Meet the Family
professors
Brandon + Suzy
Rhodes
Brandon Rhodes is a Christ follower who is a first degree black belt and has been training jiu-jitsu for 20 years. He has taught gi and no gi jiu-jitsu for 10 years and is currently competing at the lBJJF masters level. He brings a smile and hilarious attitude to each class along with a deep understanding of a variety of techniques. Look for him on our class schedule, you won't want to miss out!
Suzy Rhodes is blackbelt, a veteran and Professor Brandon's wife. She has been training jiu-jitsu for 10 years. She's equally hilarious to Professor Brandon and unassumingly tough on the mat. You can't not love Professor Suzy. She will be training in the evenings with Brandon and running the woman's classes on Saturday.
Professor
Shad
reif
Professor Shad is a black belt and is blessed to have been on the mats since 2007. Don’t be surprised if you find him with a smile on his face in the middle of a roll because he is just truly loving jiu-jitsu. He has a passion and love for both the martial art and the sport. Although his competition days are behind him, he still loves to get out there with the competitors or help the brand new white belt with a new move. He loves it all and is beyond grateful to be on the mats with his High Ground family.
Brandon
Hern
Brandon Hern served in the US Army for 10 yrs as an Infantryman and Officer. He wrestled at a D1 level at Oregon State University and is a 3 time IBJJF Masters World Champion. Coach Hern loves working with highly motivated children and adults, who can commit to max effort during training times – skill levels are not important. Just show up and let's have a blast!
John
Barndt
John Barndt served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. He is a no gi Pan American champion and competes in IBJJF at the masters level. You will often see his wife and son alongside him at the academy. Family time is the best and when it can be on the mats, he thinks that’s pretty cool, too! You’ll find Coach John teaching adult and kids classes. Join us and become part of our Jiu-Jitsu family. We’d love to see you on the mats!