Train With Experts
MEET OUR MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS
Matt Thornton
Founder of SBG International, Master Instructor
Matt Thornton was the first person from the State of Oregon to receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Over the decades Matt has worked with some of the best MMA fighters, grapplers and combat athletes in the world.
Salóme Ás Thornton
Yoga Instructor, Co Owner of SBG Portland
I’ve dabbled in BJJ since 2005, where I first met my husband Matt Thornton in Iceland for a seminar. I have practiced Yoga since I was 10 years old, so 23 years now. I became a certified teacher in 2010 and started Primate Yoga ~ Practical Practice. My approach to teaching is informative, playful and challenging. My goal is to give people tools to take care of their bodies, motivate them to work hard and not be afraid to fail.
Rick Davison
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and Boxing Coach
Rick Davison started with SBG in 1998. Rick has divided his time between competing for MMA and teaching on regular basis. Rick’s MMA classes are always well received due in part to high level of individual attention he gives his students.
Chris Stearns
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Chris Stearns joined SBG Portland in winter of 2005. He started coaching his first beginner classes as a blue belt in 2007. At purple belt Chris achieved a bronze medal at the 2012 Pan Ams and was a quarter finalist at the World Championships. He enjoys teaching to both beginners and experienced students a like while focusing on clear presentation and explanation.
John Diggins
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
John began training at SBG Portland in 2003. He has gone on to win multiple gold medals and first-place finishes in both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions, as well as having several MMA fights.
Cane Prevost
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Cane Prevost is widely considered one of Portland’s top coaches. His ability to break down BJJ to it’s core fundamentals and impart that to his students is second to none. Cane’s teaching model has been adopted by SBG organizations worldwide.
Mark Fisher
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Mark started training in 2005 and followed to join the SBG Portland headquarters in 2014. He was certified as an instructor twice: once around 2012 and once in 2015 in Portland. He is a teacher by trade and brings a lot of his ideas about teaching from the classroom and especially from the laboratory onto the mat.
Brian Walsh
Head Boxing Coach
Brian received his SBGi Instructors certificate in 2007 and is a regular feature at the Portland Gym. As head stand up Coach for the MMA team Brian’s lifetime of boxing knowledge is put to good use by Portland’s competitors. In addition to working with the team, Brian can often be found helping regular students daily at the Gym.
Zach Thornton
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA Coach
Coach Zach Thornton started training based on SBG videos back in 2002, while his training officially started in 2011. He is coaching at the SBG HQ since 2012 and has graduated SBGI’s first ever ITP level 1 and ITP level 2.
Justin Abbot
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Striking Coach
Justin Abbott started training at SBG in 2010. Justin coaches both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Striking classes with a focus on the fundamental principals of the art.
Destiny Abbot
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Destiny Abbott started training in spring of 2012. She received her first coaching certification from SBG in May of 2014 and the advanced certification in 2016. Coach Destiny focuses on fundamentals and functional movements as she enjoys the process of discovery and sharing that with her students.
Ella Prevost
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Ella Prevost is SBG Portland’s youngest coach. She teaches kids and teens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with an emphasis on self defense and fundamentals. Coach Ella employs adaptive coaching methods to base her classes on her students’ needs.
Eddie Ziegler
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA Coach
Coach Eddie started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2010, and MMA shortly after. He’s an avid competitor and enjoys teaching both adults and children.