David Derstine
Head BJJ Coach
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Location:
6 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park, MO 63088
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Experience:
12+ years of BJJ, Judo, and other martial arts.
Telephone:
314-866-4004
More about Dave:
Professor David discovered Jiu-Jitsu through the Modern Army Combatives Program while enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he quickly developed a deep passion for grappling. Martial arts soon became a central part of his life. Following his honorable discharge, he began training under Professor Mike Buckels, earning gold medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Wrestling competition along the way. Now over a decade into his martial arts journey, he continues to train diligently to refine his craft. Today, as a father of three, Professor David is driven by a passion for coaching and mentorship, focused on building strong, disciplined athletes and helping students reach the next level on and off the mats.
Kane Wade
Head Boxing Coach
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Location:
6 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park, MO 63088
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Experience:
10+ years of boxing and other martial arts.
Telephone:
314-866-4004
More about Kane:
Kane Wade is an amateur boxing champion, Coach and Mentor to all his students. After taking a few classes at a local MMA gym years ago… he immediately took to it. His passion for it resulted in him going full time almost immediately. He was either training or teaching all day every day, with side jobs to earn income when classes weren’t being taught. He rose quickly due to his natural talent and love for the sport. While he is proficient in wrestling and grappling, his specialty became striking. As he excelled in MMA striking, many students came to him to grow in their boxing and kickboxing technique. Over time, he has trained dozens of beginners to be able to obtain enough technique to defend themselves on the street. His students have also lost weight, while also becoming faster, stronger, healthier and more balanced. Older students find themselves becoming more flexible and achieving greater balance to avoid injuries and have the tenacity to go through life like those many years younger than themselves. Younger students range from those seeking to become stronger and do something interesting, to those who compete in local fighting competitions. Having spent many years teaching before opening his own school, Kane has learned to help everyone from all levels. Women feel absolutely comfortable training at his gym since they know they can grow in their skills without worrying about injury. New students don’t feel “on the outside” because he has them train on different drills and techniques as they work their way up over time.
Andrew Velasquez
Head Judo Coach
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Location:
6 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park, MO 63088
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Experience:
10+ years of judo and other martial arts.
Telephone:
314-866-4004
More about Andrew:
Coach Andrew is a dedicated martial artist and black belt in Judo who leads our Judo program. With years of experience on the mat, he brings a deep understanding of balance, timing, and high-level throwing mechanics that form the foundation of stand-up grappling. As an active competitor in both Judo and Brazilian JiuJitsu, Coach Andrew doesn’t just teach techniques he tests them in live competition. His continued presence on the competition circuit keeps his coaching sharp, practical, and constantly evolving. Beyond the mats, Andrew is a proud father of three, and that perspective carries into his coaching style. He emphasizes discipline, respect, resilience, and character development just as much as athletic performance. Whether working with kids, hobbyists, or serious competitors, he is committed to helping every student growl.
Scott McKinney
Assistant BJJ Instructor
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Location:
6 Meramec Valley Plaza, Valley Park, MO 63088
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Experience:
7+ years of BJJ, Judo, and other martial arts.
Telephone:
314-866-4004
More about Scott:
Coach Scott first discovered Jiu-Jitsu and grappling through the United States Marine Corps, where Scott was a Recon Marine and combat veteran before being honorably discharged. Years later, Scott started training regularly and immediately found a passion for the sport and the incredible community that surrounds it. Scott began training under Dave Derstine and continues to train with him in addition to his training under other BJJ lineage and academies. Today, Scott is the father of 4, an avid competitor and assists with Jiu Jitsu classes and kids coaching. You will often see Scott at tournaments around the country, competing and coaching our athletes.