Josh Littleton
I started training in 2006, and began teaching/training full time in 2014. In 2016, I got my Black Belt from Jason Bircher and Renato Tavares. I have also spent years in Karate, Wrestling, Boxing, and MMA. While I value the lessons from those phases of life, Bjj is the best for sustainable long term training.
My approach to training is both studious and competitive. As a Black Belt, you will find me competing regularly and working to improve. I’m also constantly taking notes at seminars and meeting some of the amazing technicians that are still innovating and sharing what they do. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not something you learn and forget about, it’s a constantly moving and changing art for each individual. It’s important to me to continue building on my existing experiences and sharing the results effectively with everyone around me.
In the gym, a balance must be maintained. I want people to feel welcome and relaxed, this is something we do for fun. I will pace myself throughout the day, and work just enough to properly prepare for upcoming tournaments. You will also find me sitting back to evaluate the patterns and needs of those in the room. Everyone should feel comfortable asking me or anyone else a technical question. We will have both serious competitors and beginners in every class, this offers a compass for beginners to see where they are going. There is a clear hierarchy because of the ranking system, but the value of each individual is understood by all. I enjoy training with both new people and experienced grapplers, both are important in different ways. We are all part of maintaining a fun, relaxed environment that produces serious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Some recent seminars with Renato Tavares, Royce Gracie, Vinicius Orelha, and João Miyao.
Tyler Berg
Tyler is our 6 AM instructor for the morning classes. He brings 20 years of mat time and a mountain of competitive experience to our group.
4x MO State Medalist-Wrestling
2x MO State Champion- Wrestling
Former Mizzou Wrestler & Former partner/teammate of J’Den Cox
and Dom Bradley
5 years and counting as High School Wrestling Coach in Lathrop, MO
1-0 MMA
Sunflower games champ
Victory Grappling Champ
Recent Blue Corner Win
Purple Belt
Tyler brings practical experience in balancing ongoing technical studies with the necessary athleticism to be competitive in today’s grappling scene.
Nicole Taylor
Nicole is a lifelong martial artist. She began training in Karate at the age of six. Her competitive experience began as a teenager in California where she won several prestigious awards. She continued her journey in Bjj for the last 6 years, regularly competing in some of the biggest IBJJF tournaments.
Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Park University and is currently pursuing her masters in IO Psychology.
As an assistant coach for the kids classes, she has a gift for communicating higher level body mechanics in a way that kids understand.
Jake Sevits
Jake is the owner and head instructor of Old School Bjj in Kirksville, MO. He brings more than 5 years of training, and works tirelessly to ensure that Kirksville has access to high quality Jiu Jitsu. We are excited to be working closely with the Old School team and be part of spreading Bjj through the Midwest.