Meet the Team
Owner/Instructor Jiu Jitsu 3rd Degree Black Belt
Jason Kaczmarek
Jason is very patient about martial arts and his students. He is deeply involved the community and other gyms, in his search to help Jiu Jitsu grow and get the best resources for his students.
Muay Thai and MMA Instructor
Nick Bismack
Nick Bismack has 2 decades of experience and 27 professional fights in combat sports. He has trained throughout the world including in Thailand. His coaching experience includes being the head striking coach for UFC Hall of Famer’s Dan “The Beast” Severn’s fight team, and owner and head coaching at Pride FC Gym in Dubai. Nick enjoys watching his sports grow and his students succeed, whether they are a casual MMA or Muay Thai hobbyists, or seasoned professional fighters.
Owner/Instructor 1st Degree Black Belt
Dylan Heyza
Dylan has been training in Jiu Jitsu for over 11 years. Jiu-Jitsu is a passion for him as he studies and teaches the flow and mechanics that can be adapted to multiple styles. Dylan also enjoys watching others grow in the sport and will bring a unique perspective to your game.
Owner / Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor Purple Belt
Amy Appugliese
Rank: Purple Belt
Amy started her Jiu Jitsu journey over 6 years ago. She is a proud Mother of two, and loves teaching and coaching the next generation of Jiu Jitsu practitioners. Amy works to improve her own skills so she can pass on what she learns as an instructor for Proving Grounds Kid classes.
BJJ Instructor 4th Degree Black Belt
Don Richard
Don has a practitioner and instructor of martial arts for over 24 years. His accomplishments include:
- 3x IBJJF World Silver medalist
- 4x Gracie World Champion
- Coach to Several UFC and Bellator Fighters
What he loves about teaching:
Don loves teaching and helping students grow in the sport.
Muay Thai / MMA Instructor
Josiah Pila
Josiah's love for Muay Thai shows in not just his own training and through his fighting style, but in how he teaches the next generation of fighters. He won the 2022 Thai Boxing Association Championship and continues to compete regularly. Josiah helps people of all levels and backgrounds improve their Muay Thai
BJJ Instructor Black Belt
Steve Dalkert
Steve has been dedicated to Jiu Jitsu for over 10 years and has many accolades in the sport. He is an;
- IBJJF Worlds No-Gi Gold Medalist,
- IBJJF Worlds GI Silver Medalist
- IBJJF Worlds Absolute bronze medalist
- IBJJF Pans Silver Medalist
Steve loves the sport of Jiu Jitsu and has a passion for passing on his knowledge to his students.
JIu Jitsu Instructor Black Belt
Patrick Gower
Coach Patrick has been grappling, competing, and coaching for over two decades. He is a loving father and husband. He has earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has coached wrestling at multiple high schools in the area. In addition to instructing at the Proving Grounds, Patrick teaches at a local high school. Competing in, and the instruction of grappling are both lifetime passions of Patrick.
BJJ and MMA Instructor Black Belt
Mike Dinaj
Mikey has been training for over 10 years. He has competed in both Jiu Jitsu and MMA. He has fought at Motor City Casino and is an EFK Champion. He loves teaching, coaching and helping students build their confidence and their games.
Jiu Jitsu Instructor 3rd Brown Belt
Jimmy Fleming
Growing up Jimmy fell in love with martial arts watching Bruce Lee. He would immediately fall in love with jiu-jitsu after his first-class back in 2010. Jimmy enjoys reading, long walks on the beach, and of course hanging out with his family. Having cerebral palsy he brings a unique perspective to jiu-jitsu and his classes. His goal is to inspire people of all walks of life to do great things.
Kids MMA / Kids Jiu Jitsu Instructor Purple Belt
Matt Spendlove
Coach Matt has been enthralled with martial arts for over 30 years. He does not only view martial arts as an activity but as a philosophy and way of life. Matt has a traditional mindset and believes the mind is the best tool any martial artist can have. He loves to pass on his knowledge and experiences in MMA, BJJ, Karate (Kudo), Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and Wrestling to all his students..
BJJ Instructor Purple Belt
Jordan Verschaeve
Jordan has been training for over 6 years. She is a strong competitor and a focused instructor. She enjoys learning, teaching and constantly growing her own game, and helping others progress theirs.
Kids instructor Blue Belt
Joseph Myers
Joe started under Jason at the beginning of his Jiu-Jitsu journey. With his growth and skills, he has taken many challenges as he competes with those many years past his age and wins those tournaments. He now helps assists others to learn while he continues to the next stages of his jiu-jitsu career.
Kids MMA / Kids Jiu JItsu Instructor Blue Belt
Mike Rice
Coach Mike is known for his infectious smile and laugh, and is passionate about jiujitsu and MMA. He prides himself on actively competing in jiujitsu and working with kids. He is a loving father and husband, and trains diligently while considering Proving Grounds his home away from home. Mike has competed in multiple Ironman Triathlons and marathons/ultra-marathons. Mike is fervent about seeing people maximize their potential.
Muay Thai Instructor
Tommy Le
I’m Tommy Le, a fighter with a genuine love for Muay Thai and a knack for technique. I’m all about sharing my passion for the sport by coaching others and helping them improve their skills, regardless of their background. I have trained people of all ages, from kids to adults. Let’s train together and refine our Muay Thai craft!