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.
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. 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. 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!
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.