Nenad Ned Shuput
Head Coach Ned, has been an elite athlete his whole life. He has trained and competed in athletics beginning in middle school, 4A highschool, College and semipro teams in both Europe and in The United States.
After college he entered the world of fighting; first with extensive Muay Thai training and competition (under Sakasam The Punisher), becoming a certified 2nd degree black belt in kickboxing OREGGIA striking system ("ISKA" cert.num-A10150). Later, he studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Gustavo Rodriguez, and is currently a 2nd degree Brown belt. He is proud to be partnering with GRBJJ in the opening of Gladiator Fight Academy. After accomplishing the prior he transitioned into Mixed Martial Arts training and competition, and is still a dedicated student of it all.
He’s constantly working on bettering himself as an athlete, a fighter, and now trainer and coach. He is dedicated to making his students become top competitors. Ned has coached everyday gym warriors, local jitsu competitors, and UFC level fighters. He is currently the coach for professional fighter Cole Shafer, and proudly supports “Team Shafer”.
Ned enjoys teaching others and sharing the experience all while leading them on the road to higher achievements and watching their progression. He feels success through those that he coaches, and finds joint achievements in all and any parts of mixed material arts; personal, amature, and professionals.
Gustavo Rodrigues
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor Gustavo is a 4th degree black belt in jiu-jitsu. He began his study at Integração Jiu Jitsu in Santos, Brazil in 1995 with Master Elcio Figueiredo. It was there that he developed a passion for teaching, acting as an early mentor for many promising young students, including Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. After moving to the U.S. in 2007 he taught as a special guest instructor at various schools in Salt Lake City, UT and shortly thereafter founded his own academy, Gustavo Rodrigues Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which has become one of the most technical and formidable BJJ teams in the state.
Lineage: Carlos Gracie → Carlson Gracie → Elcio Figueiredo→ João Teco Shinzato→ Gustavo Rodrigues
Cole Shafer
Our Wrestling for MMA is ran by D1 Wrestler Cole Shafer. Coach Cole started wrestling at age 8. Got second at western regions in both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling, went on to be a three time state finalist, and a two state time champion. Went on to Iowa state university, was a starter there for three years and qualified for NCAA's. After school coached at Wasatch high school for two years coaching the upper weights. Helping them win individual and team titles. Started training as an amateur fighter held the light heavyweight title for Steelfist. Is currently a pro fighter working up the ranks.