EXPLORE OUR PRODUCTS

OUR PRODUCTS

Product 1

$xxx

Product 2

$xxx

Product 3

$xxx

Meet the Instructors of OAJJ

DEREK MYERS

OWNER AND HEAD INSTRUCTOR

*#1 IBJJF Master 4 MediumHeavy Brown Belt

*IBJJF European Championship Silver Medalist 2025 (Brown Belt)

*IBJJF Master Worlds Bronze Medalist 2024 (Brown Belt)

*IBJJF PanAm Bronze Medalist 2024 (Brown Belt)

*Multiple Time IBJJF Open Champion

Derek began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2010 under Professor Jason Matherley and the Team Shawn Hammonds Association in Tennessee. Over the years, he has trained with numerous esteemed black belts from the association, continually developing his knowledge. In 2025, at the Team Shawn Hammonds Annual Team Training, he was honored to earn his Black Belt from Professors Jason Matherley and Shawn Hammonds.

As a competitor, Derek remains active on the tournament circuit and has tested himself against high-level opponents for more than a decade. He believes that staying engaged in competition sharpens his own skills while keeping the academy’s curriculum dynamic, modern, and effective.

In addition to competing, Derek is a dedicated instructor who integrates his professional background in biomechanics into his teaching. His technical approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of movement, leverage, and efficiency. He takes pride in his students’ progress, whether they are stepping onto a competition mat or applying self-defense skills in everyday life.

Derek’s philosophy is to lead by example and to foster a community built on respect, camaraderie, and continuous improvement. He feels deeply grateful for the students, teammates, and friends who make up the Ohio Academy of Jiu Jitsu family and considers it a privilege to share the mats with them every day.

BRYN WILSON

CO-OWNER AND HEAD WOMEN'S & KIDS INSTRUCTOR

*#2 IBJJF Master 1 Middleweight Blue Belt
*Multiple Time IBJJF Open Champion (Lightweight, Middleweight, Absolute)

*IBJJF PanAm Bronze Medalist 2023, 2024 (White Belt, Blue Belt)

*IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con Silver Medalist 2022 (White Belt)

Bryn began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in September 2021 with a Women’s Only class, a single step that began a lifelong passion. From the very beginning, she immersed herself fully in the sport—training at every opportunity, cross-training with other academies, and expanding her knowledge on and off the mats. She is Ohio Academy of Jiu Jitsu's first purple belt and has been under the Team Shawn Hammonds banner since day 1.

As a competitor, Bryn has tested her skills on some of the biggest stages in the sport, including the IBJJF PanAms, Master’s Worlds, and the European Championships. These experiences have shaped her into both a disciplined athlete and a resilient leader, demonstrating her commitment to constant growth.

Beyond competition, Bryn is passionate about teaching and sharing her love of jiu jitsu with others. She leads the academy’s Women’s Only program, creating a welcoming and empowering environment for women of all levels. She also teaches Fundamentals classes to help new students build a strong technical base, while also contributing to the kids’ program, where she finds it a great reward to guide the next generation of practitioners as they develop confidence, discipline, and skill.

Bryn’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that jiu jitsu is for everyone, and she strives to cultivate a community where students feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to challenge themselves. Whether competing, teaching, or training alongside her teammates, she leads by example and embodies the perseverance and resilience that jiu jitsu represents.

Joshua Luckeydoo

Assistant Adult/Kids Instructor

James Dishong

Assistant Adult/Kids Instructor

Alex Grubish

Assistant Kids Instructor

Kodi Hutchinson

Assistant Women's/Kids Instructor

Tedd Bergeron

Assistant Kids Instructor

Jacob Frey

Assistant Kids Instructor

Allyson Stephens

Assistant Women's/Kids Instructor

Carter Wiley

Assistant Kids Instructor

Follow Us on Instagram

TESTIMONIALS


Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse -cillum dolore

Jane Doe


Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse -cillum dolore

Laura Tirana

All of OAJJ's Instructors are
SafeSport Certified

SafeSport-certified Jiu Jitsu instructors play a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive training environment. Their certification ensures they are equipped to recognize, prevent, and respond to misconduct, including bullying, harassment, and abuse. By prioritizing athlete well-being, they foster a culture of respect and trust, allowing students of all ages to focus on learning, growing, and excelling in Jiu Jitsu.

Learn more here: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/

Copyright 2024 . All rights reserved | 399 S 22nd St, Unit G; Heath, OH 43056 | (740) 880-8217 | Website Design & Marketing by The Cherubini Company, LLC