Meet Our Coaches
Hamilton Ash
Head Coach
Coach Ham is an active professional MMA fighter who has represented some of the most respected teams in the country, including Gracie Barra Kirkland, Seattle Boxing Gym, and Fight Ready MMA. He is also a professional boxer under Charlie Moreno of Guadalupe Boxing Gym and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Matt Thornton, founder of Straight Blast Gym.
Since beginning his martial arts journey in 2008, Coach Ham has competed internationally and at every level — from local promotions to major organizations such as LFA and Bellator MMA. Along the way, he has built a reputation as both a competitor and an instructor, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to youth and adults since 2014.
Beyond the mats, Coach Ham is deeply rooted in his community. He lives in Maricopa, AZ with his wife and five children, works full-time as a registered nurse, and is advancing his education to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only physical skill and discipline, but also mental resilience.
Blake Young
Fundamentals Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling Coach
Blake Young is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran with a Black Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, earned in 2017. After transitioning from military service, Blake embarked on a new martial arts journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, beginning in May 2021. With experience as a high school wrestling coach, Blake brings a strong background in grappling sports to his teaching. Since February 2024, he has been coaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport while helping students develop confidence, discipline, and technical skill.