Rodney Hefington
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Primary Instructor
Background
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Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Peter Sutton, certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation and the Sport Jiu-jitsu International Federation.
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6th degree black belt in Taekwondo under Grandmaster Young Min You, certified by Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo Federation, and USA Taekwondo.
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6th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate under Rod Hefington (father), certified by USA Karate.
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1st degree black belt in Shorinji Zendo-ryu Karate under Prof. Phillip Skornia (deceased), certified by Zendokai and the All Japan Karate Association.
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1st degree black belt in Aiki Okami Jiu-jitsu under Aaron Raynor.
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Awarded 1st Degree in BJJ by Pete Sutton (2022)
Fights / Competitions
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Competed in more than 200 BJJ, Taekwondo, and Karate competitions. Won some, lost some, and learned a lot.
Additional Training
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Defensive Tactics Instructor certification from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
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Uchi-deshi of Aiki Okami Jiu-jitsu under Christopher Knepper (resigned in 2007).
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Certifications under BASH Combatives from Dave Warloe (international man of mystery); this included training in Filipino Martial Arts, Boxing, and BJJ.
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Force-on-force certification from Gabe Suarez, certified by Suarez International.
Certifications
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CPR, first aid and AED Certified
Seminars & Coaches
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Josh Barnett (MMA/BJJ)
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Travis Newaza (BJJ)
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Josh Leduc (BJJ)
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Jordan Holy (BJJ)
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Doris Köhler (Kickboxing/Boxing)
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Chong Lee (Taekwondo)
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Young Wha You (Taekwondo)
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Young San You (Taekwondo)
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Young Jin You (Taekwondo)
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Nick King (Tang Soo Do)
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Bill “Superfoot” Wallace (Karate/Kickboxing)
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Kwon Sung Choi (Taekwondo)
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Roman Sendor (Taekwondo)
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Damon Broadbent (Wrestling)
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Ruben Ortiz (Wrestling)
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Kalin Goodsite (Wrestling)
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Thomas “Gong Fu Dog” Holtmann (BJJ/FMA)
Education
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Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
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Currently pursuing Juris Doctor degree, class of 2025
Other
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Full-time law enforcement since 2007 with Advanced Certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
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2011 Vet World Motocross Champion
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Off-road enthusiast
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Experienced SCUBA diver with Advanced certification through NAUI
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Avid hiker / backpacker / rock climber