Meet Our Instructors
At TRUST BJJ, our instructors are more than just coaches — they are mentors, teammates, and role models.
Our team is passionate about helping students of all ages grow both on and off the mats. Whether someone is stepping onto the mats for the very first time or continuing their Jiu-Jitsu journey, our instructors focus on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and improving.
We believe great instruction is built on patience, encouragement, and strong fundamentals. Our instructors work hard to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged in the best possible way.
Most importantly, our instructors lead by example — demonstrating the values of Trust, Respect, Unity, Safety, and Technique every day.
At TRUST BJJ, you’re not just learning from instructors.
You’re learning from a team that truly cares about the people on the mats.
Professor Missy Baize
Professor Missy Baize
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu First Degree Black Belt
Helping students discover their strength, confidence, and belief in themselves through Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Missy Baize has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 11 years, beginning her journey on March 24, 2015. She first stepped onto the mats to support her husband’s martial arts business, but quickly developed a deep passion for the art and the community surrounding it.
One of Missy’s favorite parts of teaching is helping students experience that moment when something finally makes sense—the “aha” moment when a technique clicks. Beyond technique, she loves helping people learn to believe in themselves. Whether it’s a child attempting their first forward roll, a parent stepping onto the mats for the first time, or a competitor recovering from a tough loss, she enjoys helping students realize they are capable of more than they thought.
Her advice to new students is simple: don’t compare yourself to others. Jiu-Jitsu is your own journey—enjoy every step along the way.
Favorite technique: Chokes (especially with those famously sharp forearms)
Outside of the academy, Missy says her dog Pepper might actually be more famous than she is.
Favorite Quote:
“If you surround yourself with good people and never, ever give up, things eventually work out.”
Professor Cory Ponce
Professor Cory Ponce
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu First Degree Black Belt
Helping students understand the “why” behind technique and watching the moment it all clicks.
Professor Cory Ponce has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years, beginning his journey in 2016 after recovering from a back injury and realizing he needed to strengthen his core and overall movement. What started as a way to rebuild physically quickly became a deep passion for the art.
As an instructor, Cory enjoys the moment when a student’s understanding suddenly comes together—when the techniques start to make sense and everything begins to “click.” Watching students learn, grow, and connect the pieces of Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
His advice for new students is simple: be prepared to have fun. Learning Jiu-Jitsu takes effort, but the journey should always be something you enjoy.
Favorite techniques: Kimura, Triangle, & Armbars
Outside of the academy, Cory enjoys spending time on the golf course whenever he can.
Favorite Quote:
“Be at peace in the deep waters.”
Sensei Chrystal Schaffner
Sensei Chrystal Schaffner
Judo Instructor
Bringing decades of experience and a passion for helping students grow both on and off the mats.
Sensei Chrystal began her Judo journey at just 9 years old in Lewiston, Maine, and quickly developed a deep connection to the art. She competed at a high level, including national competitions, and earned her Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1998 under Jonathan Dyer. She was later promoted to Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) by O-Sensei Phil Porter.
Over the years, Chrystal continued training in both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, gaining valuable experience on the mats before life eventually took her in new directions. After time away due to injury, she found her way back to training and now brings both her experience and passion for martial arts to the TRUST BJJ community.
Sensei Chrystal believes strongly in the positive impact martial arts can have on people’s lives.
Favorite Quote:
“Judo saved my life. I am a testament to what a strong martial arts community can do for a kid who otherwise felt alone.”
Through her classes, students will develop strong fundamentals in throwing techniques, grip fighting, and safe falling (breakfalls)—skills that are essential for both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
Her goal is to help students build confidence, improve their stand-up game, and develop a strong foundation for grappling both on the feet and on the ground.
Coach Marco Gutierrez
Coach Marco Gutierrez
Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Encouraging students to grow, learn, and enjoy the journey of Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Marco Gutierrez has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 8 years, beginning his journey in 2017 after spending time training in other martial arts and looking for a place to continue developing his skills. Since finding Jiu-Jitsu, he has grown to appreciate how the art adapts to each individual’s abilities, strengths, and style.
One of Marco’s favorite parts of teaching is seeing how Jiu-Jitsu evolves differently for every student. Watching people discover what works for them and build their own approach to the art is something he truly enjoys.
His advice to students is to come to class ready to learn and always try to have fun along the way.
Favorite technique: Triangle
Outside of the gym, Marco enjoys playing guitar and meeting new dogs.
Favorite Quote:
“It's not you vs. everyone else. It's you vs. you who didn't try yesterday.”
Kenny LaBelle
Coach Kenny LaBelle
Little Rollers Instructor | Kids Class Assistant
Blue Belt
Helping young students build confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation in Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Kenny LaBelle has been involved in martial arts since he was about 14 years old, beginning his training in 1997. While his journey included periods of training on and off over the years, he has been training consistently again for the past three years and continues to deepen his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
What first drew Kenny to Jiu-Jitsu was the technical side of grappling—the ability to use leverage and technique rather than strength to control and overcome an opponent. This principle continues to inspire his training and the way he helps others learn.
As an instructor in the Little Rollers program and assistant in youth classes, Kenny enjoys watching students develop their skills, gain confidence, and realize they are capable of more than they initially believed.
His advice to students is simple: be consistent, and don’t be afraid to try. It’s always better to try and fail than to never try at all.
Favorite technique: Armbar from closed guard
Outside of the gym, Kenny enjoys spending time with his family and hanging out with his dog, Storm.
Favorite Quote:
“It’s okay to lose to someone technically better than you, but don’t lose to fear.”
Jeana LaBelle
