Coaches
Conor Heun
10th Planet Denver Head Coach, Conor Heun has over 36 years of grappling experience under his 1st degree black belt. He started in combat sports as a wrestler earning state titles in Freestyle and Greco Roman before competing internationaly. After wrestling at Ithaca College, he moved to L.A. in 2005 and started training No Gi Jiu Jitsu under Eddie Bravo. After a successful MMA career fighting in the IFL, Elite XC, and Strikeforce, Coach Heun returned to Colorado to open 10th Planet Denver, realizing his life long goal of becoming a head coach.
Heather Jo Clark
Head MMA Coach and Manager, Heather Jo Clark spent her life seeking out and training under the best coaches in the world including Greg Jackson, Mike Winklejohn, Robert Follis, and Eddie Bravo. Her technique has proven successful at the highest levels of MMA with fights in Invicta, Bellator, and the UFC. Heather has over 10 years of MMA experience under her 10th Planet Brown Belt and is passionate about sharing her Nogi knowledge with the 10th Planet Denver team. Heather is available for private lessons at $100 per hour.
Conor Heun
10th Planet Denver Head Coach and Owner, Conor Heun has over 39 years of grappling experience under his second degree black belt.
He started in combat sports as a wrestler, earning state titles in Freestyle and Greco Roman before competing internationally in the Tour Du Monde.
After 5 years wrestling at Ithaca College he moved back home and got his first real taste of jiu jitsu training with the fighters at Easton's BJJ in Boulder.
After moving to LA in 2005, Conor found himself at the Bomb Squad Gym on Santa Monica Blvd. It was here that Conor first met master Eddie Bravo and fell in love with the Rubber Guard. Impressed with his work ethic, his toughness, and his flexibility, Eddie encouraged Conor to try his hand at MMA.
Conor won his first pro fight by RNC and never looked back. After 6 years fighting for the the biggest organizations in the world such as the IFL, Elite XC, and Strikeforce he retired with a professional record of 9-5.
In 2019 Conor opened 10th Planet Denver, realizing a lifelong goal of leading his own team.
Conor is available for private lessons at $160 per hour.
Heather Jo Clark
10th Planet black belt, Head MMA Coach and Gym Manager, Heather Jo Clark has dedicated her life to martial arts mastery. Her search for the best coaches in the world led her to Greg Jackson, Mike Winklejohn, Robert Follis, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez" and Eddie Bravo.
Shes has proven her well rounded technique at the highest levels of MMA with fights in Invicta, Bellator, and the UFC and finishes by both knockout and submission.
Heather has spent more than 11 years training with the best fighters in the world including world champions Meisha Tate, Rose Namajunas, and Holly Holmes.
The top females in the sport routinely reach out to Heather to sharpen their tools leading into big competitions.
As passionate as she was about fighting, Heather has now shifted her focus to sharing her MMA knowledge with the 10th Planet Denver team.
Outside of the gym Heather enjoys paddle boarding, snowboarding, and spending time with her dog "Benny The Jet."
Heather is available for private lessons at $120 per hour.
josh
clopton
Josh Clopton is a UFC veteran and Jiu Jitsu black belt.
In 2005 he left his job in Tulsa Oklahoma and moved to San Francisco to train with Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields in the pursuit of making a career in fighting. While trying to break into the UFC, he worked on a commercial crab fishing boat to make ends meet.
He made his UFC debut in 2011 and his last fight was at UFC 160 in 2013. Josh earned his black belt under Jake Shields in 2016 and now helps train other fighters and has been the chief cornerman in over 20 UFC fights.
He taught at El Nino Training Center in San Francisco and also for companies such as Google, YouTube and LinkedIn until the plandemic.
He has since made a career shift as a Software Engineer and as an avid outdoorsman moved to Colorado to be closer to the mountains. Josh is excited to share his knowledge with the 10th Planet Denver team during his wrestling and leg locks classes.
Josh is available for privates at $100 an hour.
Zane
Stone
Back belt Zane Stone began his exploration into Jiu Jitsu in 2009, when he spent a short time training in the Gi in Australia. After a two year hiatus and a move to San Francisco, he discovered 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu and settled into a steady training schedule.
Zane spent the next 7+ years dedicating his time to training and competing under Denny Prokopos (Eddie Bravo's first Black Belt) where he progressed from white to brown belt.
Zane has had the pleasure of training with some of 10th Planet's and Northern California's most decorated and skilled grapplers, gaining knowledge and technique along the way. Zane was given his 10th Planet Blackbelt by Conor Heun in June of 2022.
After relocating to the Mile High City, Zane was thrilled to find a new home at 10th Planet Denver. You can get a taste of his well-rounded and individualistic approach during his class Wednesday mornings at 6:00am.
Zane is available for private lessons at $100 per hour.
Mike Conigliaro
Mike met Coach Heun playing Street Fighter 2 in 2012. After beating Conor over and over using nearly every character in the game, Conor invited him to the Jiu Jitsu gym hoping to even the score.
Mike barely knew what Jiu Jitsu was when he first stepped onto the mats and although he had no prior martial arts experience, a lifetime of skateboarding had made him tough and resilient. He struggled at first but refused to give up and soon found grappling to be a powerful vehicle for personal development and a community of some of the most inspiring people he ever met.
Having spent time training in both traditional gi based Jiu Jitsu and the 10th Planet Style, Mike brings a very well rounded game to his teaching. These days, Mike jokes about being a “jiu-jitsu evangelist” as he strives to make better people through jiu-jitsu. He helps new practitioners feel comfortable in a sport that can be intimidating and fosters a friendly atmosphere where everyone can feel empowered to become the best version of themself.
Mike is a brown belt and is available for private lessons at $80 per hour.
adam
davila
Adam Davila started his journey at Northern Illinois University when he joined their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club in 2014. He was seeking a change in lifestyle and Jiu Jitsu made the most sense to him. It brought him discipline, purpose, and an outlet for his competitive nature.
Despite having to take breaks in training to allow for life events, he never lost his passion and has since become one of the most active competitors at 10th Planet Denver, winning gold in multiple submission only tournaments.
Adam, a 10th Planet purple belt, has been training with 10th Planet Denver since day one and truly relishes the opportunity to share his knowledge as a coach. Adam teaches the 10th Planet Denver Fundamentals classes.
Adam is available for private lessons at $70 per hour.
Ben
swan
Ben Swan started wrestling in 1989 in Merrill Wisconson for the Junior Jays at the ripe young age of 4. He was a multiple time Wisconson National Team Member in both Greco and Freestyle.
At Merrill High School he was a team leader, voted Team Captain as a Sophmore, Junior, and Senior. He was a four year starter setting the school win record and placing 6th at the State Tournament his Junior year.
In college, Ben wrestled for the University of Dubuque in Iowa at 149lbs and graduated with a degree in Health, Wellness, and Recreation.
After college began his foray into traditional Chinese Medicine. He attended East West Healing Arts Institute where he graduated with a degree in Western Massage and Eastern Medicine.
Ben and Conor became fast friends in 2012 when they were both working at 24 Hour Fitness in Boulder as Personal Trainers.
Conor invited Ben to check out 10th Planet Jiu and the rest is history. Ben dove headfirst into Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts and was awarded a long overdue purple belt in 2022.
Ben is avaiable for one on one sessions in massage, strength training, and grappling at $100 per hour.
Ryan
lyons
Ryan brings over 24 years of grappling experience to the mats. He started wrestling when he was 5 and found submission grappling in the Marines where he made the All Marines Wrestling Team near the end of his enlistment and won the 2013 Armed Forces Championship.
After leaving the Marines, he made a run on the Olympic circuit in 2016 rising to 9th in the country in Greco. While competing internationally, Ryan coached several different programs in New Jersey including the male and female national olympic youth teams, kids transitional programs at local Jiu Jitsu gyms, and local UFC fighters.
Sharing his understanding of wrestling carries tremendous value for Ryan because of the tremendous positive effect it had in his life. Ryan is grateful to give back to the sport and share his knowledge with the 10th Planet Denver Team.
Ryan is available for privates at $100 per hour.
brian thurow
Brian began his Jiu Jitsu journey in April of 2016 at Katharo Training Center in Littleton, CO. Being in his mid-thirties, having zero martial arts experience, and a laundry list of pre-existing injuries, Brian was more than hesitant to give BJJ a try but he knew that what he had been doing wasn't working either.
Brian was depressed, out of shape, had no routine, and no sense of community. After a long conversation with a good friend who trained, he eventually put his fears aside and put on a white belt. It totally changed his life.
His first four years of training were primarily in the gi, with a heavy emphasis on self-defense and takedowns. After joining the team at 10th Planet Denver Brian was awarded his brown belt in 2023.
Brian's style of jiu-jitsu is based almost purely on fundamentals and basic techniques that anyone can do.
When he's not on the mats, he works as a tattoo artist at his shop, Dedication Tattoo and enjoys life here in Wheat Ridge with his beautiful wife, Demi, and their dog, Rumi.
Aside from training he enjoys fishing, cooking, reading, and a nice hot bath. He's also a newbie freshwater aquarium hobbyist.
If you see Brian at the academy, please come say hello!
Ryan
Charlebois
Coach Ryan Charlebois started his combat sports journey in 6th grade when he joined his local wrestling team in upstate New York. He fell in love with the sport and continued to wrestle through high school. His senior year he finished with an impressive 42-4 record but fell short of his goal of winning the state title. It was at this point that he decided to switch his focus to MMA.
He moved to Atlanta, GA and started training at a Renzo Gracie affliate. He progressed quickly and soon earned his blue belt from Paul Creighton.
After an undefeated amateur career in which he won two titles, scored four knockouts and finished at 6-0, he felt it was time to go pro. He also knew that if he wanted to become world champion, he would need to train with world champions.
His search for the best fight camp in the country brought him to Colorado where he joined Elevation Fight Team and linked up with Coach Justin Houghton of Pound 4 Pound Muay Thai.
Soon he was signed to a multi fight deal with the LFA and was well on his way to making his dreams come true.
Coach Ryan is available for private lessons and charges $100 per hour or $60 for 30 minutes. If you would like to take his kick boxing class, but are unable to attend the intro class every Wednesday, please schedule a 30 minute session so he can bring you up to speed.
Keith
Roop-Eckart
Keith started his martial arts journey with Aikido in 2005. He dabbled with a variety of styles before falling in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014.
After receiving his blue belt in 2016, Keith traveled across the midwest and competed in various tournaments before settling down at 10th Planet Denver.
Keith has developed a very dangerous Guillotine and his Kimura game always leads to a sweep or a finish.
Keith was awarded his purple belt from Coach Heun in 2021.
Keith believes guard retention and submission chains form the core of a strong grappling game and is excited to share his knowledge with the 10th Planet community during his Monday morning 6:00am class.
Keith is available for privates at $70 per hour.
Michelle
Dean
Michelle's coaching career began in 2012 when she realized how much physical training helped with her own mental health and she became determined to share the benefits of fitness with everyone she could.
This pursuit led her to study Mind, Body, and Spirit Optimization at Kion University, earn her personal training certification through NASM, and become a CrossFit certified level 1 coach.
Michelle worked and trained with some of the best MMA fighters in the world at some of the most highly regarded MMA gyms on the West Coast before finding her way to 10th Planet Denver in the summer of 2022.
Her experience coaching and training with elite fighters has given her a keen insight into the specific type of strength and conditioning needed for mixed martial arts.
As an athlete, Michelle is a record holding elite ranked powerlifter and has been training Kickboxing, Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu for almost 5 years.
Michelle’s true passion is to not only explore the depths of her own power, but to assist people in finding that power within themselves.
Outside of the gym, Michelle loves traveling, spending time in nature and hanging out with her dogs, ducks and chickens!
Michelle is available for personal training at $85 per session.
Sheila
Davila
Sheila started training in 2016 after her partner convinced her that learning self-defense was a necessary skill. She immediately became enamored with both the physical and cognitive challenge jiu jitsu provided. While she began training in the gi, earning her blue belt in 2019, she enjoyed cross training and was intrigued by 10th Planet's nogi style. She eventually saw the light and decided to train full time at 10th Planet Denver.
Shortly after earning her blue belt, Sheila began her coaching journey as a substitute coach for the women’s class. She soon developed a special interest in helping grow the community of women and helping others achieve their goals. She takes great pride in being able to coach on a regular basis and be a supportive mentor for her team.
Outside of Jiu Jitsu, Sheila’s other favorite hobby is to cook and feed people. She and her Husband Adam run The Yuppie Kitchen, providing delicious vegan fare at pop up's around the city and at private events.
Sheila is available for privates at $50 an hour.
Hannah
Mitchell
Hannah is a lifelong athlete who grew up playing sports. Despite trying Soccer, Lacrosse, Water Polo, and Ultimate Frisbee, Hannah never found an activity that really held her interest until she tried rock climbing.
After moving to Colorado, Hannah was seeking a new community and finally took her Husband Scott’s advice to try Jiu Jitsu. Preferring Nogi, Scott told her to check out 10th Planet. When Hannah saw that 10th Planet Denver had women’s only classes, she forced herself to try it and immediately fell in love.
Jiu Jitsu had the same physical and mental problem solving that she liked so much about rock climbing but on the mats, it was like the rock was trying to climb you back.
Obsessed with this new game, she made a commitment to herself to attend all the women’s class and progressed quickly. Her skills were recognized in January of 2022 when she was awarded her blue belt.
You can take Hannah’s class every Tuesday night at 6:00pm.
Giovanni
Medina
Giovanni Medina got a taste for martial arts in high school when he joined the Etiwanda wrestling team in Southern California. After high school, his love of grappling brought him to Millenia Jiu Jitsu in Rancho Cucamonga in 2018.
After getting his blue belt in 2020, Gio decided to travel and learn the 10th planet system.
He moved to Denver and soon found his home at 10th planet Denver where he teaches the kids class. His goal is to help influence the growth of jiu jitsu through its youth.
Giovanni is available for private lessons for $60 an hour.
Shane
Roeschlein
Shane Roeschlein began training in 2017 at North Park Jiu Jitsu in Sand Diego, CA as a way to do something fun and active with his daughter and soon became a coach for the kids team.
Coach Shane holds the rank of purple belt under Michael Cusi and Johnny Tama and trained nogi with Sloan Clymer and Ram Ananda.
After 20 years in San Diego, shane traded the beach for the mountains when he moved back to his hometown with his family in 2021.
At 10th Planet Denver, Shane coaches the all levels class Monday mornings at 6:00am and the kids classes at 4:00pm. When he isn't on the mats he is a published writer and a bass player in the SoCal hard-core punk band, Cabrón.
Shane is available for private lessons at $70 an hour. His email is shane.roeschlein@gmail.com
Tim
Mohatt
Tim Mohatt is a NASM certified personal trainer with a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals.
With over 5 years of experience in the industry, Tim has developed a reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable trainer who places a strong emphasis on sustainable fitness habits. Also a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and a can-do attitude, he motivates his clients to push past their limits and reach their full potential, both in the gym and in their daily lives.
Luke Bradley
Luke Bradley started training in 2019 in the garage of a local brown belt after being invited by a coworker. After training 4 days a week for 8 months he started training under Gio Martinez at 10th Planet Oceanside.
In 2021 he moved to Denver and started training under Conor. After a few months of Jiu Jitsu Luke decided to get serious about his health and started taking the strength and conditioning classes. As he grew stronger and more confidant Jiu Jitsu took over from surfing and basketball to become his favorite activity.
When a coaching position became available, Luke jumped at the opportunity. "I really enjoy coaching people and seeing all of us progress together" You can learn from Luke every Friday at 6:00am
Luke is available for privates at $50 an hour.
