Instructors
Head Instructor/Owner
Jesse started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in January of 2007 and is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Steve Hordinski III (Relson Gracie black belt) of Katharo Training Center.
He has competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and has tested his jiu-jitsu in mixed martial arts, achieving a 2-0 record. Jesse has also trained extensively in Muay Thai and boxing.
Jesse is an 19-year law enforcement veteran and has been a certified instructor in numerous law enforcement-related defensive tactics and arrest control systems, including the Gracie Survival Tactics program Level I and II. Jesse is also an Effective Fitness Combatives instructor.
Professor Jesse “Taps” Tapsfield
BJJ Instructor
Joe Clark has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2009 with Professor Steve Hordinski III. Joe was awarded his black belt by Professor Steve Hordinski III in August 2023. Joe is the “Old Man” Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Taps BJJ, teaching mainly Monday and Wednesday’s 5:45 am class.
He has been an active competitor on the local BJJ competition scene competing in dozens of tournaments, from 2009-2023. Joe won the 2013 Gi Colorado State Championship as a blue belt and competed in Fight2win Pro super fight cards as a purple and brown belt.
Joe approaches his “Old Man” classes as a progression that focuses on the understanding of position before submission. Joe uses the concepts of “action causes reaction” and uses his opponents reactions against themselves to achieve superior positioning. Through this superior positioning, you will be able to control and submit your opponent for self defense or sport Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Joe Clark
Wrestling Instructor
Brayden has been wrestling for 16 years and recently graduated from Western University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. While at Western University he wrestled for all four years. Brayden is a 2x State Tournament 6th placer and High School Midwest Classic All-American. Brayden’s fun teaching style and extensive wrestling knowledge and experience makes him a tremendous asset to Taps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brayden Roman
Head Muay Thai Instructor
Wade has over 12 years of experience in Muay Thai and boxing. Wade has trained under the tutelage of some of the best Muay Thai and kickboxing gyms in the world. He has a unique perspective on Muay Thai that is carried over to his effective and friendly teaching style. This style is translatable to all skill levels and fighting goals.
In addition to Wade’s high level training, he has competed and won numerous boxing and MMA fights and is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Wade is also a first responder and has been a firefighter for over 17 years.