We have already introduced the Secret Jiu Jitsu Club in our article “Honor the Silent Sensei — the philosophy behind Secret Jiu Jitsu Club” posted in August.
One of the tenets of the SJJC is to focus on promoting its incredible athletes.
Therefore, without further ado, please see SJJC profiles and short interviews showing the stories of the Jiu Jitsu and MMA up-and-coming elite.
The answers and scores were provided directly by the athletes and were not edited by Graciemag or SJJC.
KYLE BOEHM
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: 10th Planet Austin as a white belt in December 2014. It never ends.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: Adversity from the past.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: Geo Martinez.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: The ability to turn off all identification with thought.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: I didn’t see the movie.
SJJC Note: Kyle needs no introduction. Winner of multiple renown tournaments including the BJJ Fanatics Black Belt and Brown Belt Absolute tournaments or Onnit Invitational. He is a top athlete who has beaten the who’s who of top grapplers and a head coach at 10th Planet Austin. A former climber and unbeaten MMA fighter, he is a faithful student of military strategy and an admirer of Miyamoto Musashi. Being known to have an extremely dangerous jiu jitsu game, people don’t realize that Kyle has tons of other aces up his sleeves. Watch his superfight against Dan Martinez at Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds on December 20, 2020. IG: @kyleboehm10p
HUNTER COLVIN
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I started martial arts at the age of 13 and have been training ever since. I won’t stop until I become a world champion in the sport.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: Just the love of the scrap. When things are getting chaotic I feel like that’s where I thrive.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: James Partridge my coach and Piet Wilhelm my professor have both pushed me beyond what I thought was possible.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: Ability to slow time.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: No.
SJJC Note: With all due respect to the Daisy Fresh crew, Hunter is another true case of the American Jiu Jitsu story. Training in Oklahoma, outside of the BJJ hotbeds, not caring about popularity, he reached the very top of the game, including winning the AGF Challenger Series, defending his F2W belt three times, and receiving the F2W Brown Belt of the Year title. In our opinion, he is one of the most underrated athletes on the scene. His no-nonsense attitude, aggressive game, and dedication are nothing short of legendary, i.e. rolling right before his wedding. Watch his upcoming superfight against Jon “Thor” Blank at Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds on December 20, 2020. IG: @colvin335
JUSTIN RENICK
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I started training BJJ in 2009 when I was 14 years old. I honestly have no idea what my life would be like without Jiu Jitsu. I foresee my kids and grandkids training at my academy.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: My high level competition experience definitely has given me an edge in mental strength. I’ve been through long grueling matches with different rule sets, Submission Only, Golden score, EBI OT, Combat Jiu Jitsu.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: I’ve been with my coach Travis Moore almost 5 years now. He has helped me not only become one of the top black belts in Texas but has put me in the position to teach, train, and compete full time. We are around the same height and close in weight so he’s not only my coach but naturally my #1 training partner, which I believe has been a huge factor in my development as an athlete.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: If I could have one superpower, I would choose Teleportation. From being able to travel to your most desired Academy to obtain knowledge or simply just get different looks. Or in a combat scenario I could just teleport to your back and that’s all she wrote.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: Yes
SJJC Note: Justin is an active competitor in multiple renown organizations including Submission Underground, EBI CJJ, 3CG, F2W and the reigning 185lbs Black belt Champion of Submission Hunter Pro. A deadly guard and leg lock game combined with a tenacious approach make him a must-see competitor. Watching Justin entangle his victims from the bottom reminds us of desert quicksands swallowing its victims. We were extremely impressed by Justin’s toughness and performance against SJJC stalwart Matt Cox and had no choice but to ask him to join the SJJC team. Justin recently made a training camp move to Checkmat Austin Texas under Professor Rodrigo Cabral. He’ll be sharpening his axe with teammates Kody Steel, William Tackett, and Andrew Tackett. IG: @jrenick_bjj
JOE DIERKHISING
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I began training submission grappling at an MMA gym in college. I was interested in fighting and had a natural proclivity to grappling. After I graduated, I moved back home to San Diego, started training traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and competing as much as possible. I have no plans on ever stopping training. I’ll do this and be involved in the art until I die.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: It comes from my love of martial arts and competition. I genuinely love testing myself and having to dig deep and overcome. It’s one of the things that drew me to jiujitsu to begin with.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: I’ve been fortunate enough to have many great mentors in my BJJ career so far. Perhaps the most notable ones are Shannone Callos, Ibe Djukic, Eduardo Guedes, and Kelley Perotti.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: Teleportation. No more long flights and waiting in lines.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: Yes.
SJJC Note: Joe’s imposing stature hides a nature-loving and introspective person, not caring for admiration of IG crowds despite competing and winning on remarkable stages. Follow his IG for workout inspiration (Joe makes Nicky Rodriguez look small), amazing landscapes from his hikes with Kron the Doberman, and to see him compete and win against the best of the best. IG: @dierkhising_
MICAH BRAKEFIELD
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I started Jiu-Jitsu right before my 3rd MMA fight. I was already a college wrestler with some fights won by submission so I had a good head start. I plan on finishing Jiu Jitsu by coaching many people to black belt and helping spread the word of Jiu Jitsu as far as I can.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: I was born with a super positive demeanor – it’s really hard to get me down. Even when I’m in a terrible position, I am always thinking of the most exciting way to win.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: I’ve been blessed to have good coaching from a very young age in all sports. Probably most influential would be my dad who always encouraged me to play every sport.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: The ability to learn anything fast.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: I literally don’t know what this means.
SJJC: Micah is an accomplished athlete, MMA fighter (Battlefield MMA 185lbs champion), head coach and co-owner of the newly opened 10th Planet Eboticoke – suburb of Toronto. A composed and focused grappler, Micah demonstrates a lot of finesse and strategic planning in his matches. But, watch out…allow him to get double underhooks and it’s suplex city! Running his own gym has temporarily taken off of the competition scene for the moment, but he has no plans to hang them up and his return is inevitable. IG: @micahbrakefield.
MATT COX
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I started wrestling in elementary school and went all the way through college getting an opportunity to compete at the Division I level. I missed competition so much after I was done and started really getting into jiu jitsu when I lived in Hawaii and haven’t looked back since. I can’t imagine myself stopping this sport anytime soon. I aspire to compete on the biggest stages at the highest level.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: I believe wrestling for 15 plus years and having so much exposure to being in dog fights has allowed me to be more comfortable in those situations when things get tough. I am blessed to have some really tough teammates that push me as well on a daily basis as well.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: It’s so hard to choose one because I’ve had several mentors who have helped me develop into the athlete and man I am today. My high school wrestling coaches, Steve Tirepelle and Ben Holscher, my junior college coach Paul Keysaw, my DI wrestling coach Joseph Boardwine, my first jiu jitsu coach to belt me Jason Vigil, and Richie Martinez who I’ve been with for the past three years and belted from blue to brown.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: If I could have a super power to compliment my game I would pick regeneration like Wolverine. The ability to recover is so crucial for athletes that need to put in a significant amount of work to compete at the highest level and to not worry about injuries would be game changing.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: Yes! I’m always going to side with someone who is a brute.
SJJC Note: When he competes, Matt is the definition of immovable. Matt boasts an incredible 7:1 F2W record, the only loss coming from a fellow SJJC athlete in a fratricide match. A titanium-solid wrestling base combined with top-notch athletic preparation and no-inch-given mentality result in his opponents being slammed into oblivion every time they try to play guard. Matt is always looking to compete and take on the best anywhere anytime. To top it off, Matt is an athletic performance coach at UC San Diego and the second athlete sponsored by SJJC. Follow him on IG to watch him slam and slay at: @cmattcox.
KEMOY ANDERSON
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: Started as an MMA fighter, turned pro, then fell in love with jiu jitsu, planning on ending as a world champion and 10th planet black belt running my own academy.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: Comes from all the people in the city that look up to me and believe in me.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: My high school wrestling coach.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: Super speed.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: 100% yes.
SJJC Note: Kemoy has the ability and swagger to steal every show with a respectful 4:1 F2W record. A dynamic submission-seeker, Kemoy will jump into flying triangles from all angles like there is no tomorrow. His ruthless, sometimes seemingly wild style is truly mesmerizing and makes him a must-see athlete at every event he competes. Kemoy also runs classes at 10th Planet El Paso. Make sure you follow his IG: @ratedr10p.
JOAO CERINI
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: It started when I realized that I could be good at Jiu Jitsu. Thanks to my history with kung fu and other martial arts, they gave me the ability to evolve in the sport. I don’t want to ever end it.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: It comes from the love for the sport and from the people who believe in me.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: My family is the source of everything. They support me, always. And my coach, of course.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: Self-regeneration.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: No.
SJJC Note: Joao is the first ever sponsored SJJC athlete; the OG if you will. When we spotted a viral video of his merciless takedowns and brutal submissions we couldn’t resist reaching out to sponsor him. Joao is an active competitor in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene (IBJJF, Copa Podio, etc.) and is looking to make his mark in the United States in 2021. Apart from being a true warrior, Joao’s sophisticated strength and conditioning as well as PT techniques are a sight to behold. Opponents who know him sit down immediately to avoid facing the fury of his takedowns. Follow Joao’s IG on: @cerinibjj.
JULIANA MILLER
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: The beginning of my story starts with getting beat up then deciding to learn to defend myself. It will NEVER end, but I will get self-defense incorporated into school districts.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: All my mental strength comes from emotional intelligence programs then using those practices EVERY day! From affirmations to things I’m grateful for, reading, writing, and creating an unstoppable mindset. My childhood was rough so when I need it, I think back to where I came from, and I know that no one can ever break me again. I’ve come too far and worked too hard to give up. Winning is my only option.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
There’s a few people responsible for my success as an athlete, but my main three coaches are Manolo Hernandez, Richie Martinez and Bill Crawford! Additionally, my two main influences starting up are Ilima Lei Macfarlane and Liz Carmouche.
Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: My superpower would be teleportation, because I love exploring the world.
Thanos – yes or no?
A : Yes, Thanos is cool, but I’d choose Wolverine! He’s my ALL TIME favorite! Loveeeeeee, love, love Wolverine!
SJJC Note: The only female SJJC athlete, Juliana is a two-time Submissions on the Shore 125lb Purple Belt Jiu Jitsu champion and an unbeaten MMA fighter under the Invicta roster, with all her wins coming via submission. She epitomizes fierceness in her fights and rolls. She strikes first, strikes hard and has no mercy on her opponents while in the cage. She’s an unstoppable force. Her champion’s mindset, and a soft heart for children (teaches BJJ classes at 10p San Diego) make her Silent Sensei truly proud. IG: @killermillermma.
DOTEKI OGAWA
What’s the beginning of your BJJ story and how you are planning to end it?
A: I wanted to be an MMA fighter like Bushi (Bushi means a samurai warrior) because I didn’t have confidence to live my own life. No plan to end it. It’s a never-ending journey even though I already have the confidence I wanted at the beginning.
Where does your mental strength come from when you have to dig deep during a match?
A: History of Kamikaze Attackers in WWⅡ. Their attitudes and spirits always give me courage and confidence to fight.
Who is the person responsible for most of your development as an athlete?
A: One of my coaches, Shinji Sakatani. He has been making me a better fighter. I truly respect him.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
A: Basically, I don’t want one – it would make me lazy. But if I have to choose – I want the Hyperbolic Time Chamber from DBZ.
Thanos – yes or no?
A: More than it.
SJJC Note: Doteki is an experienced MMA fighter fighting for the famous Pancrase organization in Japan. He’s cross trained in the United States at Victory MMA in San Diego, CA under Dean Lister and Tony Palafox. Calm, respectful, dedicated, honorable, and fearsome. In a true bushido fashion, Doteki represents discreetly and fights fiercely. Follow his journey and highlight-reel victories on IG: @do_to_the_teki
The post Journey United: The martial artists of Secret Jiu Jitsu Club first appeared on Graciemag.