About Us
Our goal is to create a welcoming community where individuals can achieve their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goals, whether that's for fitness, self-defense, competition, or just enjoying a fun hobby alongside a great group of people.
We believe that an active Jiu-Jitsu club can become a valuable asset to any community.
As an affiliate of M-Theory Martial Arts in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, we are proud to be associated with the Midwest's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. This partnership enhances our ability to offer top-notch training and support to our students.
Hamel Jiu Jitsu fosters inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages, genders, orientations, races, abilities, and backgrounds. We promote equality, respect, and camaraderie in our diverse community
Drake Roth - Head Coach (BLACK BELT)
Jiu Jitsu became my passion in high school and has remained a central pillar of my life since I first stepped on the mats. I've always loved how grappling straddles the lines between sport, science, and art. Training at various schools and under different instructors nationwide has fueled my rigorous curiosity towards grappling, a trait I strive to pass on to students and teammates.
Darrin Homme - Coach and Owner (PURPLE BELT)
I began wrestling in the third grade, and it became a significant part of my life throughout high school. After that, I transitioned into coaching youth and high school wrestling, a role that has shaped most of my adult life.
My interest in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has always been strong, mainly because of its close connection to wrestling and the problem-solving skills it demands. While wrestling often relies on force and speed to overcome challenges, jiu-jitsu adopts a more methodical approach, systematically removing each obstacle until there are no options left. This aspect of the sport is not only enjoyable and challenging for me, but it also accommodates my middle-aged body, which may not perform as it once did.
I love competing, learning new techniques, and spending time with my friends after practice.
AARON BENESH - Coach (BROWN BELT)
I’ve been a lover of athletics and competition all of my life! While playing college basketball I began boxing to help with off season cardio and overall self-defense. Boxing eventually progressed to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love jiu jitsu because it is a skillset so challenging and demanding that most people don’t do it. Jiu Jitsu has reignited my inner athlete, increased my confidence, and humbled me over and over and over. I have been a career teacher and basketball coach so instructing jiu jitsu brings me as much joy as learning it or competing in it.
Dan Manosack - Youth Coach (Purple BELT)
I am a dedicated purple belt under the esteemed Ishmael Bentley, training since 2019. With four years of experience in coaching young athletes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I am deeply passionate about teaching and witnessing the incredible growth of kids in this sport. My journey as a competitor has been equally fulfilling, highlighted by a third-place finish at the prestigious Pan-American Championships. My goal is to inspire and develop resilience and skill in our next generation of jiu-jitsu practitioners.