Our Instructors:

Instructor Name: Jason Tucker Title: Aikido Instructor Other Information: Jason Tucker is a Shodan (1st degree black belt) with the Mid-America Aikido Federation. Jason began studying Aikikai Aikido while attending the University of Minnesota. He was a member of the University of Minnesota Aikido Club from 1996 to 2002. In 2003 he began studying under Michael Ellefson of the Midwest Center for Movement in Hudson Wisconsin, and continues to study with them any chance he gets. As Ellefson Sensei says: "Jason is known for his dry, dry,...did I mention dry(?) sense of humor, the power of his Vulcan eyebrow, and excellent Aikido technique."

Instructor Name: Garrett Erickson Title: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Other Information: Garrett Erickson has 17 years of experience on the mat. Since 1999, he has been learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He trained at the Monkey Bar Gym in Madison until 2005, when he moved to the Wausau area. In November of 2007, he earned his brown belt from 2X BJJ World Champion Luiz Claudio, founder and head instructor of the Luiz Claudio Competition Team (LCCT) based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before beginning his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey, Garrett wrestled for 7 seasons including 2 seasons at the college level. Garrett's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lineage:  Helio Gracie (Founder) --> Rickson Gracie --> Luiz Claudio --> Garrett Erickson

Instructor Name: Will Wood Title: Assistant Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Other Information: Will started training Jiu Jitsu in October 2002. It was an unusual hobby for a 34 year old father father of one to pick up with the wife! After renting VHS tapes the early UFC bouts, this Gracie Jiu Jitsu stuff looked too cool to pass up. After a few years of training, Will met Garrett. Garrett very patiently (very patiently!) fixed the fundamentals in Will's game. Will enjoys playing a bottom game and concentrates on defense. If the other guy can't tap you he will eventually leave something open during the attack. It's much more fun to out think an opponent than out muscle him.  If you're using muscle and/or conditioning to beat an opponent you really need to work on technique. Will earned his purple belt from Luiz Claudio in April of 2009.