instructors

Our instructors bring real experience, discipline, and passion to every class. They are dedicated to helping students of all levels build confidence, improve fitness, and develop practical martial arts skills in a supportive training environment.

Mike Owens

Mike Owens

With over two decades of dedicated martial arts practice, Mike brings an elite level of expertise to the mats. His background spans 25 years of striking experience and 20 years in Jiu-Jitsu, a journey that has seen him train alongside UFC veterans and test his skills in both MMA and Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. His discipline extends beyond the gym as well; Mike is a seasoned endurance athlete who has successfully finished several ultramarathons, proving his mental and physical fortitude.

Originally born in American Samoa, Mike now calls Decorah home. He balances his martial arts lifestyle with a professional career as a Construction Project Manager, where he applies the same precision and leadership found in his training. Above all, he is a dedicated family man—a husband and a father to two girls and one boy.

Mike currently shares his vast knowledge with the community by teaching Submission Wrestling, Striking Fundamentals, and Kids MMA. Whether he is coaching adults through the technical nuances of a strike or helping children build confidence through martial arts, his decades of high-level experience serve as the foundation for every class he leads.

Kai Brown

Over the last five years, Kai has dedicated himself to the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, evolving from a student of the sport into a seasoned competitor. His commitment to the craft has taken him far beyond his home base, providing him with the unique opportunity to travel to England and Germany to train with international practitioners and refine his technique on a global scale.

Originally from Decorah, Kai is a familiar face in the local community, where he works full-time at Impact Coffee. He balances his professional life with a diverse athletic palette; when he isn’t on the mats, he is likely pursuing his love for volleyball, a sport that serves as one of his favorite ways to stay active and competitive outside of martial arts.

Currently, Kai shares the expertise he has gathered over half a decade by teaching Submission Wrestling. By guiding others through the technical intricacies of grappling, he has become an integral part of his students’ development, passing on the lessons he learned both at home and abroad.

Stephan Swart

Stephan Swart

With over a decade of combat sports experience, Stephan brings deep knowledge to the mats, having spent eleven years wrestling and the last three years immersing himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This foundation is built on more than just practice; he has tested his skills as an active competitor in both disciplines, earning a reputation for his technical grit and competitive spirit.

Originally from South Africa, Stephan has transitioned from a full-time athlete into an impactful coach and mentor. He currently channels his expertise into teaching others, leading classes in both Submission Wrestling and Kids MMA. His dual background in traditional wrestling and modern Jiu-Jitsu allows him to offer a unique, well-rounded perspective to his students.

In his youth programs, Stephan focuses on building confidence and discipline, ensuring the next generation of martial artists develops a strong technical base. Whether he is working with high-level grapplers or introducing children to the fundamentals of MMA, his international experience and years of competition remain at the forefront of his coaching style.