Instructors

Nadia is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She began training in 2014 and fell in love with competing with only three months of training under her belt. She went on to miss Fighter of the Year as a white belt in the Fight to Win Tournament Series by only 2 points due to an injury causing her to miss a tournament mid season. Nadia came back as a blue belt and won the 2016 Fight to Win Women’s Blue Belt Fighter of the Year. She then went on to the World Master Championships submitting her way to the finals as a blue belt and as a where she won the silver medal and again as a purple belt podiuming with the bronze. Nadia has also been a professional hunting guide for 13 years operating her own business in Mexico and guiding horseback hunts for deer, elk and sheep in Wyoming. She began coaching the adult beginners class and assistant coaching the kids bjj class in 2018, receiving her black belt in 2023. “Jiu-jitsu has fundamentally changed my life, not only on the mats but in my relationship with my self and life it self. Jiu-jitsu has a way opening your perception in how you think about yourself and your capabilities and also how you relate to and respond to others. BJJ is a discipline, one with respect. When you enter the world of jiu-jitsu there is no going back. You will outgrow your old self and discover your true potential and you will always have a family on the mats weather its in your own gym or across the world on some foreign mats. Jiu-jitsu is truly that kind of community. You learn to honor and respect your opponents and you learn to honor and respect your self.” ~ Nadia Sweeten

Alan Siering is a U.S. Army veteran with over 23 years of military service, including 17 years within the elite United States Special Operations Command. His journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ) began in 1998 when he took his first class with the legendary Royce Gracie—an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for the art.

From 1999 to 2004, Alan trained under world renowned Jiu Jitsucoach, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, earning his purple belt from him in 2004. In 2001, he was personally selected by Matt Larsen—the founder of the U.S. Army Combatives Program and current Director of Combatives at West Point—to serve as both an instructor and Deputy Director at the Army’s newly established Combatives School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

In this role, Alan was instrumental in training thousands of soldiers in Army Combatives. Alongside his instructional duties, he actively competed in BJJ tournaments, trained and cornered MMA athletes, studied boxing and kickboxing, and worked with some of the top fighters in the world. He holds the title of U.S. Army Master Combatives Trainer and is a distinguished inductee of the prestigious Combatives Blackbelt Guild.

In 2005, Alan relocated briefly to Washington state, where he trained under Carlson Gracie black belt Marcelo Alonso and former World Muay Thai Champion Kru Alberto “Thai Tanium” Ramirez. He later moved to North Carolina, continuing his development under Greg Thompson—a Royce Gracie black belt and founder of the Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP)—and earned his brown belt during this period.

In 2017, Alan settled in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he began training under Kevin Lewis. In 2018, he was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Kevin Lewis and DenilsonPimenta. He currently holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt.

Today, Alan works in private security while continuing to train and consult military and law enforcement personnel across the country.

Coaches Alan Has Trained Under:

Notable Martial Artists Alan Has Trained With:

MMA Fighters Alan Has Helped Prepare for Competition:

Gina, a passionate mixed martial artist, has been training for over 9 years. She has a Muay Thai fight record of 2-1 in the state of Colorado. Also a competitor of brazilian jiu-jitsu Gina has won multiple medals in her division as a blue belt. Gina’s empowering energy and love of the the art is represented in every class she teaches. “Martial arts has saved my life, time and time again. It empowers me, strengths me, and gives my life meaning. Because of the community at Grand Valley BJJ, I’ve been able to tap into my resiliency and find peace in the struggle. When we choose to grapple with challenges, we keep our hands warm for war. Being a martial artist is more than knowing how to fight, it’s becoming someone who doesn’t need to fight. We must build our mind, body, and spirit to understand all dynamics of training. Honor, love, and respect. So come train with us!

Tyler, was born and raised in Grand Junction; graduating from Palisade High School. After high school he joined the military. When he separated he entered the corporate world. Without an emphasis on fitness, he quickly gained an unhealthy amount of weight. Dissatisfied with his lifestyle he decided to make a change and attended the inaugural Muay Thai kickboxing class. At the end, he wasn’t sure he could physically do it but he didn’t allow himself the chance to make an excuse. Now, four years and nearly 100 pounds lighter, he is in the best shape he has have ever been and have made lifelong friends and gained a family.
“You might be tired, sore, questioning yourself. Don’t give up. I did it and so can you. I believe in you.” – Coach Tyler

What drew me to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was the desire to continue my fitness journey in a skill that could never be fully mastered. I was fascinated by the endless possibilities for growth, challenge, and learning that BJJ offers. Every time I step on the mats, I’m reminded that there’s always something new to discover—whether it’s a technique, a mindset, or a deeper connection to the art.

When I’m not coaching or training, I enjoy spending my time outdoors with my two dogs, Sienna and Weller. We love camping and hiking together as often as we can, exploring new trails and enjoying the fresh air.

As a coach, my goal is to share my passion for BJJ and help my students build both technical skills and mental resilience. I believe that BJJ is for everyone, and I strive to create a supportive environment where each individual can grow at their own pace while challenging themselves to become their best.