Sharkbait's MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy
Instructors
At Sharkbait’s MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at Sharkbait’s MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
Sharkbait's MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy
Head Coach
Here at Sharkbait's MMA & Jiu Jitsu Academy, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Owner and Head Coach
Anthony "Sharkbait" Gutierrez
Professional MMA Record 13-3
Amateur MMA Record 17-3
Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
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Gi Jiu Jitsu Coach
Anthony Bell
Anthony Bell is a First Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Renato Tavares. Originally from Kansas City, MO — Anthony has been training, competing, & coaching Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts in the Kansas City metro area for almost 20 years now.
His unique approach to instruction combines real life self-defense along with high-level sport grappling scenarios. He brings enthusiasm, and the technical expertise that bears sustainable training methods designed for students of all walks of life!
Having a gift for breaking down complex ideas and concepts into easy-to-understand details, Anthony makes incredible connections to his students effectively and with a great sense of humor. Anthony is truly passionate about helping others learn and grow both on and off the mats.
Achievements and Awards:
Black Belt awarded in 2021
First degree awarded in 2024 by Renato Tavares
IBJJF Certified Black Belt
USBJJF Certified Black Belt
Safe Sport Certified
First Aid/CPR Certified
IBJJF International Open Gi Champion in Kansas City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Austin
IBJJF International Open NoGi Absolute (open weight) Champion in Kansas City
IBJJF Pan medalist
IBJJF American National medalist
Multiple local and regional tournament champion and medalist at: Fuji, American Grappling Federation, Submission Challenge, and many others
Favorite Submission: Foot lock
Favorite Position: Half Guard
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Jiu Jitsu Coach
Landon Heriford
Landon was born and raised in KC, and after graduating from the University of Missouri, he started his jiu jitsu journey in 2019 at Dark Horse Academy in Denver, Colorado. Exploring the integration of wrestling, Judo, and Jiu jitsu, he went on to earn his purple belt in September of 2024 from Andrew “The Dude” Dudderar. Landon continued his Jiu Jitsu journey while traveling and living abroad in Spain, gaining international experience at a variety of Jiu Jitsu and MMA gyms.
Landon’s positive personality is contagious, making him a joy to have in the academy. Welcoming to all, Landon is always excited to bring new people into the martial arts community and looks forward to growing as a team and as a coach.
Off the mats he enjoys racket and board sports, yoga, meditation, being outdoors, and traveling to new countries.
Favorite Submission: Rear naked choke
Favorite Position: Back control
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