About Altiora Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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I was born and raised in Cincinnati. I became intrigued with Jiu-Jitsu back in the early 2000's watching the UFC and finally decided to take my first class in 2009.  

For me, it was like playing Chess. It helped me gain confidence, which spilled over to my work and personal life in a positive way. 

I continued training and received my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 under my friend and coach Jeff Robison. I started teaching BJJ in Greendale in 2017. I founded Altiora Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 with my partner. 

My wife and I have lived in Dearborn County for 20 years and raised two children there. I have a  passion for teaching self-defense and submission grappling, and love giving back to the community that has supported us. 

  I was born and raised in Cincinnati, where my interest in combat sports started early. I began wrestling in high school, which opened the door to a deeper passion for competition and martial arts. In 2008, I started training MMA and was introduced to coach Jeff Robison, whose skill and mentorship played a major role in my development. Under his guidance, I competed in multiple MMA fights and tournaments.

During that time, I also began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and quickly found my true passion. After years of dedication, I earned my black belt in 2021. I’m driven by a love for teaching and a constant pursuit of new strategies and techniques.

Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I have four children and work in the transportation industry.

 I am a Lieutenant at Lawrenceburg Police Department. I have been a Police Officer for 15 years and a firearms and Defensive Tactics instructor for 13 yrs. I was Introduced into Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 and became a Gracie Survival Tactics Instructor shortly after to be able to bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the rest of my department. I became a member of Altiora through the “Adopt a Cop” program in April of 2021 and have been training 3-4 times a week ever since. Come see me at Altiora Jiu-Jitsu! 

  I began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 and have spent my entire journey with Altiora BJJ. Over time, the academy has become more than just a place to train — it has become a second home and a community that has helped shape my growth on and off the mats. I currently hold the rank of brown belt and continue working to improve my skills while supporting my teammates in their development.

Jiu-Jitsu has taught me perseverance, accountability, and the value of consistent effort. I enjoy helping others build confidence, develop their skills, and stay committed to their training, no matter where they are in their journey.

Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I am a husband to my wife, Kelsey, and a proud father of three children. I live in Moores Hill, Indiana, and serve as an Indiana Conservation Officer with the State of Indiana, where I carry the same values of discipline, service, and leadership that I bring onto the mats.

      I came to Jiu-Jitsu through a non-linear path that mirrors many students’ journeys. After finishing my collegiate basketball career in 2015, I first began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 but experienced periods of inconsistency before returning in 2021 at 10th Planet Denver. I joined Altiora Jiu-Jitsu in November 2023 and have been training there ever since.

Jiu-Jitsu has become an important part of my physical, mental, and personal growth. As a coach, I focus on being thorough and approachable, helping students understand movement concepts while building confidence and consistency in their own journey.

Outside the gym, I work as a Strategic Integrator for a merchant bank, which reinforces my belief in systems, adaptability, and meeting people where they are — principles I bring onto the mats.

   I’ve been training at Altiora for about two years now. I originally came as a parent, just watching my two kids participate in the children’s classes. It didn’t take long for me to see the value in what they were learning, and I decided to enroll myself shortly after.

Now, this gym is one of my favorite places to be. The community here is filled with people who genuinely want to see each other improve and succeed every single class. Women’s self-defense is especially important to me, and I’m grateful to train in an environment where I feel comfortable, supported, and empowered.