FOUNDER/ BJJ FACILITATOR

Professor Trevor Rivers started his BJJ journey in 2001 while in graduate school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He received his blue belt in the Renzo Gracie Association. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, he started training with Gustavo Dantas, where he received his purple, brown, and black belts. He has competed and medaled in a number of tournaments, most notably taking bronze at black belt at the IBJJ Masters World Championship in 2016, bronze at American Nationals at brown belt in 2010, and gold at American Nationals at purple belt in 2007. He has a background in wrestling and Hung Gar Kung Fu, which he often leverages into BJJ.

In his other life, Trevor is a marine biologist and academic, teaching biology courses and spending as much time underwater at night with no lights on.

STRIKING/KIDS CLASS FACILITATOR

Julie Kedzie is a former professional MMA fighter and kickboxer, with fights in organizations including the UFC, Strikeforce, Elite XC, and Bodog. She has been training in and teaching martial arts for over 30 years, and in addition to her pro fight career, has a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

She has been color commentator and analyst for the all-female MMA promotion, Invicta Fighting Championships since 2012.

HEAD KIDS CLASS FACILITATOR

Travis began training BJJ in 2015 and hasn't stopped since. He has experience with folk-style wrestling, has a blue belt in Judo, and received his brown belt in 2022. Always having a passion for teaching and coaching, Travis began assisting with kids classes almost immediately, and has consistently been a facilitator at various gyms since he was a white belt.

Travis is the father of two daughters, one of whom is a BJJ blue belt herself. He is a hospital security officer and has worked in the private security sector for over 15 years. He has a pitbull he loves, too many house plants, and can often be found out enjoying live music.

BJJ FACILITATOR AND SISTER SCHOOL OWNER

PJ began training martial arts in 1995 in kenpo, where he ultimately achieved his 3rd degree black belt. He then focused on judo and kickboxing, leading him to compete in MMA. He trained American jiu-jitsu until discovering Brazilian jiu-jitsu. PJ received his brown belt from Professor Rivers in 2023.

PJ’s varied background allows him to see the connections between martial arts, and uses this knowledge to make BJJ a more nuanced art.

PJ is the founder and head facilitator of our sister school, Twin Rivers BJJ, in Ottawa, Kansas. Cross training is allowed and encouraged!

JUDO FACILITATOR

Dr. Shaun Kelsey has been training in various forms of martial arts since he was a boy. He was first introduced to Judo while in high school, but this training did not become official until 2008, when he was accepted onto the Judo team at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with his black belt in 2012. Shaun has competed and medaled in many tournaments, including those at the national level. The most notably of these was helping his team to win the NCAA Judo Championships from 2009-2011. In addition to his Judo experience, Shaun is also certified as a Level 2 Army Combatives Instructor, holds a black belt in Hoteikan Karate, and a purple belt in Chayon-Ryu.

Off the mat, Shaun is a family man who enjoys many ADHD-fueled hobbies; including blacksmithing, video games, and tabletop RPGs.