About Us

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.

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.

I'm Ryan Dixon, a fourth-degree brown belt under Ishmael Bentley. I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015, and since then, it's been a journey full of learning, growth, and community. My wife, Kahyeon Seo, also trains in BJJ and is a brown belt herself. Together, we share a passion for the art. Coaching is something I truly love, and I try to bring my unique personality to every practice, making sure that it's not only productive but also fun for everyone. I believe in creating an environment where kids can learn, grow, and enjoy their time on the mat.

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.

I'm a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ishmael Bentley at M-Theory Martial Arts. I’m passionate about the art of jiu-jitsu and have had the honor of expanding my journey by coaching at Hamel Jiu Jitsu. With several years of experience training and sharing the mats with incredible teammates and instructors, I’ve grown both on and off the mats.

I’ve been heavily involved in strength sports, competing at a high level in strongman competitions, arm wrestling, Highland Games, and powerlifting. For over 20 years I’ve coached athletes across multiple sports on the field of play and in the weight room. I’ve also worked as a personal trainer for over 15 years.

In addition, I host The Porrada Podcast, where I talk about Jiu-Jitsu with Jiu-Jitsu people, often black belts.

Currently, I’m proud to coach at Hamel Jiu Jitsu, where I bring my experience in strength training to help students become stronger and more resilient on the mats.