Programs

Professor Michael is a Black Belt under Professor Beau, earning his Black Belt in March of 2024, and has been a part of the Gracie Barra Hannibal family since 2015.

His introduction to Jiu-Jitsu began during his time serving in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, where he was first exposed to grappling and control-based training. In January of 2015, he enrolled his daughter at Gracie Barra Hannibal and spent a month watching her train before stepping onto the mats himself — a decision that quickly became a lifelong commitment.

Professor Michael earned his Blue Belt in June of 2016 and spent that summer volunteering as an assistant in the kids’ program. He joined the staff part-time in September of 2016 and became the full-time Program Director in February of 2017. Since then, he has served in nearly every role within the academy and currently fulfills the responsibilities of Operations Manager, Program Director, and Instructor. This experience allows him to understand the academy from every angle — as a student, parent, instructor, and leader.

His teaching philosophy centers on fundamentals, adaptability, and problem-solving. Professor Michael believes Jiu-Jitsu should work for everyone, regardless of body type, age, or physical limitation, and emphasizes control, composure, and accountability in both training and life.

He is deeply passionate about the idea that Jiu-Jitsu provides exactly what people need at different stages of life — whether that’s confidence, discipline, humility, structure, community, or self-defense. His focus is not just on developing skilled martial artists, but on building a strong academy culture rooted in the Gracie Barra values of Brotherhood, Integrity, and Development.

As an Army veteran and amputee who lost a hand during his service, Professor Michael embraces the challenges Jiu-Jitsu presents. Living the motto “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone,” his goal is to show students of all ages and abilities that limitations do not define potential — mindset, consistency, and effort do.

Professor Ric is passionate about improving lives through the art and practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Nothing makes him happier than seeing students grow in confidence, skill, and joy — usually accompanied by a good laugh along the way.

Ric began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Hannibal in April of 2015 and quickly became part of the heartbeat of the academy. He earned his Blue Belt in 2016, in the same ceremony where Professor Beau received his Black Belt. Shortly after, Ric relocated to Kodiak, Alaska, where he continued training and exploring other martial arts for nearly two years.

In July of 2018, Ric returned home and immediately resumed training and helping build the GB Hannibal community. Since then, he has served the academy in nearly every capacity — including full-time staff member, Operations Manager, Lead Gracie Barra Kids instructor, and part-time instructor — while also pursuing his goal of becoming a police officer. No matter where life has taken him, Ric has always remained connected to the mats and committed to the growth of the school.

After years of consistent training, teaching, and service, Ric was promoted to Black Belt in December of 2024 — a milestone that reflects not only technical ability, but character, leadership, and dedication.

Now serving as Lead Instructor, Professor Ric teaches regularly and plays a key role in guiding students and staff as the academy continues to grow. Though often known for his upbeat personality and sense of humor, Ric is a fundamentals-first instructor who believes strongly in building a solid foundation — especially for young students.

Ric also uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a cornerstone of his personal health, managing diabetes through training, discipline, and consistency. His journey is a powerful example of how jiu-jitsu can positively impact life both on and off the mats.

Supportive, technical, and always approachable, Professor Ric brings energy, care, and authenticity to every class. His passion is simple and sincere: helping people become better versions of themselves through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Coach Elizabeth began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016, originally encouraged by her husband, Professor Ric, as a way to learn practical self-defense. What started as a functional decision quickly grew into a deeper connection with jiu-jitsu and the Gracie Barra community.

After taking a two-year break while moving to Alaska, Elizabeth returned to the mats with a renewed appreciation for training and the culture that surrounds it. Since then, jiu-jitsu has become a meaningful part of her life both on and off the mats.

In 2022, Elizabeth became an ICP-certified coach, further solidifying her role within the academy. As a purple belt and one of our top female students, she brings energy, encouragement, and authenticity to every class she’s part of. Known for her outgoing personality and sense of humor, Elizabeth has a natural ability to lift others up and create a welcoming environment — especially for kids and students who may be having a tough day.

Outside the academy, Elizabeth works as a health insurance auditor and enjoys reading, gaming, and spending time with dogs. Inside the academy, she’s passionate about watching students of all ages grow in confidence, discipline, and character through their jiu-jitsu journey.

Whether she’s training, coaching, or supporting from the sidelines, Elizabeth’s commitment to the academy and its people is constant. We’re grateful to have her as part of the Gracie Barra Hannibal team.