BLack Flag Staff
Meet the Coaches
The Black Flag staff is all about the training. No egos. No gimmicks. Just a crew of dedicated coaches who live what they teach, and are here to help you grow.
Owner & Coach
Black Belt
A Rockford native and co-founder of Black Flag, Coach Kenneth brings a lifetime of experience and calm leadership to the mats. Known for his technical precision and ability to build confidence students, Kenneth leads with intention and humility.
Owner & Head Competition Coach
Brown Belt
The engine behind our competition program, Aaron is relentless, sharp, and all-in. He develops cutting edge training methodology based on how the highest level competitors in our sport train. A great coach and a mentor to many on the team.
Head Kids Coach
Purple Belt
Coach Jeff loves teaching kids and helping them build confidence through structure and fun. He leads our kids’ program with care, high standards, and a deep belief in what jiu-jitsu can do for young people. Jeff also competes very regularly, and is a 2X Pan-American adult medalist.
Coach
Black Belt
A technician and tactician, Coach Trevor blends experience with a relaxed approach. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen details, his classes are packed with insight. Trevor is a veteran and trains at Black Flag with his daughter, who is an accomplished blue belt competitor.
Coach
Brown Belt
Judo Black Belt
Coach David not only brings a unique personality to the Black Flag staff, but a great blend of judo and jiu-jitsu. His deep background in takedowns and grips gives students a wealth of knowledge to pull from. His teaching style is both hands-on and highly adaptable.
Coach
Purple Belt
Coach Andrew is a committed practitioner who leads from the front. Known for his precision and attention to detail, he’s a steady presence in our room and a strong guide for students early in their journey. Andrew is a former Marine and a black belt in their combatives program.
Emran Haidary
Wrestling Coach
Afghanistan Wrestling Champion
Blue Belt
Emran brings an elite skillset and high level knowledge to the Black Flag staff. He has competed in a variety of freestyle competitions across the world and is passionate about building the wrestling program at Black Flag.
Bradley Cooper
Wrestling Coach
Blue Belt
3+ years of coaching wrestling
Brad is not only a blue belt in jiu-jitsu, but he is a former US Marine and has been coaching wrestling in the Rockford area for a long time. Bringing a depth of knowledge accumulated during years of wrestling, coaching, and jiu-jitsu.
Kane Vongkingkeo
Assistant Kids Coach
Blue Belt
Kane has been training for quite a long time for both jiu-jitsu and high-school wrestling. He has tested his skill all over the country and is a favorite among the kids class students.
Jack Ivanic
Assistant Kids Coach
Blue Belt
Jack is an integral part of the kids program. Having worked with kids through his past as a college basketball player, Jack does a great job of guiding students through the challenges they’ll face in training.