INSTRUCTORS
Josh Pinney Head Kickboxing Instructor
Robert Tahtinen Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (Leviathan BJJ)
Robert Tahtinen Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (Leviathan BJJ)
Josh began his training in 2002 under James Parson of the American Kenpo Kickboxing Academy. Josh was awarded his Black Belt under Mr. Parson and the I.K.C.A in 2007. He then began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Chris Atkins of Gracie Barra Santa Barbara and received his Blue belt before transitioning to a No-Gi Curriculum, Where u
Josh began his training in 2002 under James Parson of the American Kenpo Kickboxing Academy. Josh was awarded his Black Belt under Mr. Parson and the I.K.C.A in 2007. He then began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Chris Atkins of Gracie Barra Santa Barbara and received his Blue belt before transitioning to a No-Gi Curriculum, Where under the instruction of Robert Tahtinen he recieved his purple belt. While Coaching at the American Kenpo Kickboxing Academy Josh assisted in training multiple Point and Full Contact state and National champions. Josh then took a short break in training and Served his Country in the United States Army. During his military service where he was afforded the opportunity to train with High level competitors as well as Champion Fighters like Dan Henderson, Gray Maynard, and Mark Munoz. After his service he and his family relocated to Wisconsin where he now Heads MidGuard Kickboxing Academy.
Robert Tahtinen Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (Leviathan BJJ)
Robert Tahtinen Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (Leviathan BJJ)
Robert Tahtinen Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor (Leviathan BJJ)
Robert began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011 under Cleber Luciano following 15 years of wrestling. He primarily focused on MMA until 2016 when he retired from MMA with four title belts and a King of the Cage victory. He then moved to Rhinelander to another Cleber Affiliate, and eventually became the lead instructor there. He focused
Robert began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011 under Cleber Luciano following 15 years of wrestling. He primarily focused on MMA until 2016 when he retired from MMA with four title belts and a King of the Cage victory. He then moved to Rhinelander to another Cleber Affiliate, and eventually became the lead instructor there. He focused on building a no gi program and began competing nationally, primarily in no gi. After receiving his brown belt in 2019, he relocated to Deforest, trained in Arizona for a brief stint, before coming back to the Deforest area as the lead no gi instructor. He was awarded his black belt from TAC team in November 2021 and has gone on to win an IBJJF open and the Arizona State No Gi tournament. He still competes regularly throughout the year while coaching his students as well. He is our lead instructor and is available for private lessons upon demand as well.