Students often want to learn more about their instructors. How did they get started? What are some of their goals? We thought it would be a good idea to write this month’s blog to answer some of these questions and highlight some of our instructors. When we first opened our Academy in 2006, it was just my wife and I teaching. Now, 18 years later, our instructor team has grown to over 40 instructors! Our instructors 

are what really make our Academy hum; they set the culture and are the ones who work closely with our kids and adult students. We couldn’t do it without them, and we’re very grateful to all of these great people. We asked some of our instructors to answer a few questions so everyone could get to know them better. Below are their answers. Enjoy. 

Professor Nik Grove (adult BJJ instructor) 

What year did you start training? 

2013 

Where were you born? 

Fort Collins, CO 

What’s your current belt/shirt rank? 

BJJ black belt 

How did you get started? 

I wanted to get in shape, but hated the gym. I was looking for something that worked my mind as well as my body. 

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

After my heart attack, getting back to training was incredibly difficult. I had no energy or stamina, but my training partners and my family’s support kept pushing me. That made a huge impact on my recovery and ultimately helped me overcome it. 

What’s your favorite thing about training/teaching, and why? 

When I hear from someone that something I showed them helped their game, or they hit a move I taught them. That’s the best feeling. 

What are some of your personal goals, on and off the mat? 

To keep improving every day. To be better than I was the day before. Improvement never stops. 

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

I’m married to Jamie, lol. 

What is one thing you would recommend or tell someone coming into MTC for the first time?

Relax, you’re one of us now. 

Coach Memo Sanchez (adult Muay Thai instructor) 

What year did you start training? 

2016 

Where were you born? 

El Paso, TX

What’s your current belt/shirt rank? 

Muay Thai purple shirt, Blue belt in BJJ 

How did you get started? 

I had too much time on my hands, so I started looking for something better to do that would overall improve my quality of life. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai kept coming up from coworkers and podcasts. 

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

My biggest challenge was just getting started. I first scheduled my BJJ intro class in January, but psyched myself out about it. I thought it was going to be a gym full of meatheads beating up on people. It took me nine months, until September, to finally decide to just do it. Probably one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. 

What’s your favorite thing about training/teaching, and why? 

My favorite thing is being able to come to the academy and just get after it while being surrounded by people who are there trying to better themselves, too. Teaching is something I also really enjoy. 

What are some of your personal goals, on and off the mat? 

To pursue a leadership role at Woodward and enter a BJJ tournament. 

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

I first scheduled my BJJ intro in January, but chickened out. It took me nine months to actually walk in the door. 

What is one thing you would recommend or tell someone coming into MTC for the first time?

Have fun with it! It’s a way adults can get fit, learn self-defense, and all while playing. Also, the community there is kind and welcoming. 

Professor Brett Levernier (adult BJJ instructor) 

What year did you start training? 

2015 

Where were you born? 

Waterford, WI 

What’s your current belt/shirt rank? 

BJJ black belt 

How did you get started? 

I think I just jumped in. I don’t remember a big moment; it was something I wanted to try, so I did. 

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

Injuries. I had to learn to train smarter rather than just grinding it out all the time. I also learned to take a break when it’s needed, which is a difficult lesson sometimes. 

What’s your favorite thing about training/teaching, and why? 

I love seeing the students hit a technique I showed them live. It’s so rewarding to see them progress and get better, not just at BJJ, but as people as well. 

What are some of your personal goals, on and off the mat? 

On the mat: Just keeping at it. I’m trying to run the marathon, not the sprint. Off the mat: Be able to go on more international vacations! I love to travel. 

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

I went to school to be a pilot, so I’ve soloed in a Cessna 172R.

What is one thing you would recommend or tell someone coming into MTC for the first time?

Enjoy the ride. The people are amazing here, so make connections. A lot of the upper belts are good at trying to include everyone, but sometimes, as the new student, it’s on you to take the initiative and ask questions. 

Coach Caleb Dannels (adult Muay Thai instructor) 

What year did you start training? 

2022 

Where were you born? 

Colorado Springs, CO 

What’s your current belt/shirt rank? 

Purple shirt in Muay Thai 

How did you get started? 

I wanted to test myself and learn a new skill. 

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

Getting over the fear of hitting my training partners in sparring. I started to realize that neither I nor my partner was getting any better if I wasn’t actually trying to land my shots. 

What’s your favorite thing about training/teaching, and why? 

Seeing the lightbulb turn on when students figure out a new technique. 

What are some of your personal goals, on and off the mat? 

My goal on the mat is to win a professional Muay Thai fight. 

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

I played college football. 

What is one thing you would recommend or tell someone coming into MTC for the first time?

Start slow and learn the right techniques before adding power.

Our instructors are the heart and soul of McMahon Training Center! Each one brings their own unique journey, challenges, and passion to the mats, creating a supportive environment for every student who walks through our doors. From overcoming personal obstacles to inspiring others to grow and improve, they embody the values that make McMahon Training Center more than just a place to train. It’s a community!

We’re proud of the dedication, resilience, and leadership our instructors show every day, and we hope this spotlight helped you get to know them a little better. Whether you’re stepping on the mat for the first time or have been training for years, we want you to remember to enjoy the process, stay curious, and have fun. We’re all in this together. One day, one round, and one lesson at a time.