Our Lineage
Craig Kukuk
Craig Kukuk is considered the first non-Brazilian to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He began training under Rorion Gracie in 1981 at the original Gracie Academy in Torrance, California. Craig trained extensively with Rorion, Royce, Royler, Rickson, and Rolker Gracie during the foundational era of BJJ in America.
In 1992, after over a decade of dedicated training, Craig was promoted to black belt by Rorion Gracie.
He became an instructor at the Torrance academy but later opened his own academies on the East Coast. Craig partnered with Renzo Gracie to create the groundbreaking instructional video series "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from A to Z" in 1993.Craig relocated to Idaho in 1999 and founded the Freestyle Training Center, teaching no-gi jiu-jitsu exclusively.
He believed deeply in the practicality of no-gi for self-defense. Craig has promoted several black belts over the years, including Jacen Flynn (Craig’s First Black Belt) and Nick Kugelman (Jacen’s First Black Belt).
Now retired from teaching, Craig remains an influential figure in the early spread of BJJ in America.
His black belts Jacen and Nick opened an academy in Meridian, Idaho to continue sharing Craig's no-gi system and knowledge with new generations of students.
Though no longer active in the BJJ community, Craig Kukuk's legacy lives on through his students.
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Our Coaches
Jacen Flynn
Meet Jacen Flynn, one of the head honchos at System Jiu-Jitsu. With a 10-3 MMA record and victories over the likes of Dean Lister and Denis Kang, the guy knows his stuff. He's been in the Jiu-Jitsu game since '96 and became Craig Kukuk's first black belt in 2006.
He's a dad to two and a devoted husband. His love for Jiu-Jitsu and fitness isn't just a hobby; it's a lifestyle he's keen on sharing.
Nick Kugelman
Say hello to Nick Kugelman, the other head coach at System Jiu-Jitsu. Training since '04, Nick's got skills—he was Jacen Flynn's first-ever black belt, awarded in 2015.
When he's not choking people out, Nick's a dad of two and soon-to-be-married. Off the mats, you'll catch him sipping energy drinks, snacking on beef jerky, or gaming.
Matt Lane
Meet coach Matt Lane. Matt has been training with Jacen and Nick since 2012, and was awarded his black belt in 2023.
Matt is a dad of 2, and one of the premier leg lockers in the pacific northwest. If you want to compete at a high level you will want to check out his classes.
Kyle Hinkle
Meet Coach Kyle, our head of Gi operations. Kyle found success in high school wrestling, competing at the collegiate level with the University of Idaho’s NAIA program. He transitioned to Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 and has since competed in both Regional and IBJJF events, including a 1st place at the 2018 San Diego Pro and 3rd at the Long Beach Open. A Black Belt since 2021, Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team.
