Instructors

Coach Kevin began his martial arts journey in 2000 under Marc Hagebusch (3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt) at Texarkana Jiu-Jitsu in Texarkana, Texas. Promoted to the rank of Black Belt in 2010, he was awarded his 3rd Degree in 2019 by the Founder of GFTeam and ,7th Deg Coral Belt, Master Julio Ceaser Pereira.

Kevin spent 8 years with he Air Force Reserve as a Medic and over 12 years working as a Police Officer in Texarkana, Texas and most recently Grand Junction, Colorado before deciding to run the Grand Valley BJJ full time.

In the 10 plus years training at Texarkana Jiu-Jitsu, Kevin assisted in teaching the Adult and Kids Classes at Texarkana Jiu-Jitsu. Kevin has competed successfully in MMA as well as grappling competitions and has a extensive background in teaching Police Officer Survival Tactics.

Coach Kevin’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage

Kevin Lewis – Marc Hagebusch – Allen Mohler – Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti – Rolls Gracie – Helio Gracie – Carlos Gracie Sr. – Mitsuo “Count Koma” Maeda

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

Originally from Paris France, Franck began his martial arts journey in 1976 at the age of six following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. He has gained extensive experience in martial arts, including Judo, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Kendo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After 16 years of living in Los Angeles and training Jiu-Jitsu under Gracie family members Cobrinha and Shawn Williams Franck moved to Grand Junction and joined Grand Valley Jiu-Jitsu. Franck is a black belt in three different disciplines: Judo, Kendo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is passionate about sharing his passion for teaching Jiu-Jitsu with newcomers and getting them started on the path to the amazing journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Matt Galendez was born and raised on the U.S. Territory Island of Guam in the Pacific. Growing up on the island he first learned of Brazilian jiu-jitsu because of its popularity among his family and friends. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu felt like a part of the island culture growing up on the island.” After serving in the Army Matt’s health was compromised and he was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. Concerned for his health Matt went to a Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy near his home in April 2021 where he was reintroduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Here he changed his entire perspective about his health and wellbeing. Matt earned his blue belt in January of 2022 under Professor Gabe Baker at Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Guam. Relocating to Grand Junction, Colorado in September 2023 Matt immediately reached out to Grand Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where he met coach Kevin Lewis and immediately felt at home. Matt hopes to one day give back to his community and to be of service to anyone struggling with mental health conditions through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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!