Jeff Kunze BJJ Black Belts
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda –> Carlos Gracie –> Carlos Gracie Jr. –> Rigan Machado –> Jeff Kunze
| Gerald Harris | Brandon Ruiz | Dave Johnson |
| Sam Wilson | Brian Baker | Brandon Walter |
| Conrad Southworth | Danny Huntsman |
Name: Gerald Harris
Rank: Black Belt, 4th Degree
Profile:
Gerald has over 40 years experience as a martial artist and instructor and has earned belts in numerous systems. Dedicated to helping grow Jiu-Jitsu, Gerald has taught seminars across North America from Montreal to Trinidad and Tobago, from Miami to Utah and more. Gerald has also been fundamental in the development of multiple tournament organization and, in cooperation with Rigan, developed the original playbook (tournament guide) and rule set for the Jiu-Jitsu World League (JJWL).
Gerald’s competition success includes:
- IBJJF Pan Am Silver Medalist 2005
- IBJJF Pan Am Gold Medalist 2007 (Super Heavyweight division)
- IBJJF Pan Am Gold Medalist 2007 (Open Class)
- IBJJF Pan Am Silver Medalist 2008
Name: Brandon Ruiz
Rank: Black Belt, 4th Degree
Profile:
Brandon is a No Gi Jiu Jitsu and Grappling World Champion and has competed in the grappling arts for the past 30 years. While competing in Greco Roman Wrestling he was a 4 time All-American and won a Pan American Championships silver medal.
Brandon has been on six world championship teams for USA Grappling winning team titles in 2008, 2009, & 2014. Brandon has also won seven individual world championships and 17 world level medals from various grappling organizations. He has competed and trained in Guatemala, Canada, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland.
Check out Brandon’s personal site: Brandon Ruiz Combat Grappling here
Brandon also produced the excellent instructional Grappling Takedown Dominance for BJJ Fanatics available here.
Name: Dave Johnson
Rank: Black Belt, 4th Degree
Profile:
Dave is one of the original Utah Jiu-Jitsu pioneers and has studied with Rickson Gracie black belt Pedro Sauer, Walt Bayless, Mark Schultz and later Jeff Kunze. His innovative approach to Jiu-Jitsu has led to his own competition success and the success of his students.
Dave has also trained in Sambo and other grappling arts and has experience training U.S. Special forces, defense contractors, S.W.A.T., and other LEO.
- IBJJF US OpenXI Bronze Medalist 2006
- IBJJF Pan Ams Bronze Medalist 2007
- IBJJF US OpenXII Silver Medalist 2007
- IBJJF US OpenXIV Black Belt Superheavyweight Champion 2009
- IBJJF US OpenXIV Black Belt Open Division Champion 2009
Dave also stands alone as the promoter of the very first open grappling tournaments in the state of Utah where competitors from any school, style or tradition were able to attend and test themselves.
White to Blue belt lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda –> Carlos Gracie –> Helio Gracie –> Rickson Gracie –> Pedro Sauer
Name: Sam Wilson
Rank: Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Profile:
Sam is a dedicated martial artist with over 20 years of experience. Having trained in various martial arts, including Judo, Muay Thai, and Vale Tudo, Sam brings a well-rounded approach to Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing its martial roots over its sporting aspects. Known for a tight, pressure-heavy top game and expertise in both GI and no-GI Jiu-Jitsu, Sam focuses on techniques and strategies that are effective in real-world self-defense and fighting scenarios.
Starting his journey after being inspired by the dominance of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the early UFCs, Sam trained under respected instructors and was promoted to purple belt through 2nd-degree black belt by Jeff Kunze, who has been a pivotal influence. Beyond the mats, Jiu-Jitsu has profoundly shaped Sam’s approach to life, teaching the importance of structure, process, and continuous improvement—a philosophy he applies personally and professionally.
While not primarily focused on competition, Sam has competed in numerous local tournaments and national events, earning a handful of medals. He has also contributed to the growth of the Utah Jiu-Jitsu community by coaching kids and adults and assisting in seminars and workshops.
To Sam, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art—it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, discipline, and growth, and he is passionate about sharing that journey with others.
Name: Brian Baker
Rank: Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Profile:
Brian started his BJJ journey in 2003 in Oregon. He has also traveled throughout Brazil to train with the likes of Marcelo Garcia, Demian Maia, Chute Boxe, Alliance – SP, and several other schools/academies.
Brian’s mostly known for his guard game, specifically his Butterfly guard / X-guard that he’s modeled after one of his icons Marcelo Garcia.
Name: Brandon Walter
Rank: Black Belt, 1st Degree
Profile:
Brandon’s study of Jiu-Jitsu started after leaving the Army in 1997. In Brandon’s words “Jeff introduced me to Jiu jitsu by just showing me the mount and I had a background in wrestling and could not move or breathe.”
He was hooked. Starting with Gi training only, he added no-Gi and later competed at the Pan American Championships along with all of the other amazing competitors.
The Jiu Jitsu experience has helped shape the person I have become and my family that includes a son who joined the Marines and has continued his BJJ training.
“The part about Jiu Jitsu that I love the most is you can be vertically challenged and not flexible and still adapt the martial art to what you can do and believe that is something that is unique amongst martial arts.”
In Brandon’s decades of experience in Jiu-Jitsu he is grateful for the experience and the friendships he has developed through Jiu-Jitsu.
Name: Conrad Southworth
Rank: Black Belt, 1st Degree
Profile:
Conrad’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began with a simple question: “What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?”
When invited by friends to train with Jeff, he showed up out of curiosity—by the end of the first session, he was hooked. From that moment, he dedicated himself to the art, training 3-4 times a week, eager to absorb every lesson the mats had to offer.
Over the past decade, Jiu-Jitsu has become more than just a practice for Conrad—it has shaped his mindset and approach to life. As his training partner Sam Wilson often says, “In Jiu-Jitsu, you are always in the position you deserve to be in.”
Through years of training, Conrad has developed greater focus, commitment, and confidence, while also learning how to be a better friend, husband, and father.
Above all, he values the deep sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that Jiu-Jitsu fosters. The sport has given him the opportunity to train with people from all over the world and roll in gyms across the U.S., broadening his perspective on both the art and its community. While his game is well-rounded, he gravitates toward half-guard and prioritizes fundamentals over flashy techniques.
Conrad trains at Roots Combat Club in Lehi, Utah.
Off the mats, Conrad is a technology leader with a passion for motorcycles and archery. A devoted family man, he enjoys time with his three children while continuing his lifelong pursuit of learning and growth—both in Jiu-Jitsu and in life.
