The Team

Who We Are.

World-class Black Belt instructors. Over a decade building champions, confident kids, and a community that trains like family.

Our Story

Built From
The Mat Up.

Proving Grounds was founded with one purpose: to build the best martial arts academy in Macomb County. Over 10 years later, we've done exactly that — and then some.

Our 6,000 square foot facility in Shelby Township houses world-class training areas for BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA. From the mats to the bag work, every inch is built for serious training.

We're home to Michigan's first Black Belt World Champion and a team that competes at the highest levels nationally and internationally — while never losing sight of what matters most: creating an environment where everyone, at every level, can grow.

Black-and-white photo of BJJ students kneeling in a line on the mats facing the Proving Grounds Jiu Jitsu wall.
Competition

We Show Up
for Our Students.

From local tournaments to major events, our team competes with heart — and celebrates every podium and hard-earned win together.

Three young grapplers together on the first-place podium at a Grappling Industries tournament.
Youth team · Grappling Industries
Referee raises the arm of a black belt competitor after a BJJ match.
Black belt competition
Instructors

Led by
Black Belts.

Every instructor at Proving Grounds is a credentialed, experienced Black Belt who is as invested in your progress as you are. They compete. They coach. They care.

PG

Head Instructor

BJJ Black Belt

Founder and head BJJ coach at Proving Grounds. Over a decade of competition experience at the national and international level, including championship-level results.

MT

Muay Thai Coach

Muay Thai Instructor

Veteran Muay Thai competitor and instructor bringing authentic Thai boxing technique and conditioning principles to every class.

BB

BJJ Instructor

BJJ Black Belt

Specializes in the kids program and adult fundamentals. Passionate about building confidence and life skills through Jiu Jitsu.

KI

Kids Instructor

BJJ Brown Belt

Dedicated to developing young athletes through structured, safe, and exciting martial arts training. Competition coach for the junior team.

MMA

MMA Coach

Professional Fighter

Active professional MMA competitor who brings real fight experience to the gym. Trains and prepares Proving Grounds' amateur and pro fighters.

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Join the Team

Interested in coaching or assisting at Proving Grounds? We're always looking for passionate martial artists.

Get in Touch
Wide view of the Proving Grounds training floor with students rolling and striking bags in the background.
The Facility

6,000 Square Feet
of Serious Training.

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BJJ Mats

Full competition-spec mats for grappling, sparring, and drilling.

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Bag Area

Heavy bags, Thai pads, and striking equipment for all disciplines.

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Strength Area

Conditioning and functional strength tools to support your training.

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Locker Rooms

Clean changing facilities so you can go straight from work to the mats.

Come Train With Us

Meet the team in person.