Marc Monaco

Marc has trained in the discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2004. He holds a Black Belt in American Jiu-Jitsu under Randy Pace and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royler Gracie Black Belt, Mike Mrkulic. Marc has successfully competed in many local and nationally ranked Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling events, most notably the Gracie World’s, the Best of the Best ProAms, and the Arnold Grappling Championships in which he won a Bronze medal in 2007. He is also a 1999 silver medalist for the Fort Riley First Brigade Boxing Team, a feat he accomplished while enlisted in the U.S. Army for four active years. Marc is also a fitness trainer certified through the International Sports Sciences Association (I.S.S.A.) and a former amateur bodybuilder. Although he still competes, his true passion lies with teaching and helping others to attain their goals.

Derek Hammond

Derek, a true mixed martial artist for over 20 years has trained in various disciplines including Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing and Muay Thai. He holds a Brown Belt in American Jiu-Jitsu under Marc Monaco as well as a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Rodrigo Gracie. He has also had the unique opportunity to train with the legendary Royce Gracie. Derek, a dedicated member of the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly two decades, is the original founder of the Western Kentucky Grappling Club and was a youth Jiu-Jitsu instructor at the Gracie facility in his home state of Kentucky. He has helped many students and teammates to achieve success in both Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Chad Parks

Chad is the head wrestling coach of Shawnee Heights High School. This college All-American wrestler has over 25 years of wrestling experience and has accumulated over 100 wins in both college and high school; his five year college career includes Labette Community College and Fort Hays State University.  Chad is also a Brown Belt in American Jiu-Jitsu under Marc Monaco as well as a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royler Gracie Black Belt, Mike Mrkulic.  A member of the Topeka Jiu-Jitsu Team, Chad is a 2007 Best of the Best Champion in the Gi Division, as well as a Silver Medalist in the Intermediate No-Gi Class.