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 Hector
Born and raised in Oregon City, Oregon, Coach Hector began his journey by earning an Associate degree from Clackamas Community College. Driven by a sense of duty and adventure, Hector joined the Marine Corps, where he discovered and quickly fell in love with martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
After completing his military service, Hector moved to Bend, Oregon, to pursue his bachelor’s degree at OSU Cascades. He soon found a second home at SBG Bend, deeply appreciating its welcoming culture and community-focused atmosphere. In the summer of 2024, Hector stepped into a coaching role, eager to share his passion for martial arts and personal growth.
When he’s not coaching, Hector enjoys staying active through soccer and riding motorcycles. His approachable style, combined with his disciplined and committed nature, makes Coach Hector an inspiring mentor for students of all ages and skill levels.
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.
Coach Wes
Coach Wes’s extensive wrestling journey began at a young age and carried him through competitive high school and college wrestling. His deep-rooted passion and extensive experience on the mats have equipped him with exceptional skills and a profound understanding of wrestling fundamentals and technique.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Coach Wes brings substantial teaching and coaching experience to the gym. He thrives on sharing his knowledge, emphasizing a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can learn, grow, and develop confidence in their abilities. His approachable and methodical coaching style ensures students not only grasp techniques but also understand the strategic thinking behind each movement.
Coach Wes is committed to guiding students along their martial arts journey, empowering them with both technical proficiency and personal growth.
Coach Rees
If you hear crisp pad‑smacks punctuated by Portuguese fight slang, chances are Coach Rees is running the session. A striking specialist at SBG Bend, Rees is known for blending Muay Thai fundamentals with boxing precision, helping athletes of every level sharpen timing, distance, and disciplined aggression. His coaching ethos mirrors our “One Tribe, One Vibe” culture: technique first, ego last, everyone improving together.
Away from the mats Rees keeps his eyes on the horizon—literally. He’s earning hours as a flight instructor‑in‑training, marrying two callings that demand impeccable situational awareness and cool decision‑making under pressure. Whether guiding a nervous student pilot through stalls or cueing a novice kickboxer on footwork, Rees thrives on turning complex mechanics into confident muscle memory.
Downtime sees him at the chessboard or mining redstone contraptions in Minecraft. Both hobbies scratch the same itch: strategic problem‑solving, incremental mastery, and the quiet satisfaction of a plan executed cleanly. Ask him how control of the center squares in chess relates to ring generalship and you’ll get an animated mini‑lecture—followed by a grin and an invite to spar.
From cockpit to canvas, Coach Rees brings precision, patience, and infectious enthusiasm. Catch one of his classes and you’ll walk away with tighter combinations, elevated fight IQ, and maybe a new appreciation for endgame tactics.
Coach Steven
For the last five years, Coach Steven has dedicated himself to mastering Western boxing. Inspired by legends like Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali, he embraces a style that blends classic technique with modern training principles, aiming to provide his students with a strong foundation for mixed martial arts.
Steven’s goal as a coach is to teach boxing in a way that emphasizes precision, footwork, and strategic development, ensuring his students develop both confidence and resilience. He is equally passionate about personal growth, regularly studying psychology to better understand motivation and performance.
Beyond the gym, Coach Steven loves traveling and discovering new perspectives, believing that every adventure—on or off the mats—is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Coach Joel
On takedown nights you’ll find Coach Joel running the wrestling portion of class—guiding teammates through clean level changes, solid hip position, and finishes that flow straight into Jiu‑Jitsu or MMA. With eight years of competitive wrestling experience, Joel adds a crucial link between stand‑up and ground for everyone who steps on the mat.
Joel also tests his skills where it counts: he’s SBG Bend’s first official fighter, actively competing while balancing coaching duties. When he returns from a bout, you’ll catch fresh details—wall‑work tweaks, chain‑wrestling sequences, and pacing tricks—integrated into drills for beginners and competitors alike.
True to our “One Tribe, One Vibe” culture, Joel’s sessions focus on control, timing, and mutual respect. Drills stay alive (because technique must work against resistance), but every round ends with fist bumps and constructive feedback. Expect clear instruction, patient correction, and plenty of encouragement.
Off the mats he’s usually watching fight tape, refining his own game plan, or happily explaining the finer points of a crackdown finish to anyone curious. Whether your aim is better takedown defense, smoother top pressure, or a confident shot of your own, Coach Joel is ready to help—step by step, rep by rep.
