of 60.
Beyond the mats, Coach Neil is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology, with a storied medical career that spans decades of clinical practice and leadership roles. His approach to coaching mirrors his experience in medicine—holistic, supportive, and attuned to each student’s individual journey. He finds the greatest joy in guiding beginners through the fundamentals, watching them achieve feats they never thought possible.
Today, Coach Neil’s classes combine old-school rigor with a welcoming attitude, encouraging students of all skill levels to explore their potential. Whether on the mat or in conversation, he believes that growth, learning, and camaraderie are the cornerstones of true martial arts mastery.
Coach JC
Coach JC began his martial arts journey at a young age, taking his first class in the 2nd grade. Over the years, he explored a diverse array of martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Kali/Escrima, and Krav Maga, before discovering his true home within the SBG Tribe in 2022.
JC is deeply passionate about personal development and self-discovery, both on and off the mats. When not coaching and training, he cherishes spending quality time with his adult children and grandchildren, pursuing yoga, participating actively in men’s groups, mountain biking, and diligently working toward earning his life coaching certification. His dedication to continuous improvement is driven by a sincere desire to better serve and uplift his communities.
Coach JC’s mission is clear and heartfelt: to support and facilitate others on their martial arts journey, empowering them to discover and express their fullest potential.
