Meet the Family
Safe mats, sound minds, strong bodies
High Ground Jiu Jitsu is the first and only Jiu Jitsu Academy in DFW where all the coaches are CPR/First Aid Certified, Safe Sport Certified, Background Checked, and Leadership Trained.
We believe the safety and security of your family is a priority and want you to know the bar has been raised at High Ground.
High Ground has always been about more than technique — it's about the people on the mat beside you. That's exactly why we're proud to call ourselves part of the Double Five family, founded by 13x IBJJF World Champion Professor Rafael Formiga. This affiliation opens new ground for our members: seminars, visiting instructors, and the ability to train at other Double Five locations. Same High Ground. Wider world.
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.
professor
Suzy
Rhodes
Professor Suzy Rhodes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, U.S. veteran, and a dedicated instructor of our academy. With over 10 years of training, she has earned a reputation for being both effortlessly funny and deceptively tough on the mat. Suzy’s teaching style blends detail-focused instruction with an atmosphere that makes training both challenging and genuinely fun. She will be training in the evening classes and leading our women’s program on Saturdays. Suzy is passionate about mentoring female students, building confidence, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported. It’s impossible not to love Professor Suzy - her energy, skill, and humor make her an unforgettable presence on the mats.
Professor
Brandon
Hern
Professor 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 4 time IBJJF Masters World Champion whose black belt was awarded by Professor Rafael "Formiga" Barbosa of Double Five Jiu Jitsu. Professor 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. A no gi Pan American champion who competes at the IBJJF masters level, John earned his brown belt under Professor Rafael "Formiga" Barbosa of Double Five Jiu Jitsu. 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! Join us and become part of our Jiu-Jitsu family. We’d love to see you on the mats!
Rachel
Antrikin
Rachel is a homeschool mom who watched her husband and four kids train jiu jitsu for nearly a year before she reluctantly joined a class herself. A lifelong athlete, who played college soccer and is still active refereeing soccer at all levels -from recreational to the D1 level, she quickly became a fan of the physical chess game of JJ. She has personally seen the many emotional, physical, and relational benefits of training JJ in her family. Coach Rachel has a passion to share those same benefits with others as she teaches the littles at High Ground on Thursdays with help of her kids. Her favorite classes at HG are when she gets to roll with her whole family.
We can’t wait for you to join the family, too.
Youth Leadership
At High Ground, raising our children to be leaders is one of our top priorities. Our formal and structured youth leadership program is designed in a “train the trainer” format which puts your child in front of other children. Public speaking, confidence, management, organization, and relationship building are just a few of the skills we focus on developing. Have questions - give us a call.
Dub Antrikin
Hannah Costello
Hannah Winborn
Hope Costello
John Thomas Winborn
Abel Antrikin
Ada Antrikin
Rainey Antrikin
Training Today to Conquer Tomorrow
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Arrive 30 minutes prior to class to vacuum the mats
Help kids get fitted for gis
Conduct warmups and coach kids on how to do the movements
Clean mats after class and take out trash
Must wear a High Ground gi when coaching
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Once a month meet to review next month’s techniques
Must maintain grades at a B average or higher (submit report card monthly)