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
RYAN MORGAN
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Ryan didn’t intend to redirect his future when he went to check out a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class with a friend who was writing an article on the subject. But he was compelled by the intelligence and grace of the sport, and returned to train again the following day. That was in 2007, under black belt Jon Friedland in Ryan’s home state of Wisconsin. Ever since then Ryan has been an avid student and competitor in BJJ, and describes it as one of the most valuable aspects of his life. Ryan currently hold the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which was awarded to him by SBG President, Matt Thornton in 2018. Ryan has spent many years touring as a musician, which has allowed him to gather Jiu Jitsu knowledge from training partners in different states, countries, and continents.
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.
MIKE GETCHELL
[Judo / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Mike Getchell began learning Judo in 1996 in Cairo, Egypt under Dutch Sensei Linda Criens. After 2 years with the Cairo American College Judo Club Mike moved to Reno, Nevada where he practiced briefly with the UNR Judo Team before heading to Boise, Idaho. Immediately finding a home with the Boise State Judo Club, Mike trained extensively with Sensei Mike Daglin and earned his brown belt in 2002. After taking some time off when Mr. Daglin moved out of state, Mike rejoined the Boise State Judo Club, where he continues his training under Senseis Pete and Mike Campbell. Mike also currently holds the rank of Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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
ROBBIE Newman
[Muay Thai]
In learning how to help others, Robbie learned the hard way that it is also important to help one’s self. During graduate coursework in counseling, Robbie took up Muay Thai and has since made it an important point to incorporate its discipline and philosophies into a life practice. In doing so, Robbie has found value in Muay Thai’s teaching of a new level of mindfulness of one’s own body. Robbie’s belief is that a person can incorporate this mindfulness into a new understanding of the person’s sense of self and the world around them. Robbie also tries, (and may or may not be successful) to incorporate humor and admittedly nerdy pop culture references in his explanations of techniques. In addition to coaching and training at SBG Idaho, Robbie also serves as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley. Robbie often enjoys water and snow sports with other members of the SBG Idaho family. Robbie serves as an advocate for anyone looking for a supportive and safe space to learn and grow with others. The SBG Idaho Tribe has been an incredibly positive force for Robbie and he strives to pay their support forward.
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.
JILL SHARP
[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
Jill began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2016 as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday. She has competed at White and Blue belt levels. As a founding member of the SBG-Idaho Women's Team, Jill works to introduce women and girls to Martial Arts as a volunteer coach for SBG Women's Self-Defense program, and as an assistant coach for SBG-Idaho's 8-week Intro to MMA with a self-defense focus. She is Assistant Coach for Adult Foundations BJJ on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6pm. Jill serves our nation's Veterans as a Registered Nurse at the Boise VA Medical Center. Her primary nursing focus is primary health promotion and chronic pain management through her certification in Battlefield Acupuncture. In her free time you'll find Jill traveling with her husband around the country assisting with self-defense workshops and premier firearms training events. To learn more about Jill and her journey through chronic health problems, discovering that food is the medicine and fuel, how Jiu Jitsu healed her, and becoming an athlete in her forties, follow her on Instagram at @jill_sharp_2.0
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.
Darrell Flores
[Judo / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]
I began my martial arts journey with Judo in 1993 (at the age of 3), followed by Kempo and Tae Kwon Do. During my teenage years I focused on wrestling and boxing. In 2006 I began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. I hold blackbelts in Judo (2014), BJJ (2022), Kempo (2011), Tae Kwon Do (2004), and earned multiple titles from my years in wrestling. I began my professional mixed martial arts career in 2010 and look forward to fighting until my body crumbles! I love coaching because I want to leave behind a legacy. I want to help change the perception around martial arts and combat sports and help other’s see how much it can positively impact their own lives. Coaching is one of my life’s biggest passions, and I want to share my knowledge and help our students gain physical and mental strength.
Matt May
[Muay Thai]
Matt “Mayhem” May is a professional Muay Thai and MMA fighter. He is currently 13-8 in MMA and 5-1 in his Pro Kickboxing/Muay Thai career. Matt has had over 50 amateur Boxing, Kickboxing/Muay Thai and MMA combined fights. He started competing in Kickboxing at the age of 15 and started competing in boxing at 16. He won State and Regional Golden Gloves Boxing two years in a row and won multiple Kickboxing titles after turning 18 year old. He has won an amateur title for MMA for the Lightweight UCE Championship in 2005. Matt also currently hold the rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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.
