Master Rigan Machado
Professor Troy Pettyjohn
Head Jiujitsu Instructor, Judo Instructor
Troy was born and raised in Colorado. After being bullied as a young child, Troy started his martial arts journey in 1981.
Troy’s initial interest in learning self defense grew to a pursuit of excellence and black belts in multiple arts.
Troy has studied several and competed in varying martial arts for the last 44 years, including Kung fu, Iai-do, Kendo, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Judo and BJJ. Troy has been teaching Judo and Jiujitsu for over a decade.
Troy is currently the head professor of the adults and kids jiujitsu programs and Judo Sensei. Troy continues to teach martial arts in hopes of passing on to others the same benefits that have enriched his life.
Troy currently holds his first degree black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu (awarded October 2019) under Master Rigan Machado, and is a certified second degree Judo Black Belt under the United States Judo Association and is a Renshi in the Iwayama Ryu school of Judo.
Master Rigan Machado is a living legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu jitsu, and is considered by many to be the greatest grappler to ever walk the face of the planet. He is the nephew of the legendary Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, and himself holds the prestigious red and white belt. He achieved his legendary stature at the world championship level by amassing a record that no one has been able to match since.
From the age of 14 through 21, he won the World Championships every year and in every belt division.
He amassed a record of 365 wins and very few losses in BJJ competition. He also created a record by having 19 matches in one day and finishing all of them by submission.
Master Rigan Machado remained unbeaten in more than 13 years of competition.
Greg was born and raised in the Greeley, Colorado area. Greg’s love of the martial arts started at a very young age, but it was not until the summer of 1987 when a karate program taught a Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do. Greg was instantly hooked and committed himself completely to his study of the martial arts, eventually earning his 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do.
Greg’s other martial arts passion evolved from his love of wrestling, which he competed in through middle and high school . In 1995, Greg stumbled into a Judo Dojo in Fort Collins. He instantly fell in love with this new grappling art and continues his personal journey in Judo to this day. Greg currently holds the rank of 4th degree Black Belt in Judo, and is a Kyoshi in the Iwayama Ryu school of Judo
Greg’s sincere wish is to pass on the lessons and benefits he has gained from Judo. In his opinion, Judo lessons will benefit a student in every and all, aspects of their life.
Greg is the head Sensei for the Judo program at the Rigan Machado Jiujitsu of Northern Colorado Academy. Greg is also a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Master Rigan Machado.
Sensei Greg Becker
Head Judo Instructor