How did you get started?

Starting wrestling when I was 5 years old. Continued wrestling through High School. I wrestled 1 year of college at UIndy and received a varsity letter.

I really got started in Jiu Jitsu and MMA after I came back from a Deployment in Iraq in 2007. I was struggling with PTSD and other issues from war and I started training at a mixed martial arts gym that trains mostly active fighters. That’s when I really fell in love with the sport. It helped me with my anxiety and depression issues. When I would step off the mat it felt like all my worries were gone. I had my first amateur fight in 2007 and never looked back. I went 8-0 as an amateur and then turned pro in 2010. Had 8 wins as a professional and 3 losses. I was the 155lb Midwest Fight Series Champion. Fought 3 times in the UFC.

What's the biggest challenge you've encountered in your training and how did you overcome it?

Balancing family, work, and training is always a challenge. I think the key to keep training a priority is knowing that it helps out in all other areas of my life. Its great exercise, it puts me in a great and relaxed mood and is so much fun.

 What's your favorite thing about training or teaching and why? 

 I love seeing people start to understand a technique and then use it successfully in a live round. Really fun to see it click for them. There is also a special bond you create with people when you do hard things together. Training can be difficult

 What are your personal goals on and off the mat?

Keep getting better and learning. Love Jesus and be the best husband and father I can be.

 What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

 I love to cook. I do most of the cooking in our house.