Head Instructor  - Lou  C.

Coach Lou is a seasoned martial artist with a lifelong dedication to the craft. Starting his journey in Shorie Ryu Karate as a teenager, he expanded his skill set with Boxing and Muay-Thai at Global Fighting Legion in San Diego, CA. His passion for grappling began when Martin Sanchez, a Joe Moreira Black Belt, introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Coach Lou trained under Leticia Ribeiro at Gracie Humaita South Bay before returning to Illinois to continue his journey.

Now a Black Belt under Carlos Archila at CheckMat Lake County, Coach Lou has honed his technical skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's art and philosophy.

Coach Lou's teaching credentials include serving as the head instructor for the Kids Program and assistant instructor for Adults at Lake County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His passion lies in helping students unlock their potential through his wealth of experience and a personalized teaching approach.

Beyond martial arts, Coach Lou's diverse background sets him apart. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he also holds a degree in Computer Science. This blend of discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability shapes his coaching style, allowing him to connect with students on a personal level. Coach Lou understands that every student learns differently and takes the time to tailor his guidance to their individual needs, fostering growth both on and off the mat.

Operations Manager -  Sharla C.

Sharla's passion for martial arts was ignited at an early age, inspired by her father's dedication to Kenpo Karate and her family's involvement in disciplines like Judo and Aikido. Her childhood was steeped in martial arts culture, from practicing Aikido to bonding over martial arts movies, sumo wrestling, and UFC matches with her father.

Sharla's journey into martial arts has always been a family affair. Her siblings are accomplished in Judo, with one earning a brown belt and the other achieving a black belt. These experiences not only enriched her upbringing but also motivated her to introduce her own children to the transformative power of martial arts.

In recent years, Sharla has gained valuable experience working at Lake County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This time has allowed her to develop a well-rounded perspective on the martial arts industry and hone her unique, student-centered approach. She believes in tailoring her guidance to meet the specific needs of each student, fostering an environment of growth and personal achievement.

For Sharla, martial arts are more than a physical practice—they’re a way of life. She champions self-discipline, respect, and a sense of community as core values that martial arts instill in every practitioner.

Student Helpers

This talented trio of siblings has been immersed in martial arts since an early age, training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. Whether perfecting new techniques or simply enjoying time on the mats, Anthony, Kiana, and Matthew live and breathe martial arts.

Despite their youth, they have amassed an impressive wealth of knowledge and experience. Anthony and Matthew have expanded their expertise through wrestling, adding another layer of skill and strategy to their already formidable repertoire. Kiana, too, brings a unique perspective, blending her dedication to Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai with a natural aptitude for teaching and inspiring others.

What truly sets them apart, however, is their passion and enthusiasm. They embody the values of dedication, discipline, and perseverance at the heart of martial arts philosophy, making them exceptional role models for peers and newcomers alike.

Their passion is infectious, and their willingness to share their expertise makes them invaluable resources. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or need help grasping a new move, don't hesitate to approach Anthony, Kiana, or Matthew—they're always eager to help others improve and grow.