Jiu Jitsu
Professor Tony Erard
Professor Tony is the head instructor of Kraken Jiu Jitsu. He is the highest ranking BJJ Black belt from West Michigan. He is also the only black belt from Grand Rapids recognized and certified by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).
Professor's Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie > Rodrigo Pinheiro > Tony Erard
Professor's BJJ Training:
Professor Tony was trained professionally by world champion, Rodrigo Pinheiro. 100% of his training was at Professor Rodrigo's academy in San Antonio, TX. This academy is one of the toughest training rooms in the World; it has produced multiple Jiu Jitsu world champions and UFC stars. These athletes, and Professor Rodrigo, were Professor Tony's everyday training and sparring partners.
Professor Tony has well over 10,000 hours of professional training under the direct supervision of Professor Rodrigo Pinheiro.
Competition Results
Professor Tony has competed successfully at every belt level. He has hundreds of competition wins. He has competed at local, regional, national, and international competitions.
He is an IBJJF International Champion (won in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil), a multiple time Nationals medalist, Pan Ams medalist, and a multiple time Open champion and medalist.
Professor Tony after teaching a class with 5-time world champ, Nathiely de Jesus.
Cole Abate and Tony Erard post training. Cole is an IBJJF World Champion, Pan Am Champion, and the youngest person to ever win the ADCC trials (at 16 years old).
Teaching Jiu Jitsu in New Mexico.
Instructor Experience
Professor Tony has extensive instructor experience on and off the mats. His entire adult life has been dedicated to combat. As a career military member and a lifelong martial artist, Professor Tony understands very well what's required to prepare a person to defend themselves.
Professor Tony has coached athletes to Pan American, Nationals, and World Championship gold. He has trained and cornered MMA champions in the cage. His grappling expertise includes Gi, Nogi, wrestling, and Judo.
Professor Tony has trained hundreds of US Special Warfare members in both Jiu Jitsu and combatives. The training he provides helps our nation's heroes survive in the worst combat environments.
Not everyone that Professor Tony coaches is interested in competing or fighting professionally. He also works with students that have goals to improve their fitness, lose weight, or become more confident in their ability to defend themselves.
Coach Jayk
A proud graduate of Tri-County High School and a resident of Sand Lake, MI, Coach Jayk's journey in athletics began with 13 years of wrestling, complemented by stints in baseball, cross country, and football. After high school, he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a fun and challenging alternative to wrestling.
An avid competitor in both Gi and NoGi events, Jayk has secured gold medals at IBJJF, Grappling Industries, and Fuji events. Off the mats, he finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking, as well as exploring his musical talents through various instruments.
For Jayk, instructing is not just a job but a deeply fulfilling experience. Witnessing the transformation of shy, reserved children into confident individuals, equipped with valuable life skills, brings him unparalleled satisfaction.
Coach Dennis
Hailing from Cedar Springs, MI, Coach Dennis is a graduate of Algoma Christian and Grand Valley State University, where his love for athletics and academics converged. Introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as an adult, he dedicated himself to mastering the art under Professor Tony's tutelage at Kraken Jiu Jitsu.
Beyond grappling, Dennis's interests span machining, welding, and sewing, driven by a passion for innovation and improvement. A devoted husband, father of three, and active member of Sparta City Church, he embodies community both on and off the mats.
As a mechanical engineer, Dennis's analytical prowess enriches his coaching, empowering students to delve into the sport's intricacies. He finds fulfillment in instilling life skills in young learners, fostering self-control and resilience while reducing vulnerability to violence.
Dennis relishes the challenge of effective communication, finding reward in seeing students grasp techniques. His commitment to excellence and community epitomizes Kraken Jiu Jitsu's ethos.
Joshua and his daughter Aria
Coach Joshua
Joshua Marsh is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt under Professor Tony at Kraken Jiu Jitsu, embodying the spirit of martial arts both on and off the mats. With a diverse background in sports, fitness, and coaching, Joshua brings a wealth of experience and energy to the academy.
A graduate of Grant High School, Joshua pursued his passion for athletic performance and fitness by earning multiple certifications through NASM, including: Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach (CSCS), Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)Certified Sports Performance Coach (CSPC)
From a young age, martial arts and combat sports have been central to Joshua’s life. He wrestled throughout high school and later trained Muay Thai for six years before finding his true passion in Jiu Jitsu. His first few years were focused solely on No-Gi grappling, but since joining Kraken, he embraced training in the Gi, a shift he calls the best decision he’s ever made.
Joshua lives the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle on and off the mats, channeling his passion into strength training, running, and spending quality time with his daughter on outdoor adventures. A dedicated role model, he takes pride in working with the kids’ program, recognizing the importance of setting a positive example for the next generation of grapplers.
He is deeply committed to supporting others—whether through helping teammates achieve their goals, bringing positive energy to every training session, or being an uplifting presence for those around him. Competing more consistently is his next big goal, and he’s excited to test himself on the competition mats.
Joshua believes in the power of community, the importance of teamwork, and the transformative nature of Jiu Jitsu. For him, “Jiu Jitsu is life".
Yoga
About Aleah Shook
Aleah has been practicing yoga since 2017. She became a teacher for many reasons but one of them is to help others find the connection back to themselves and see the light and magic within themselves.
Yoga is so much more than poses and flexibility, come to find out what yoga has to offer.
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