Ray Griffin
Ray Griffin is a 2nd Degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under 8th Degree Red/Black Master Pedro Sauer. He started training under Master Sauer in 1999 in Orem, UT. Ray is also a Level III Combatives instructor in the US Army. He is also an assistant instructor for the Combatives portion of the Sheepdog Response Protector I course. Likewise, Ray is also a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor with the Sauer Tactical Group. He specializes in tailored programs for military and law enforcement to meet the needs of the department/squad/unit/group for a more effective and relevant training program. Likewise, Ray also focuses on self-defense programs for women and youth. Having a large family of his own, (with 7 daughters) he is passionate about empowering women and has developed programs specific to realtors, teachers, and women in the workplace to meet the unique dangers they face daily.
Ray is also a firearms instructor with NRA instructor certifications for Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and Range Safety. Through Griffin Jiu Jitsu Academy and his own training group, Griffin Tactical, he provides instruction in the areas of self-defense, situational awareness, firearms carry and defense, shooting basics, safe international travel, Everyday Carry, and basic survival/72hr kits.
Aspen Griffin
Aspen is a Blue Belt under Professor Griffin. She has been training Jiu Jitsu since she was born. She is a Military Policewoman in the Utah National Guard and has training as an EMT and Combat Medic. At Army Boot Camp she was the battalion Combatives champion and helps teach Army Combatives as an assistant instructor. Aspen has been teaching GRACIE JIU JITSU for many years and she instructs Women Empowerment and Self Defense courses.
Aspen is also the only certified Ginástica Natural coach in Utah under Master Alvaro Romano.
Ray “Baby Ray” Griffin III
Ray earned his Blue Belt under Professor Griffin on his 16th birthday and is one of our kids, youth and adult class instructors. He is also a 4 Star varsity wrestler on the famed, Pleasant Grove wrestling team. He teaches takedowns to our youth and adult classes and helps coach our competition team.
Alexa Griffin
Alexa is an Orange Belt and is one of our kids and youth class instructors. She has been training since she was born and loves to help teach young women groups and Women Empowerment and Self Defense courses.
Arwyn Griffin
Arwyn is a Yellow Belt and is one of our kids and youth class instructors. She has been training since she was born and loves to help teach young women groups and Women Empowerment and Self Defense courses.
Ansli Griffin
Ansli is a Yellow Belt and is one of our kids and youth class instructors. She has been training since she was born and loves to help teach young women groups and Women Empowerment and Self Defense courses.