Steve Haydock
Owner & Jiu Jitsu Head Instructor
Steve is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He started his martial arts training at age 19 with the study of Shorin-Ryu Karate. During this period he saw UFC 1 and was intrigued at the fighting style used by Royce Gracie to defeat all his opponents.
Steve began his BJJ training in 1999 with Dean Taylor, who was a blue belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. This started Steve’s training journey that would take him to the Rickson Gracie Academy in Pacific Pallisades, CA where he would be exposed to the teachings of Rickson and his senior instructors.
Steve continued his training with the association until he was promoted to purple belt by Roberto ‘Risada’ Atalla, Head of the Rio Grappling Club, eventually receiving his Black Belt in 2007. Since then Steve has taught and instructed groups and individuals all over the world including SWAT / LEO teams, military, corporate groups and individual athletes.
Sam Palmer
Owner, Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor, Kids Instructor & Fitness Instructor
Sam is Kokoro’s assistant Jiu Jitsu instructor and lead instructor for the kids program. He has extensive coaching experience in all areas of fitness and multiple athletic disciplines. He is a keen climber and outdoor enthusiast. He holds the rank of Purple Belt in Jiu Jitsu. He is also a CrossFit L2 Trainer.
Natosha Willhite-Haydock
Owner, Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor & Nutrition & Life Coach
Natosha has worked in coaching to some degree for over 2 decades. Starting with youth sports and moving into group fitness and sports programming as a young adult. During that time she obtained a massage therapy license and her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation with an emphasis in Health and Wellness through Missouri State University. Practicing sports massage and recovery with athletes for 14 years while also coaching CrossFit. She has been employed with CrossFit LLC since 2013, traveling around the world to deliver the CF-L1 and CF-L2 Seminars. She holds the L-3 Certified CrossFit Trainer credentials. During her time with CrossFit she pursued further education in Nutrition. She holds the PN-L1 Certification as well as CF Nutrition. She is a certified Wellness Life Coach thorugh the International Coach Federation.
Working with all types of individuals on mindset, performance and healthy habits to help them elevate their health. Her passion is coaching and helping others succeed in becoming the best version of themselves!
Luke Shepard
Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor (Striking / MMA)
Luke brings over a decade of MMA experience to the team. He began his training and fight career at the world famous Team Quest in Portland, OR. Luke has competed in MMA and Kickboxing as an amateur and a professional. He is the former XCF Welterweight Champion and holds a Brown Belt in Jiu Jitsu under Steve Haydock. Whether you are training for self defense or to compete in the cage Luke can help you combine the striking and grappling arts and achieve your goals.
Eric Hudkins
Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Eric is a Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt under Steve Haydock and was Steve’s first student in the US. He enjoy climbing, mountain biking and wake boarding during the Summer.
Chad Smith
Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Chad is a Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt under Steve Haydock and has been training Jiu Jitsu with Steve for the last 6 years. He started his Jiu Jitsu journey tracing at a Royce Gracie school called Contender MMA in Dubai. He joined the US Marines in 2002 and served in Iraq in 2004 as a Heavy Machine Gunner on a CAAT Team. He is a former Military Weapons Instructor. Chad recently received his Masters Degree from Missouri State University in Health Administration. He also competes in USPSA Pistol Shooting on Team 1791.
Jarid Bowers
Adult Jiu Jitsu Instructor
Jarid is a Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt under Steve Haydock. Jarid ‘Goldfish’ Bowers began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2014 with Sean Bollinger (10th Planet Jiu Jitsu). He has competed in several events including the AGF, NAGA and FUJI. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys competitive bushcraft survival events.