10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Multiple Time CMSO Champion at 145,155, and 165

2015 Gracie Regionals Chicago Champion

Double Gold Purple Belt Champion Grappling Industries

63 Competitive wins in Cage/BJJ Competitions

30-20-2 Competitive Record at Purple Belt 

71% Competitive Win Rate at Brown Belt

Brown Belt Grappling Industries Gold 155lbs Chicago 2021

Brown/Black Belt Grappling Industries Gold 170lbs 2023

Naga Expert Division 155lbs Silver Medal 2023

Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu/10th Planet Purple Belt 

Women's BJJ Instructor, Kids and Co-Instructor 

Jenny is a mother of 6, with several kids in our programs and is one of our hardest working instructors and active students. She recently also became our first ever Purple Belt! She is incredibly technical and offers great knowledge to our womens, kids, and adult programs. 

Josh Karvakko 

Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu/10th Planet Purple Belt

Kids Instructor and Adult Co-Instructor

Josh has his entire family in our programs, including two kids and his wife who all train with us. He is a hard working and diligent student who trains with kids and adults alike, truly showing that jiu jitsu can be the gentle art. 

We are very thankful for the time and insight Josh provides to all the students, and he is a great part of the success at our academy. 

Carrie Karvakko 

Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu/10th Planet Blue Belt

Kids Coach and Womens Assistant

Carrie is a teacher in our local community who has won several awards for excellence in teaching, and others. She is a huge part of our kids programs and women's programs. Carrie is also super tough on the mats, leading by example that you can have setbacks and still find ways to train safely. Carrie joined us while battling through a serious knee issue from before jiu jitsu that would keep most people out of the training room, but has been able to adapt training to still be able to learn and improve her skills over the last few years she has been on the team. 

Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu/10th Planet Blue Belt

Kickboxing Instructor and Beginner/Adult Co-Instructor

Undefeated MMA Amateur Fighter

Grant Iciek is an undefeated MMA fighter, and head instructor for our growing kickboxing program. His attitude and positive training modalities create for a fun environment during our striking classes. 

He also has won multiple jiu jitsu tournaments and placed in the top of his rank at nearly every major tournament he has attended:

Multiple Time CMSO Champion/Silver/Bronze Medalist

GOLD Grappling Industries Grand Rapids No Gi Adult / Male / Intermediate (Blue) / Adult / -170lbs

SILVER Grappling Industries Grand Rapids Gi Adult / Male / Blue / Adult / -170lbs

SILVER Grappling Industries Wisconsin Dells No Gi Adult / Male / Intermediate (Blue) / Adult / -170lbs

BRONZE Grappling Industries Chicago No Gi Adult / Male / Intermediate (Blue) / Adult / -155lbs

Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt

Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Michael "Mike" Taylor is a integral part of the leadership at our Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu Kids Program and he also has his son training at the academy. He has trained jiu jitsu for well over a decade and also has significant wrestling experience from his youth. Michael Taylor is also a 9 year active duty veteran of the United States Marine Corps as an infantry mortarman. Served 3 combat deployments and he was also a black belt instructor in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.