The Fargo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & MMA Academy has the most knowledgeable and friendliest staff around!

"Providing the Highest Level Instruction from the Regions Top Instructors is the Cornerstone of the Fargo Academy's Mission."

George Andersch – Black Belt Instructor
I am the owner/head instructor of the Fargo Brazilian jiu-jitsu Academy. As a life long martial artist I have been training, competing and fighting for nearly 30 years. In 1999 I discovered Prof. Amal Easton (7th Blackbelt under Renzo Gracie). Amal is one of the best American blackbelts and one of the few Americans who have direct ties to the Gracie Family in Brazil. Prof. Amal has been a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in America. Right away I committed myself full time to training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and have been a proud and dedicated member of the Amal Easton/Renzo Gracie family ever since.
Over the years I have trained with some of the very best instructors, competitors and fighters in the world and have traveled across the country competing in everything from local tournaments to the world (Mundial) championships. My mission is to bring my experience to Fargo and help others achieve their goals whether they be fun, fitness or world champion!

Competition Highlights include:
2002 Copa Atlantica – 2nd – Light Heavy
2002 Copa Atlantica – 3rd – Absolute
2002 SLAM Tournament – 1st – Light Heavy
2003 Pancrase USA Champion – Light Heavy
7X Pancrase USA Medalist in Light Heavy, Heavy and Super Heavy weight divisions
2003 SLAM Tournament – 1st – Light Heavy
2004 5280’ Challenge – 1st – Light Heavy
2004 Rocky Mountain Championships – 1st – Light Heavy
2004 SLAM Tournament – 1st – Light Heavy
2006 Colorado State BJJ Championships – 1st – Cruiser
2006 Colorado State BJJ Championships – 3rd – Absolute
2007 IBJJF Mundials (World Championship) competitor
2007 Top of the Rockies Submission Grappling Championship – 3rd – Middle
2007 Colorado State Grappling Championships – 2nd – Absolute
2010 IBJJF Pan-American Championship – Silver Medal – Heavyweight
2011 IBJJF Las Vegas Open – Gold – Heavyweight
2011 IBJJF Las Vegas Open – Bronze – Absolute

Achievements Include:
Nearly 3 decades of various martial arts experience including: Judo, Okinawan Karate, Muay Thai, American Kick Boxing, Aikido & Boxing
6-0 Amateur Boxing
7 years active duty Army veteran - Airborne Infantry NCO
Opened first Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy in Fargo, ND
Only Black Belt instructors in Fargo, ND
Home to the only Pan-American Champions from Fargo
Trainer of local MMA fighters
Trainer of local and Federal Law enforcement officers
Combatives trainer for local Military, National Guard and Reserve soldiers

Sarah Andersch - Black Belt Instructor
Bio coming soon

Competition Highlights Include:
2001 American International Championships – Bronze
2002 Grappler’s Quest Las Vegas – Silver – Adv
2003 SLAM Tournament Woman’s Open Champion
2005 IBJJF Pan-American Championship – Gold Medal

Achievements Include:
One of very few female Black Belt Jiu-jitsu instructors in the country
The only female Black belt Jiu-jitsu instructor in this part of the country
First Fargo native to win the Pan-American Championship
Developed and coaches the areas only children’s Jiu-jitsu program and competition Team
Developed and coaches the areas only womens Jiu-jitsu Team

David Tofte - Purple Belt Coach
Coach David is a dedicated and talented competitor and instructor. He is well known for spending countless hours before and after his classes answering questions and helping where ever he can. A former Army Ranger, Coach David began his Jiu-jitsu training in 1996 with MACP Modern Amy Combatives creator SFC Matt Larson at Ft. Lewis, WA..

Competition Highlights Include:
2006 Fargo Open - 4th NoGi
2008 Fargo Open - 1st Gi (Shared with team mate)
2008 Fargo Open - 2nd NoGi
2009 Fargo Open - 1st Gi
2009 Fargo Open - 2nd NoGi
2009 Submission Hunt - 1st Gi
2010 IBJJF Pan-American Championship - Gold
2011 MKG - 1st Gi
2011 IBJJF Las Vegas Open - Gold
2011 Fargo Open - Gi Absolute Champion

Doug Cuomo - Blue Belt Coach
It is easy to recognize Coach Doug in the academy as he will always be the guy with the giant pearly white smile on his face! Coach Doug is one of our most active competitors travelling across town, or across the country to get in on the action where ever he can find it. Doug has accumulated over 30 medals in the past 3 years, here are some of his favorites:

Competition Highlights Include:
2009 Submission Hunt - 1st NoGi
2009 Submission Hunt - 2nd Gi
2010 Submission Hunt (5/15) - 2nd NoGi
2010 Submission Hunt (5/15) - 2nd Gi
2010 Submission Hunt (10/9) - 3rd NoGi
2010 Fargo Open - Gi Absolute Champion (Shared)
2011 Submission Hunt - 1st NoGi
2011 Submission Hunt - 1st Gi
2011 IBJJF Las Vegas Open - Bronze
2011 Fargo Open - 1st Gi
2011 Fargo Open - Gi Absolute 2nd

Matt Siders - Blue Belt Coach:
Referred to as "The SilverBack" by his team mates, Coach Matt is a beast on the mat but a very friendly and helpful instructor in class. As a Fargo Police Officer, Coach Matt likes to focus on the Realistic Application and Self-Defense Aspects of training.

Competition Highlights Include:
2009 Fargo Open - 1st Gi
2010 Fargo Open - 1st Gi
2010 Fargo Open - Gi Absolute Champion (Shared)
2011 Fargo Open - 3rd Gi
2011 Fargo Open - 1st NoGi

Stephanie Collins – Fitness Program Director
B.S. Exercise Science
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
CrossFit Certified Trainer
U.S. Army Master Fitness Instructor Certified
Owner of Body Shop Training
Army National Guard - Medic
EMT-B / CPR Certified

Ben Keen – Wrestling Coach, (MACP) Military Combatives Instructor
Minnesota State High School Champion – Freestyle and Greco
Division II All American
2 year Captain of MSUM Dragons Teams
Former assistant coach at MSUM
Level 3 Modern Army Combative Program (MACP) certified
2011 Modern Army Combative Program (MACP) Championship runner up
Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) Master Trainer for Minnesota Army National Guard
Army National Guard - Medic
EMT-B / CPR Certified

Joe Keavney - BANG Kick Boxing Coach, MMA Team Assistant Coach
Coach Joe is a fun, exciting and motivating instructor! Considered a top local MMA / Kickboxing talent, his skills as an instructor have caused his jam packed classes to quickly become the epicenter for Muay Thai Kick Boxing in the F/M Area.

5-0 Amateur Kick Boxing
6-4 Mixed Martial Arts