On typical BJJ websites, this page is titled ‘Instructors.’ However, our mission is to create self-directed learners, and our job is to help facilitate your journey.
This may seem like pure semantics, but we believe it goes deeper than that. True understanding of a subject requires problem solving, and we are here to help you along the way. Jiu-jitsu should be a conversation.
Facilitating, Not Instructing
YOUR FACILITATORS
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Trevor Rivers
FOUNDER/ BJJ FACILITATOR
Professor Trevor Rivers started his BJJ journey in 2001 while in graduate school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He received his blue belt in the Renzo Gracie Association. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, he started training with Gustavo Dantas, where he received his purple, brown, and black belts. He has competed and medaled in a number of tournaments, most notably taking bronze at black belt at the IBJJ Masters World Championship in 2016, bronze at American Nationals at brown belt in 2010, and gold at American Nationals at purple belt in 2007. He has a background in wrestling and Hung Gar Kung Fu, which he often leverages into BJJ.
In his other life, Trevor is a marine biologist and academic, teaching biology courses and spending as much time underwater at night with no lights on.
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P.J. O'Neill
BJJ/KIDS CLASS FACILITATOR
PJ began training martial arts in 1995 in kenpo, where he ultimately achieved his 3rd degree black belt. He then focused on judo and kickboxing, leading him to compete in MMA. He trained American jiu-jitsu until discovering Brazilian jiu-jitsu. PJ received his brown belt from Professor Rivers in 2023.
PJ’s varied background allows him to see the connections between martial arts, and uses this knowledge to make BJJ a more nuanced art.
PJ is the founder and head facilitator of our sister school, Twin Rivers BJJ, in Ottawa, Kansas. Cross training is allowed and encouraged!
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Julie Kedzie
STRIKING/KIDS CLASS FACILITATOR
Julie Kedzie is a former professional MMA fighter and kickboxer, with fights in organizations including the UFC, Strikeforce, Elite XC, and Bodog. She has been training in and teaching martial arts for over 30 years, and in addition to her pro fight career, has a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
She has been color commentator and analyst for the all-female MMA promotion, Invicta Fighting Championships since 2012.