YOUR COACHES
SBG Idaho offers world class martial arts instruction across numerous disciplines with over 80 years combined experience! All of our coaches have passed the SBG Coaches Course certification in order to bring you the best possible training experience.
SBG began over twenty years ago, when its founder, Matt Thornton, opened the first location in Portland Oregon. His goal was to create a university of fighting, where the truth of what does and does not work could be explored – an academy where ‘best practices’ could develop – where form would follow function. Our coaches strive to follow this dream. We welcome you to come join the SBG Idaho Tribe and experience it for yourself!
SCOTT THOMETZ
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / MMA]
Scott has over 24 years of amateur wrestling experience. In high school, Scott was a 3x Idaho State High School Runner-Up for Borah High School in Boise, ID, and was a High School All-American. Upon graduation, Scott attended Boise State University on a wrestling scholarship. Following his collegiate wrestling career, Scott entered the United States Army where he became an Army Ranger, serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan and another in Iraq. While in the military, Scott discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and quickly developed a passion for it. Scott now has over 10 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience and was awarded his black belt by SBG President, Matt Thornton, in 2016. Scott has the distinction of being the first black belt at SBG Idaho. Scott is also a professional Mixed Martial Artist, sporting a professional record of 11-6, with 5 wins by submission and 2 by T(KO).
Jesse Brock
[MMA / Wrestling / Muay Thai]
Jesse Brock started wrestling at the age of 8. As a youth, he won numerous state wrestling championships. Jesse continued wrestling into high school and was a 2X Alaska State High School wrestling champion. He was also a 2X Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American and a Cadet National Freestyle Runner-Up. Following his successful high school wrestling career, Brock accepted a scholarship to Boise State University where he became a 2x PAC-10 Conference Champion, 1x PAC-10 Conference Runner-up, 3x NCAA National Championships Qualifier. After college Brock attempted to break into the Olympic wrestling circuit before discovering Mixed Martial Arts. Brock now trains solely for MMA where he is the current Sportfight and Front Street Fights Bantamweight Champion and has compiled a 23-9 professional and 1-0 amateur MMA record. He is currently a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under SBG President, Matt Thornton.
JAKE MARTINEZ
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ]
My Jiu-Jitsu journey started at Xtreme Couture in Vancouver, WA in 2007. Walking into that gym was both terrifying and exciting. Out of shape and never having played sports, I wanted to quit 10 minutes into my first class. Feeling that I had made a terrible mistake and was ready to walk off the mat, I was given a promise from my instructor “come in every day for 30 days and you’ll never quit”. It made me angry, so angry, that I showed up to every class just to show him that I didn’t want this and that I wasn’t going to renew my contract. After a few weeks my anger faded, the workouts got easier, and 30 days later I signed a 1-year contract. The next few years would be spent rolling 7 days a week gi and no-gi, wrestling, going from 290lbs to 220lbs, and competing around the northwest with my first coach and BJJ black belt Chris Dealy.
No matter how small or weak you think you are, you can train Jiu-Jitsu with consistency and patience.
Paul Sharp
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Judo]
Paul began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the ’90s and received his black belt on March 25, 2015. He has been recognized as an instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do Concepts. Paul has been coaching and training folks from all over the world since 1999 as a member of SBG International, the Shivworks Collective, and as a staff instructor at The Site Firearms and Tactics Training Center. Paul has had the opportunity to compete in MMA, Boxing, Kickboxing, Judo, and Wrestling. These competitive experiences as well as real-life experiences have informed how and what he coaches. To learn more about Paul’s training routines follow him on Instagram at @paul_sharp_sbg
FREDDY ARTEAGA
[Boxing / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Freddy Arteaga graduated from Minico High School where he wrestled for 3 years. Following graduation from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corp, where he completed a successful tour of duty in Iraq. The USMC is where Freddy started his combat training. Freddy was an Armed Forces Pankration Invitational Runner-Up. His MMA record is currently 7-7 (professional) and 7-3 (amateur), with 3 sub 10-second knockout victories to his credit. Freddy also currently holds the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he was awarded by SBG President, Matt Thornton in 2018.
VETA ARTEAGA
[Kids MMA / Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
A Minico High School graduate, Veta began her martial arts training in 2008 and fell in love with the training. She began competing in grappling competition, winning titles in the Northwest Submission Challenge and earning medals in NAGA Utah and Grappler’s Quest. Veta is currently under contract with Bellator and is a former flyweight title challenger. She holds a professional MMA record of 7-5 and an amateur record of 4-1. In 2022 Veta earned her Black Belt in BJJ! Outside of the gym, Veta is a student at Boise State as well as the College of Western Idaho and full-time employee of the Head Start Administration in Boise. The younger sister of three older brothers (her older brother, Freddy Arteaga, is also a trainer), Veta is very much a “typical” girl, who loves to shop and dress up for nights out with her friends. She is a very outgoing person, who loves to spend time with her family and those that have a positive influence on her life.
STEPHANIE HERNANDEZ
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
In need of a competitive outlet, Stephanie Hernandez began training boxing and Muay Thai at SBG Idaho in 2009 at the age of 16. Three years later she began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Coach Bill Pate. In 2013 Stephanie made her mixed martial arts debut. Since that time Stephanie has become a professional mixed martial artist with a record of 3-1, and received her Black Belt in BJJ in 2022. Stephanie finds happiness in helping others along their martial arts journey. In her spare time she enjoys baking, art, and training her dog, Lock.
JESSICA SEGALI
[Fight Fit / Strength & Conditioning]
My name is Jessica Segali and I coach Strength & Conditioning at SBG Idaho. Shortly after enrolling my boys in the Growing Gorillas program in 2016, I began training my own fitness journey, training with Coach Holly. In 2018, I began teaching at SBG Idaho myself after receiving my Suples Level 1 Certification and passing the SBG Level 1 Coaches Course. Over time, SBG Idaho has become my comfort zone, where I am surrounded by people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. From children to doctors, to the checker at your local grocery store, we step in the gym label-free and there is a community being built. That is why I love coaching at SBG Idaho. I love being a part of something that positively influences others. My fitness journey outside of the gym includes recreational sports like volleyball and hiking outdoors!
NOAH SHULTZ
[Kids MMA / Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Noah started training at 12 years old, doing the kids Jiu Jitsu and kids MMA classes at SBG Idaho. He moved to Washington when he was 14 and started training at Team Quest for the next two years working his stand up and competing in many Jiu Jitsu tournaments. He moved back to Idaho after two years in Washington and immediately started training at SBG Idaho again. Noah was awarded his blue belt in Jiu Jitsu when he was 16 and received his brown belt in 2021. Noah is a NAGA teen champion, and was awarded fastest tap at the 2014 Oregon Open with a 15 second guillotine choke. He started wrestling in high school, sports an amateur MMA record of 5-4, and an amateur boxing record of 1-0.
KAI CHANTAVONG
[Boxing / Muay Thai]
Born in Nongkhai, Thailand, but raised in Iowa City, IA, Kai began training martial arts at 15 years old after inspiration from an assistant wrestling coach. Coach Schinowski wheeled in a TV after wrestling practice one day to show a video of his recent fight, and immediately Kai was intrigued. He began training shortly after at the famed Militech Fighting Systems gym in Iowa City. After high school, Kai joined the United States Air Force, which afforded him the opportunity to train with people all over the world. After his military service was complete, Kai settled in Boise, Idaho. A veteran of several MMA and kickboxing bouts as well as a purple belt in BJJ, Kai enjoys teaching and passing on his martial arts knowledge because of the confidence it instills. When not training, Kai enjoys fishing and fixing up old cars
Andrew Cruz
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Andrew “HURRICANE” Cruz graduated from American Falls High School, where he wrestled for 3 years. His team won two back-to-back Team State Championships while he was there. At the age of 18, Andrew enlisted in the Idaho Army National Guard. At the age of 19, he was deployed to Iraq. While In Iraq, Andrew joined an MMA club that would train late at night after missions, enabling him to obtain his level 2 Army Combative Certification. Upon returning home from his first deployment in 2011, he began his MMA journey. In 2013, Andrew moved to Boise, and began training at SBG Idaho, while simultaneously attending classes at Boise State University. Andrew would later graduate from BSU with his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Andrew had a successful amateur MMA Career, with a record of 9-6. This success gave him the drive he needed to further his career and make the move from amateur to professional in 2015. As a professional, Andrew has taken on multiple UFC veterans, fought on Dana White's "Looking for a Fight" series, fought in King of the Cage, and has wins in both Bellator and LFA. Andrew is the current defending Front Street Fights Featherweight Champion. His Professional record is 9-5, with a 100% finish rate: 8 by submission, 1 by TKO. Andrew went on a second deployment to Syria as a Bradley Commander from 2021-2022. During this time, he worked hard to establish a BJJ/boxing club on a remote base in Northern Syria, where he also instructed. Andrew hoped that his club would inspire others to start their journey in martial arts, just as he was inspired during his first deployment. Upon returning home in 2023, Andrew was awarded his Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Andrew firmly believes Jiu Jitsu can help others, especially soldiers who are looking for community and trying to overcome stress or trauma. It is a beautiful sport that people can practice for the rest of their lives. One of the things he enjoys about coaching is sharing martial arts with others and watching it help them the same way it helped him.
Chuck Page
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Hey guys my name is Chuck Page. I’m an SBG black belt, jiu jitsu coach, and competition team captain at SBG Idaho. I’ve trained jiu jitsu at SBG Idaho for 8 years and have trained in Muay Thai at SBG Idaho for over 10 years. One of my passions is competing in grappling tournaments. Unless I’m injured, you’ll find me on the mat at every local tournament. My goal is to travel more to compete in bigger tournaments. In 2021 I travelled to Las Vegas to compete against the best brown belts in the world at IBJJF Masters Worlds, less than 2 months after earning my brown belt. Outside the gym I’m a huge book nerd. Like actual books, not this audible stuff. I love going to Barnes and Noble and have spent a small fortune there. I’m a history buff and source of all sorts of useless information. I’m also a firearms collector/enthusiast.
Jakob Flores
[Kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
I began my training journey to build confidence and continue pursuing athletic challenges. With a background in wrestling that started when I was 8, transitioning into Brazilian jiu jitsu felt like a natural progression. The sport allowed me to stay engaged in a competitive environment while pushing myself to master new techniques. After nearly six years of training, I've earned my purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, and the journey has been one of continuous growth, both physically and mentally. The discipline and resilience I developed through wrestling have carried over, but jiu jitsu has taught me the value of patience and incremental progress. Coaching has become an incredibly fulfilling part of this experience. There's nothing quite like witnessing someone achieve what they once thought was out of reach, or seeing the spark of understanding when the pieces finally come together. Helping others grow and reach their goals is what motivates me every day, and being part of their journey is a reward in itself.
Jessica Kauffman
[Fight Fit / Strength & Conditioning]
Hi, I'm Jessica! Three years ago, I began a transformative journey into mixed martial arts. I soon found jiu-jitsu particularly fascinating and wanted to know more. Since I began training at SBG Idaho I've learned so much, and recently earned my blue belt!
I also decided to dive into the world of physical fitness and nutrition. I attained my personal training and nutrition coaching certifications, and now I help coach our Fight Fit program. I'm thrilled to continue my martial arts journey by empowering others and helping them reach their goals!
Stephen Stirewalt
[Boxing]
Stephen began his martial arts journey at the young age of 5, when his parents enrolled him at the Karate Tech school in Ramstein, Germany, as a means of general self defense. Being part of a military family, he never had the chance to stick with any one particular school for long, but continued to train and compete in more traditional forms of martial arts (i.e. Karate, Kajukenbo, etc.) for a good chunk of his young life all over the world! In June 2012, upon graduating high school in Mountain Home, Idaho, and having followed the UFC and the sport of MMA a number of years, decided it was something he wanted to try. After researching gyms in the nearby city of Boise, he decided to begin his MMA journey at Combat Fitness (now known as SBG Idaho)! 5 months later, in November 2012, Stephen had his first Kickboxing bout and won by split decision. He has been hooked ever since! Stephen currently holds the rank of Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, fights professionally in MMA (Pro debut May 2018), and teaches the foundations boxing class in the evenings.
Charyl Rush
[Kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
I'm an Idaho native and lifelong athlete. I began my martial arts journey with SBG Idaho in 2017, earning my blue belt in 2019, and purple belt in 2021. I enjoy BJJ competition and just recently had my first MMA fight! I love sharing my passion and connecting with people through the medium of martial arts. Watching students progress and find the joy that comes from training is incredibly fulfilling! Outside of the gym you can find me dancing, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends while enjoying great food!
Rebecca Rogers
[Muay Thai / Boxing]
Rebecca Rogers has been training martial arts since 2015. She first started with a cardio kickboxing class that really began to pique her interest in Muay Thai. She found the cardio bag class to be a fun way to work out, however, she soon desired more technical training. This prompted her to reach out to SBG Idaho, where she began training Muay Thai and fell in love with the art. She then began boxing, and is now dedicating a substantial amount of her time to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Rebecca has also recently transitioned into coaching, where she assists Foundations Muay Thai and boxing classes, and has been thoroughly enjoying it. She loves sharing her knowledge with others who bravely choose to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. When Rebecca's not in the gym training, you'll find her in a coffee shop drinking an Americano or at home in her small makeshift studio designing jewelry.
Jo Guinness
[Muay Thai / Boxing]
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Jo Guinness is no stranger to fighting. A veteran of the underground punk scene and a retired officer in a motorcycle club, violence became routine. After witnessing the murder of his best friend, the stress, frustration, and anger would eventually become crippling. Moving to St Louis shortly after, a change became inevitable and necessary. Jo decided that he needed an outlet and found himself signing up at the local boxing club. While boxing, Jo would also begin training Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; earning his blue belt from Royler Gracie. After years in Missouri, Jo would relocate to Virginia where he would continue his Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu training. While training out of The House of Muay Thai in Norfolk, VA and competing in over 20 unsanctioned amateur fights, Jo was booked to compete on a national level in 2020, but COVID-19 cancelled the event. Jo has assisted both as a coach and a training partner in training camps for UFC, Bellator, LFA, IKF, WKA, and Invicta competitors and champions. Jo now finds himself in the Gem State with his wife, Marina and son, Oliver, and is thrilled to show the world that Straight Blast Gym has more than just incredible jiu jitsu.
Brian Robertson
[Kid's MMA / Kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
My martial arts journey began with junior high and high school wrestling. About 10 years ago I began training at SBG Idaho after enrolling my son in their youth martial arts program. At the time, my focus was mainly on boxing and Muay Thai as a means to get back in shape and have a shared activity with my son. I promptly lost 20 lbs in my first two weeks! After a year of training I switched my focus to BJJ and MMA. I immediately fell in love with BJJ and wanted to spend as much time on the mats as possible. As I moved my way up the ladder at work, the additional freedom allowed me to spend even more time training, and I eventually earned my BJJ Blue Belt. I also now have two children enrolled in Kids BJJ and MMA. I started coaching by volunteering to help out with kids classes. Having some experience with coaching kids wrestling when I was in high school was helpful. After a couple months of volunteering, I realized I was passionate about working with kids. The fact that I got to share the mat with my own children while watching them learn and grow was a huge bonus! Coach Veta suggested I take the SBG Coaches Course, which ended up being one of the best decisions of my adult life. I find coaching incredibly rewarding and look forward to it every week!
Stephanie Basabe
[Kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Hello, my name is Stephanie Basabe. I began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at SBG Idaho in 2016, and became passionate about it very quickly. I received my blue belt in the summer of 2018, and my purple belt in early 2022 at SBG Idaho. I began assisting our Growing Gorillas martial arts program shortly after. Outside of training BJJ, I spent 16 years as a professional chef in various restaurants across five different states. My kitchen experience taught me how to learn complex processes, how to stay organized, and how to perform under pressure; all of which have been very helpful and applicable to my martial arts training. My other hobbies/interests include: snowboarding, fishing, watching old movies, and of course, enjoying good food! Most importantly, I am a wife and the mother of two rambunctious little boys. BJJ training has become central to our family life, and SBG Idaho has become a second home for us.
Holland Ahern
[Judo]
Holland has been a competitive martial artist since the age of 10. He holds black belt ranking in 3 separate martial art systems (Tang Soo Do, Kempo, and MCMAP), full instructor certification in Krav Maga, and a purple belt in Judo. He is also a fully certified Israeli tactical knife fighting instructor, and an Israeli counter terror technique and active shooter defense instructor. Holland has been competing in martial arts for over a decade, and came 2nd place in sparring at the international Tang Soo Do Championships in 2007. He is also an amateur MMA fighter, boxer, and kickboxer, and has competed all over New England in states that include CT, NH, MA, and RI. Holland has also competed in Judo and submission grappling. Some of the organizations he has fought for are Reality Fighting, the USBA (United States Boxing Association), Wishers Kickboxing, Premier Fighting Championships, NAGA (North American Grappling Association), and the USJF (United States Judo Federation).
Holland is a Marine Corps Veteran, and spent 6 years as a Motor Transport Operator (MOS 3531). He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and returned in 2012. He was billeted as a turret gunner, operator, and vehicle commander and was responsible for the safe facilitation of convoy assets to friendly areas of operation. He was honorably discharged in 2015 at the rank of E-5 (Sergeant).
Hunter Edwards
[Muay Thai]
Born in Eagle, Idaho, Hunter began his martial arts training in 2019. Initially signing up to gain confidence, Hunter quickly developed a love and passion for Muay Thai. Hunter competed for the first time and won in February 2022 at Mountain Force Kickboxing. Hunter continues to show he has the skills and the heart to be a champion. Recently completing his coaching training through SBG, Hunter is excited for this next chapter in his story and looks forward to creating future champions on the mats at SBG Idaho. Hunter loves coaching because it makes him feel like he’s really helping others learn how to be confident in themselves. Outside of the gym Hunter spends most of his time with his wife Abbygail, and their two daughters, Everlee and Scarlett.
Malachi Sotelo
[Boxing / Muay Thai]
Born in East LA, raised in the 209, Malachi found sports to follow a healthy lifestyle. As a kid, Malachi was introduced to martial arts through fencing and then, as many kids do, Tae Kwon Do. As he got older, Malachi spent most of his time on the water - playing water polo, swimming, diving, and surfing. He eventually found martial arts again when he moved to Idaho in 2014 and began training Muay Thai and boxing. He currently has two exhibition bouts under his belt, with more to come! Malachi also gives back to the water sports he loves by coaching a youth swim team here in the Boise area! You can find Malachi coaching Foundations Boxing & Foundations Muay Thai, and our newly formed Growing Gorillas Muay Thai program! Malachi also has open availability for private lessons! Schedule today at the front desk.
Akina Yamada
[Judo]
I started judo in 2007 because of my dad. Once myself and my brothers were old enough, he piled us all into the van and said we’re going to judo. That month, my entire family joined, and we have been practicing together ever since. I feel very lucky I got to experience that with them. I also began wrestling the following year and achieved great success in that sport as well! My accomplishments include:
Judo
-Earned Blackbelt in 2017, 2nd degree in 2022
-Ranked 2nd nationally multiple years as a junior
-Ranked 4th in 2023 by USA Judo as a senior athlete
-3X Washington State Champion in high school
Wrestling
-2X Washington State Placewinner in high school
-NAIA All American for Waldforf University
Judo and the community within it have given me so much. I want to do my part to pass along the greatness the sport has to give. Coaching allows me to do that. It’s very rewarding to witness the growth amongst my students and to see them realize the amazing things they can do.
Israel Lopez
[Fight Fit / Strength & Conditioning]
I found my passion for fitness and helping people meet their physical fitness goals when I was serving as a medic in the military. After serving in the military, I became a coach and certified personal trainer. I specialize in helping individuals improve their overall physical performance through effective and efficient training. I have over six years of experience working with a wide range of clients, from athletes, service members, and people just wanting to improve their quality of life. My focus is improving strength, power, speed, and overall physical fitness for day-to-day activities.
Alex Pedraza
[Muay Thai]
I started training at SBG Idaho in 2022 because fighting seemed like the only interesting career path for me at the time. I was immediately hooked and haven't looked back since! I am currently training for my first fight and I'm looking forward to representing myself and my team in the ring very soon!
Coaching was also something I wanted to pursue because I want to stay involved in martial arts after my days of fighting are over and give back to the sport that has given me so much. Since being given the opportunity to coach, I've begun to find great enjoyment and reward watching the students progress. Seeing their success motivates me to become a better coach.
Brock Adley
[Fight Fit / Strength & Conditioning]
I started training when I was 14 at a strength and conditioning gym run by two mentors of mine, Vince Minnie and Gabe Jackson. Vince operated out of his garage, and I’d show up every morning at 6am before school to train. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those early years had a huge impact on my confidence as I grew into adulthood. Strength training, Olympic lifting, and sports-related exercises gave me a solid foundation. Later, I developed an interest in jiu-jitsu and started attending a local MMA gym in my hometown of Sacramento, California. Even though I didn’t take it too seriously then, I consistently trained in striking and jiu-jitsu until I moved to Chico, California for college and eventually to Idaho in 2018.
Strength and conditioning have been a key part of my journey and transition into jiu-jitsu. The explosive movements, quick-twitch muscle development, and overall athleticism I built through Olympic lifting and sports-specific training gave me a strong foundation when I stepped onto the mats. These principles translate perfectly into jiu-jitsu, where body control, strength, and endurance are crucial. As I progressed, I realized that my background in strength and conditioning not only gave me an advantage but also deepened my appreciation for jiu-jitsu as a full-body and mind practice.
Much like Vince and Gabe did with me, I am eager to share my knowledge of strength and conditioning with others. What excites me about jiu-jitsu is how it continually challenges both physical and mental limits. Every session presents a new puzzle, and the same discipline I cultivated through years of strength training helps me push through those barriers. Whether it’s maintaining focus in a tough roll or keeping composure under pressure, my strength training experience complements my growth in jiu-jitsu. This integration fuels my passion, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so eager to coach. I believe that combining both worlds—strength and jiu-jitsu—can unlock incredible potential in athletes.
