Chris Elms is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (3rd degree), Judo, and Karate, with training experience in both Brazil and Japan. He’s also skilled in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and MMA, and has competed professionally in the cage. Chris is known for his technical approach and a teaching style that sticks. He uses mnemonics, funny phrases, and practical tips to make learning easier and more fun. He coaches our Adult Jiu Jitsu classes as well as our 8–12 Kids Jiu Jitsu Classes.

Chris Wheeler began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2008 alongside his son, Ryan, who is now a brown belt. He earned his blue and purple belts under Professor Chris Elms, his brown belt under Professor Jacare Cavalcante, and received his black belt in 2018 from Professor João Sobrinho. He later earned his 1st degree from Professor Rexie Barnham while stationed in Hawaii.

An active competitor throughout his journey, Chris won the Atlanta IBJJF Open in 2013 and has trained extensively across the U.S. and internationally, including Japan, New York City, Las Vegas, England, and the Southeast. He’s learned from some of the sport’s top athletes, including Marcelo Garcia, Lucas Lepri, Braulio Estima, Bruno Malfacine, and Gordon Ryan.

With nearly two decades on the mat, Chris brings a coaching style rooted in deep technical knowledge, competition-tested experience, and a broad perspective shaped by world-class instruction.

Vincent Laquitara has been training Muay Thai for six years and coaching for the past two, bringing both experience and heart to every class. He trained under Kru Kato, developing a strong foundation in traditional Muay Thai and a coaching style focused on fundamentals, discipline, and growth.

As a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Vincent takes a complete approach to health, helping members train hard, move well, and build sustainable habits both in and out of the gym.

More than anything, Vincent is passionate about creating a supportive community where beginners, competitors, and families feel welcome. As a proud father raising a future champion, he knows the gym isn’t just about fighting, it’s about building confidence, character, and connection.

Jesse Hoyt is a Muay Thai coach with over 8 years of experience helping students develop their striking skills and reach their full potential. He previously trained at Cunha in Thompson, Georgia, and now coaches both our Adult Muay Thai classes and our Kids Kickboxing program. Jesse brings dedication, technical knowledge, and a supportive approach to every class.

Tommy Santiago brings a background in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing to his coaching, with a focus on helping students master the fundamentals. Known for his kindness and patience, Tommy works with people of all abilities, making complex techniques easy to understand and approachable. He currently leads our women’s kickboxing class, which is free and open to the public every Wednesday, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, grow, and feel confident in their skills.

Emily H Thomas has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2018 and also has experience in kickboxing. She started at Liberty Jiu Jitsu in early 2023 and, after a PCS move to North Carolina in December 2025, continues training at Royce Gracie Academy of Cary while staying closely connected to Liberty through regular visits to Grovetown.

As Liberty Jiu Jitsu’s office manager, Emily wears many hats whether she's overseeing memberships, managing the gym’s day-to-day operations, coordinating events and summer camps, building and maintaining the website, or doing graphic design. 

Emily founded the Preschool Jiu Jitsu and the 5-7 Kids Jiu Jitsu classes, creating opportunities for younger students to begin their martial arts journey. As a two-stripe blue belt, she is passionate about teaching and emphasizes mastering the fundamentals, helping students of all ages build confidence, skills, and a genuine love for martial arts. Emily aspires to earn her black belt while inspiring women and children to begin their own martial arts journeys, no matter what stage of life they are in.

Heather Sanchez is a three-stripe blue belt and the coach for Liberty Jiu Jitsu’s 5–7 Kids Jiu Jitsu program. With previous experience in coaching kids, she loves helping students of all ages reach their highest potential through martial arts. As a licensed massage therapist at Elements Massage, Heather brings a holistic approach to training, combining skill development with body awareness, recovery, and overall wellness to support every student on and off the mats.

Morrigan Cox is a coach for Liberty Jiu Jitsu’s 5–7 Kids Jiu Jitsu program and began her own BJJ journey less than a year ago. Inspired by her children, she started training as a mother of three and quickly became a standout in the Liberty community, mastering techniques and helping other students pick up foundational moves with ease. 

Morgan trains most nights with her kids in tow and encourages other parents to do the same, proving that martial arts can be a fun, family-centered adventure. Full of energy, passion, and heart, she’s dedicated to motivating families to learn, grow, and thrive together on the mats, even with a few wild kids in the mix!

Ken Evans is a dedicated member of our youth coaching team, bringing a unique perspective as both a grandfather and an active Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner. With three years of training and four stripes on his white belt, Coach Ken understands firsthand the courage it takes to begin and the persistence required to grow.

He specializes in working with our 5–7 year old students, leading with patience, encouragement, and consistency.  Ken is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence, coordination, and respect in a fun and supportive environment. His goal is to create a safe space where children not only learn Jiu Jitsu, but also develop life skills that extend far beyond the mat.

Matthew Friedel is a four-stripe blue belt who began training in 2020. Before finding his home at Liberty Jiu Jitsu, he trained in both Tampa, Florida and Harrogate, United Kingdom, bringing a broad perspective to his coaching. Matt works with our 8–12 Kids Jiu Jitsu program, where he enjoys helping students develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and strong fundamentals on the mats.

As a father of three daughters who train in both our 5–7 and 8–12 Kids Jiu Jitsu classes, Matt understands firsthand the impact that training can have on kids and families. His daughters keep him on his toes both in the academy and at home.

Matt loves the strategic side of Jiu Jitsu and believes that technique can overcome strength and speed. He especially enjoys sharing what he calls the “Old Man Jiu Jitsu” superpower: using timing, efficiency, and smart technique to help students succeed, while always cheering on the underdog.

Katrina Perkins has been a part of the Liberty Jiu-Jitsu community for several years as a parent, with her two children actively training in the programs, her daughter even assisting in the preschool class. As the front desk team member, Katrina is a familiar and friendly face, helping with memberships, supporting day-to-day operations, and making sure the gym runs smoothly. She is a staple of the Liberty community, always ready to assist and ensuring the gym is clean, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.