Experienced Instructors

Learn from experienced instructors in a controlled environment.

Jiu Jitsu Instructors

Toney Waldecker

Toney Waldecker

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Head Instructor

6th degree Black Belt

Dwayne Bowie

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Head Instructor

Co-Owner Kogen Dojo

Black Belt

Kids & Adult Classes

Isaac Haertel

Head Instructor, Black Belt, 1st Responder - Adult Classes

A 2nd-degree Black Belt in grappling arts based in Annapolis with almost 30 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my life to Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and some cross-training in Muay Thai. When Matt, Rob, and Bowie decided to open the academy, I asked to be part of it because I wanted to help build something special—an environment that is both welcoming and committed to a high level of technical proficiency. Outside the gym, I work in the fire department, serving my community.

Steve Lord

Black Belt - Kids, Teens & Adult Instructor

Douglas Wasson

Black Belt - Kids & Adult Classes

A Black Belt based in Annapolis with 17 years of training experience, I was one of the original instructors who helped open Kogen years ago and have remained committed to the vision we set from the beginning. Bowie, Matt, and Rob (DMR) have done an outstanding job building the program, and I’m proud to be part of Kogen. My martial arts background began in Tae Kwon Do, and outside the gym I work in distribution and management.

Christian Hipsky

Black Belt - Adult Classes

A Maryland resident for the past 27 years, I have been training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since 2007 and am passionate about teaching and sharing the art with others. Outside the academy, I serve full-time as the pastor of a local church in Davidsonville.

Robert Van Valkenburgh

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Brown Belt

Kids & Adult Classes

Co-Owner Kogen Dojo

Drew Marino

Brown Belt Instructor - Adult Classes

A Purple Belt from Arnold with 11 years of training experience, I value the strong culture at the gym and appreciate the balance of support and healthy competition. I boxed when I was younger and currently train in the Street Smart Survival Academy system under Phil Whitelock. Outside of training, I am self-employed with a primary focus on construction equipment sales.

Shaun Bogan

Purple Belt - Kids Classes

A Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Pasadena with over 10 years of training experience (since 2014), my journey has had a few interruptions due to life events, but I’ve stayed committed to the art throughout. I started BJJ at 34 as my first martial art, and it has become a major part of my life. I value Kogen’s clean, welcoming atmosphere, the long-standing friendships I’ve built on the mats, and the diverse coaching styles that offer multiple solutions to any challenge.

Outside of training, I work in information technology as a lead solution architect and delivery manager, overseeing a team of engineers and architects to design and deploy complex technology solutions for clients in government, education, and commercial sectors nationwide.

David W. Clark Jr

Brown Belt - Kids & Adult Classes

A Purple Belt based in Annapolis with over 10 years of training experience, I originally joined Kogen because of its convenient location but stayed because of the strong family-like environment. I’ve been trusted to help with classes and given opportunities to grow my skills on both sides of training, and I’m grateful to be part of the team. My martial arts background includes karate in elementary school and wrestling through middle and high school. Outside the gym, I work as a video specialist for live events.

Jericha Mchugh

Purple Belt, Kids & Adult Classes, Head Instructor Women’s Only Classes

A 4th-degree Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Buffalo with 4 years of training experience, I was looking for a family-friendly environment and found a place that feels like home, where everyone is welcoming. I currently train in Jiu-Jitsu and have also done some kickboxing. Outside the gym, I am self-employed as a mobile dog groomer with Jericha’s Grooming Saloon.

Tim Gramiccioni

Purple Belt - Kids & Adult Classes

Donny Dove

Purple Belt - Kids & Adult Classes

Connie Van Valkenburgh

Blue Belt Instructor

Kids & Adult Classes

Women’s Only Instructor

Maurice “Mo” Taylor

Blue Belt Assistant Instructor - Kids Classes

A Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Baltimore with 2 years of training experience, I appreciate the fun, friendly, and clean training environment. The coaches are very patient with everyone, including kids, and always encourage each person to do their best regardless of skill level.

Ron Williamsan

Blue Belt Instructor - Kids Classes

A Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Baltimore with 2.5 years of training experience, I appreciate the gym’s strong branding, positive community environment, and the influence of Steve Lord. My background also includes Muay Thai. Outside of training, I work as a radio frequency technician in the broadcast TV and streaming industry.

Eddie Porto

Blue Belt Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Originally from Brazil, I have been training for five years and value the strong sense of respect and connection within the martial arts community, where people treat each other like family. I also trained in MMA beginning in 2017, adding to my experience and passion for combat sports.

Brandon Sore

Blue Belt - Assistant Instructor Kids Classes

Based in Maryland, I have been training for 5 years and previously practiced Taekwondo, building a strong foundation in martial arts discipline and technique.

Justin Sore

Blue Belt - Assistant Instructor Kids Classes

Based in Maryland, I have been training for 5 years and previously practiced Taekwondo, building a strong foundation in martial arts discipline and technique.

Sean Wood

White Belt, Assistant Instructor - Kids Classes

Mauy Thai Instructors

Matthew Van Valkenburgh

Brown Belt & Muay Thai Head Instructor

Kids & Adult Classes

Co-Owner Kogen Dojo

Tommie Parker

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Based in Baltimore, I have been training in martial arts since the age of eight, with over 10 years of experience in Muay Thai and kickboxing. I began with karate at a young age before transitioning into boxing and MMA during high school, eventually focusing on kickboxing and Muay Thai after graduation. I have worked as a full-time Muay Thai instructor for over six years and also serve as a ministry leader at Antioch the Apostolic Church.

Joseph Sanderson

Pro Fighter, Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

A martial artist and professional fighter based in Pittsburgh with 9 years of experience, I train in Muay Thai and compete at a professional level. I value the strong atmosphere created by the quality of individuals on the team, which makes the gym welcoming and effective for both beginners and seasoned fighters alike.

Joseph Grobani

Pro Fighter, Muay Thai Instructor - Adults Classes

Glen Brumwell

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Drew Trachy

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Based in Annapolis, I have trained in Muay Thai for 5 years and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about 10 years. Alongside my passion for martial arts, I work in Central Sterile Processing at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Kouhei Craft

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Originally from Yamato, I am an instructor and fighter with four years of training experience. I value our family-friendly atmosphere and believe that while we may not be the biggest gym, we have incredible talent. I trained in Judo while living in Japan from ages 3 to 14, which built the foundation for my martial arts journey. Outside the gym, I’m currently a stay-at-home dad and also refurbish and resell RC planes and cars.

Aaron White

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids Classes

Jake Darr

Muay Thai Instructor - Adult Classes

Collin Richardson

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids Classes

Chelsea Tucker

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Based in Annapolis with 9 years of training experience, I love the enthusiastic and respectful culture at Kogen, where every class is both fun and supportive. The coaches always go out of their way to make new students feel welcome and included. My background includes Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling, and I also work at the gym as a front desk associate and youth Muay Thai coach.

Carin Regina

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids & Adult Classes

Anne Grushecky

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids Classes

A Muay Thai instructor based in Pittsburgh with 4 years of experience, I’m proud to be part of a team that shares the art of Muay Thai with unmatched energy. Our instructors strive to help every student reach their potential each day in a fun, supportive training environment.

Natalia Trombley

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids Classes

Fatimah Jasim

Muay Thai Instructor - Kids Classes

Based in Severna Park with 6 years of training experience, I appreciate everything about the gym—especially the kind, caring, and hard-working people who make up the community. I currently train in Muay Thai and previously practiced Jiu-Jitsu. Outside of training, I work as a kids Muay Thai coach.