Robert Tahtinen
Head BJJ Instructor - Black Belt - 1st degree
Robert began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011 under Cleber Luciano following 15 years of wrestling. He primarily focused on MMA until 2016 when he retired from MMA with four title belts and a King of the Cage victory. He then moved to Rhinelander to another Cleber Affiliate, and eventually became the lead instructor there. He focused on building a no gi program and began competing nationally, primarily in no gi. After receiving his brown belt in 2019, he relocated to Deforest, trained in Arizona for a brief stint, before coming back to the Deforest area as the lead no gi instructor. He was awarded his black belt from TAC team in October 2021 and has gone on to win an IBJJF open and the Arizona State No Gi tournament. He still competes regularly throughout the year while coaching his students as well. He is our lead instructor and is available for private lessons upon demand as well. Robert also received his first degree from Professor Leo Vieira, head coach on Checkmat HQ.
Robert also hosts the Lattes and Leglocks Podcast which is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Jason Mayerl
Head Kids BJJ Instructor - Purple belt
Jason started his Jujitsu journey in 2018 at the spry young age of 42 and was promoted to Purple Belt by Joe Miller in December 2022. He enjoys BJJ for self-defense, physical fitness, and the camaraderie of the BJJ family. He looks forward to passing on his learnings to others.
Off the mat he enjoys hunting, fishing, in addition to brewing (and occasionally consuming) his own beer. He's also one of those uber-nerds that is into computers, electronics, and HAM radio.
“Dirty” Mike Jones
Head Muay tHai Instructor
“Dirty” Mike Jones is a rising competitor in the world of Muay Thai. With a combined experience of 3 years practicing Muay Thai he is a B-Class Muay Thai Athlete having fought 6 times, managing a record of 4 wins (2 TKOs) and 2 losses. He came away with a silver medal in the Men’s C-Class division at 159 pounds in his 30 man bracket at the 2024 TBA Classic in Des Moines, Iowa after fighting 5 times in 4 days. Mike also trains gi and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu and regularly competes.
He is currently a fighter under Ajarn Dean “Lethal Legs” Lessei’s instruction, fighting for Dubuque Martial Arts Group’s (DMAG) Team Singto. He has experience training alongside the pro One Championship fighter Luke “the Chef” Lessei and A class fighters Cameron “Supafly” Stefan and KJ Cain.