Mike Blankenship

Coach Mike is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt. His training began under Professor Jorge Gurgel and Professor Jake Nickoson in 2017 and he opened Artisan Submission Grappling with Jake and Tyler in 2023. He teaches kids jiu jitsu, kids intro, BJJ fundamentals, and assists in coaching adult jiu jitsu classes. Mike is married to Coach Steph and together with their son, Dominic, Jiu Jitsu is a family affair.

Mike strongly believes in personal responsibility, hard work, and integrity which he strives to instill through his coaching style and personal example. His passion is for influencing the next generation and working with veterans and first responders. Mike draws heavily on his law enforcement background and military service that provides unique real world experience in close confrontations and critical incidents.

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Prior to founding Artisan, Mike served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. A graduate of the Army’s Ranger and Sniper schools, he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006-2007 conducting sniper, reconnaissance, and direct action infantry operations.  Mike then moved to law enforcement working in a multitude of roles that included Patrol, SWAT, and K9. He instructed fellow officers in firearms, tactics, active violence response, and as a field training officer for new recruits.