Absolute MMA’s coaching method
The goal of our coaching method is to maximize the potential of every student and athlete. We focus on teaching proper technique and developing good skills.
We direct all students and athletes through basic exercises and drills while addressing each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. This gives the student an opportunity to develop a strategy based on their skill while teachers critique form to ensure continued improvement.
Our coaching philosophy utilizes positive encouragement so our students and athletes can maintain the mental clarity and the drive necessary to succeed.
Rob Handley
- Owner and head trainer at Absolute MMA
- Head coach of Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu USA
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 5th degree blackbelt
- Judo 3rd degree blackbelt
- Senior Muay Thai Instructor
- MACP Combatives Instructor LVL 3
- AKC Kettlebell Athlete, Kettlebell Sports Coach, and Master Kettlebell Fitness Trainer
Rob’s vast experience in teaching MMA, MMA training workouts, and MMA strength training make him one of the top coaches in Utah.
Rob has coached and taught many top-level athletes, including UFC fighters Josh Burkman, former UFC Middleweight Champion, Evan Tanner, and “The Ultimate Fighter” winner, Court “The Crusher” McGee. He’s also trained many other Utah fighters
Grandmaster Flavio Behring
- head of the Behring Jiu Jitsu family
- Grandmaster and 9th-degree Red belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Grandmaster Flavio Behring is one of the most decorated and prestigious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu artists in the world. He started his training at the age of 10 under the originators and innovators of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Helio, and Carlos Gracie Sr.
Absolute MMA is a certified Behring Jiu Jitsu academy that teaches Flavio’s own special experience in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Master Flavio travels to America from Brazil a few times a year to teach special seminars at Absolute MMA. His students come from all over the USA to learn. For more information on Grandmaster Flavio, click here.
Kevin Kopaunik
- Assistant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo Instructor
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 2nd Degree Black belt
- Judo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Kevin is known for his friendly demeanor and delivery of constructive criticism that translates to his teaching style. He has a combined 35+ years of martial arts experience including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate Shin Toshi, Akido and Wado Ryu Karate.
Enjoying all martial arts, his focus has been on self-defense and styles that exemplify this combat quality. He believes that the true test of any combat style is being able to put a full 100 percent effort into training live without hurting your training partner.
That is where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo shine and where his passions lie. Training at Absolute MMA and with Grandmaster Flavio Behring has added a level of technique, competence, family and friendship that he had no idea he could obtain.