Deon Thompson's Credentials
Black Belt under Rodrigo Comprido (one of only 3 Americans to ever get that rank from him) 2014 Chicago Open IBJJF Black Belt Gold Medalist Super Heavy Weight 2013 Chicago Open IBJJF Black Belt Gold Medalist 2011 Chicago Open IBJJF Gold Medalist 2011 Pan Am Silver Medalist 2010 Michigan Super Fight Champion Voted SRJJA Most Technical Fighter 2005 NAGA Gold Medalist COPA Americana Most Technical Fighter and Gold Medalist Great Lakes Championship Gold Medalist Ohio Grappling Championship(OGC) Gold Medalist Deon has been certified by the IBJJF as a referee. Deon is known for his cerebral approach to BJJ - this transitions well to developing his students. Deon is a Sports Analyst for BCSN (BUckeye Cable Sports Network) and Tournament Director of the Buckeye State Grappling Championships - one of Ohio's Oldest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournaments. |
Matt Garber's Credentials
Matt began his Jiu-Jitsu career while training for MMA. He had 5 professional fights before injuries derailed his career and he began focusing heavily on the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With a background as a state-qualifying wrestler as well as being a two time All-State football player from Woodmore High School, the decision to transition to Jiu-Jitsu was an easy one. Matt began training under Deon Thompson, becoming his first student in 2007. Matt received his blue belt under Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros in October 2008, and received his purple belt from him in June 2011. Matt’s been certified as an IBJJF referee, helping to ref several local competitions. Matt has won countless local tournaments and has competed all across the country. Listed below are some of his major accomplishments: 2009 Pan Am Blue Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place 2010 Summer Chicago Open Blue Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-First Place 2011 Winter Chicago Open Blue Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-First Place 2011 Winter Chicago Open Blue Belt Absolute-Second Place 2011 Pan Am Blue Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Second Place 2011 World Championships Blue Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place 2011 Summer Chicago Open Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place 2012 Winter Chicago Open Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-First Place 2012 Pan Am Championships Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-First Place 2012 Summer Chicago Open Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-First Place 2012 No Gi Worlds Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place 2012 No Gi Worlds Purple Belt ABSolute - Third Place 2013 Winter Chicago Open Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place 2013 World Championships Purple Belt Ultra Heavy Weight-Third Place Article on Matt's 2012 Pan Am Championship View Here In 2014 Matt Garber was part of the first Metamoris Reality Grappling television show put on by Ralek Gracie, where he made it to the final four. |
*Picture courtesy of Erich More Photography & Designs
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Joshua Archer's Credentials
Josh currently works for the City of Toledo as a Firefighter. Whether it is personally or professionally I strive to be as supportive and helpful as possible. I want to be remembered as the support and guidance that helped someone succeed in life. As a man I want to continue to be a son my parents can be proud of. I want to be able to provide for future family and at the same time be able to help people. I was a NCAA athlete, competing in the discus, shot put, and the hammer. I am an artist with published and exhibited works. I have a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s degree in social work. I have accomplished many things in my life and plan on having many more to come. I was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by my close friend and fraternity brother Deon Thompson. When I was completely controlled and easily submitted by a smaller man, I was convinced that I had to learn this martial art. I have begun the long road to the greatest challenge of my life, gaining a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and representing the art with honor for my entire life. I bring my passion and drive to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and realize I have many more obstacles to face, but I know that my diverse past, artistic mindset, creative nature, confidence and unwavering determination will serve me well in the challenges to come. I currently am a purple belt under Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros and Deon Thompson. I compete in the ultra heavy weight division and following is a list of medals I have earned in competition: White Belt 1st Gi Elite Federation of Grapplers 2008 1st No Gi Elite Federation of Grapplers 2008 1st Gi Toledo BJJ Open 2009 Blue Belt 1st Gi O.B.J.J.F. Buckeye Border Grappling Tournament 2009 1st Gi Toledo BJJ Open 2010 1st Gi Absolute Toledo BJJ Open 2010 1st Gi Michigan Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2010 1st Gi Wolverine Classic 2010 1st Gi Buckeye Border Grappling Tournament 2010 1st Gi Michigan Open 2010 3rd Gi Michigan Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2011 1st Gi Jean Jacques Machado Canadian Open 2011 1st Gi Buckeye Border Grappling Tournament 2011 1st No Gi Buckeye Border Grappling Tournament 2011 1st Gi I.B.J.J.F. Chicago Summer Open 2011 Purple Belt 1st Buckeye State Grappling Championships 2013 1st Michigan Open Jiu Jitsu Championship 2013 3rd Chicago Open 2013 1st Toledo Open 2013 |
Katie (Koberta) Sweet
Katie currently works for the University of Michigan as a Polysomnographic Technician. She is one of the more active tournament competitors, especially amongst women, in the region. She has twice won gold in her weight class and the absolute at the prestigious Chicago Open (IBJJF). She also holds the rank of Purple Belt. Katie is known for her mild demeanor off the mat and her technical prowess on the mat, which has translated well to her teaching the Women's Only Class at the Academy. Koberta's techniques are rooted deep in basics which have proven to be very effective either in Tournament or real combat. 1st Chicago Open weight class 1st Chicago Open absolute 1st Chicago Open weight class 1st Buckeye State Grappling Championships weight class 1st Buckeye State Grappling Championships absolute 1st Michigan Open 1st Toledo Open 1st Elite Federation of Grapplers 1st Buckeye Border Grappling Championships |