Our Instructors
DIEGO “The peruvian Python” Pichilingue
Diego is a Professional Mixed Martial Artist who as over 16+ years of training under his belt. He has fought MMA in promotions such as Legacy and Freestyle Cage Fighting. He competed in BJJ in such promotions as IBJJF, Fight 2 Win, Who’s Number One, and the US Grappling Qualifier in 2023. He started his martial arts journey in 2009 by way of Lima, Peru and began training to learn how to defend himself due to bullying when he was younger.
Diego continues to train and teach to show his students the same thing that helped him in life. How to overcome adversities, bullying, and becoming a better person.
OWNER - HEAD INSTRUCTOR
STEPHANIE “Mamba” Pichilingue
OWNER - ADULTS/KIDS INSTRUCTOR / WOMENS ONLY
Stephanie is a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and has been training for 10 years. She also had a brief stint in MMA back in 2015, where she fought as an Ammy. She has been on such platforms as Rage in the Cage, FCF, Fight 2 Win, ADCC, and AGF. She has completed training refereeing and working in many jiu jitsu tournaments/organizations. She is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, where she was taught hand to hand combat. The Marine Corps Martial Art Program (MCMAP) is a weapon based martial arts that utilizes physical discipline to improve mental resiliency and confidence.
Stephanie is the founder of the Forever A Fighter foundation. Forever A Fighter is a 501 3 C that’s mission is to bring awareness to PTSD and Domestic Violence. Her goal is to bring men, women, and children to healing through martial arts.
“I started martial arts while in an abusive relationship to learn to protect myself. I continue to train for not only my mental and physical health, but to show my children strength. I strongly believe anyone struggling with PTSD and MST can use martial arts as a tool to heal. My moto is Forever A Fighter, Never A Victim.”
“ARM” Bart VAnPool
ADULTS/KIDS INSTRUCTOR
Bart VanPool is one of the Adult/Kids instructors and has been training BJJ for 9.5 years. He is an avid competitor and has been competing consistently since the beginning of his training back in 2016. He has competed for promotions like American Grappling Federation, FCF, and Roll in the Cage. He holds the rank of Brown Belt.
Bart originally got into martial arts as a form of exercise but became hooked after finding out about the mental benefits as well. His major was education, so he loves the feeling of helping people learn and grasp new concepts when it comes to teaching.
“I continue to train for myself mentally and physically, but I also do it because I love the community of amazing people you get to encounter. In addition to that, there’s nothing more satisfying to me than when I get to help people better themselves on and off of the mats.”
JC “Super Star” COTTRELL
ADULTS/KIDS INSTRUCTOR/WRESTLING COACH
Cottrell is a local legend in the MMA community. He has been a life long martial artist and competitor in various single person sports since he was a child. He started his way in the world of wrestling in middle school. JC was a walk on at UCO and did not do the things that were necessary to make him eligible to step on the mat so he transitioned into the world of MMA and never looked back. With 15 years of MMA/ BJJ and 15+ years of wrestling under his belt he went on to fight for Legacy, Bellator, and then eventually made his debut in the UFC.
He is now a family man that enjoys helping teach his as well as the other up and coming children at the gym to become the best versions of themselves. You can find JC competing regularly in local tournaments in BJJ and he holds the rank of Brown Belt.
“I continue to train because it is my therapy and without it I don’t feel like myself.”
ANITA HUFFMAN
ADULTS/WOMENS ONLY INSTRUCTOR
Anita started her martial arts career in wrestling, Vale Tudo, boxing, and Taekwondo (1st Degree Black Belt Competition Experience). She fell in love with Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and competed through purple belt. Since retiring from competitions, Anita has concentrated on helping and teaching others. Her day job as a Professional Coporate pilot/Airshow Piolet sets her apart from the rest. Respected and loved by her peers, she is an amazing addition to the team. Her husband of 26 years also has a love for jiu jitsu and airplanes.
Angela Trotter
ADULTS/WOMENS ONLY/KIDS INSTRUCTOR
jeff brazell
ADULTS INSTRUCTOR/ MORNING CREW