Head instructor Mike Rogers has been traning under Rodrigo Vaghi since 1997, and is currently a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mike was also an All American wrestler at SIUE graduating with a teaching degree, 2 time Golden Gloves Boxing Champion under the guidance of Jim Howell, and former #1 ranked light heavyweight contender in King of the Cage. Mike has a record of 14-3 in MMA with wins over such top-notch fighters as Travis Fulton and Greg Wikan. He is the former head wrestling coach at McCluer high school, coaching 5 state place finishers including Tyron Woodley to a undefeated senior season at 48-0, placing 1st in the state and 3rd in the country. Mike was also the assistant wrestling coach at Meramec junior college for 2 seasons.

Hal Goodman started training in 1998 at Rodrigo Vaghi’s original school on Manchester Road in St. Louis. In May of 1999 he became one of Rodrigo’s first blue belts along with Bryan Guidry and Ed Shobe from Omaha, Nebraska. In 2000 he won the blue belt division at Rafeal Lovatos Tournament in Oklahoma. Shortly after, Hal took a hiatus from Jiu Jitsu to travel to Europe and South America. When St. Charles Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opened in March of 2007 he resumed his training and now helps teach. Hal is known for his extreme toughness and exceptional guillotine chokes. He is also a local MMA judge for Kick International

Eric Schuettenberg has trained with Rodrigo since 2000. He earned his blue belt in 2005. Eric has been competing since 2003, placing 2nd in Gracie nationals 2003, 1st in naga Chicago 2005, 1st in Gracie nationals 2005, and in his first blue belt division, placed 3rd in naga Chicago 2006. He also placed 3rd at Pan Ams 2008, Blue Belt division. Eric is very technical and has a exceptional guard. Eric is also a pit boss at Harrahs casino, and has a daughter. Were excited and lucky to have Eric on our staff.