Certifications
Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Biography
Coach Keelen started Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 with his wife, Hillary. Before learning BJJ, Keelen practiced Aikido for two years and while he enjoyed his education, he wanted to find a martial art that better translated to real-world self-defense applications.
Keelen brings years of experience as a competitive endurance athlete to his coaching and enjoys pushing his body and mind. He found the BJJ was a perfect outlet to push both his body and mind and complement his other training.
Aside from the physical and mental challenge, Coach Keelen also found a community with Calvert MMA and Lineage that is unlike any other.
Keelen calls his instructors and students,” the most down-to-earth, kind-hearted and friendly people you will ever meet,” and says the shared bond between people learning together on the mats cannot be found in many other places.
Keelen teaches the Little Sharks and Jr. Grapplers classes and finds it immensely rewarding to witness students finally grasp a concept and build their perseverance.
Quote from Keelen:
” It is immensely rewarding to help teach the kids a technique and be able to witness the moment when they finally grasp a move. Their realizations, understanding, and retention of the techniques are all little light-bulbs that get turned on during their BJJ journey. It’s great to watch them light up over the hours and days that they spend training. ”