At Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu, we believe your coaches shape your journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grappler, having skilled, supportive instructors makes all the difference. That’s why we’re proud to highlight the incredible team behind the training at our Rockford academy. From white belt to competition-level athletes, our instructors help every student grow with purpose, passion, and precision.
A Coaching Team That Cares
Our instructors are more than just competitors or coaches. They’re leaders who care about your progress, your safety, and your experience on the mats. Every class is structured to include real-time problem solving, live resistance, and technical growth, but always with a focus on fun, functional learning.
Kenny Martin – Black Belt, Co-Owner
Kenny Martin is a Relson Gracie black belt with over 14 years of training under his belt. He brings a detail-oriented, competition-tested style to every class he teaches.
Aaron Lynde – Purple Belt, Co-Owner
Aaron Lynde is a dedicated purple belt and the co-owner of Black Flag. Aaron leads classes with high energy and a focus on problem-solving through movement. He helps run our competition team practices and works closely with students who are new to BJJ, making sure they feel confident every step of the way.
Jeff Larsen – Blue Belt
Jeff works directly with students ages 5 to 17, helping them build confidence, coordination, and a solid foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His teaching style combines play-based learning with structured drills, ensuring kids stay engaged while learning real grappling skills.
Trevor Shultz – Black Belt
Coach Trevor Shultz is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt at Black Flag. He leads the 9:30 AM class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, offering a deep understanding of the sport combined with a calm, methodical teaching style.
A Teaching Style Built on Growth
At Black Flag, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” coaching. Our teaching is adaptive and based on the Ecological Dynamics framework. Instead of drilling fixed patterns, our students learn through guided resistance, positional games, and constraint-based learning. This method keeps training fun, effective, and engaging—especially for beginners who want to learn by doing, not memorizing.
No Pressure. All Progress.
One thing our instructors emphasize is progress over perfection. We’re proud to offer a competition team for those who want to test themselves—but there’s zero pressure to compete. Many of our students train simply for fitness, confidence, or fun. Our coaches are here to support you, wherever your goals take you.
Join Us on the Mats
If you’re looking for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Rockford with experienced, passionate instructors who actually care about your development, Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu is the place to be. Come meet our team and experience our unique coaching style for yourself.
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