Meet our coaches

Professor Jimmy Thompson began training Jiu Jitsu in 1997. He fought MMA professionally from 1998-2006 and has a professional record of 6 – 2. Upon retirement he founded Tacoma Mixed Martial Arts  (aka. T – Town MMA / Checkmat Tacoma) in 2006. Jimmy received his 2nd degree Black Belt from Professor Leandro Vieira (co-founder of Checkmat) in 2021.

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Ginger is a BJJ Purple Belt and Silver Medal Winner at the 2021 IBJJF Master's World's Tournamant. Ginger loves dogs and 

Jesse received his black belt from Professor Jimmy Thompson in 200X. He currently teaches an incredibly popular introductory class on Wednesday evenings.

Justin Palanka received his black belt from Professor Jimmy Thompson in 200x. He currently teaches an Advanced BJJ class on Sunday mornings.

Rose is a BJJ blue belt and agreed to manage T-Town's Women's Program because she believes jiu-jitsu should be a welcoming and supportive place for women to learn self-defense, gain confidence, get fit, and make friends.

CJ Moranski is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt. CJ joined the Army in 1998 and is currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. CJ joined the Ttown MMA team in 2014 after being introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by his brother-in-law (black belt Coach Justin) choked him out repeatedly.

Jonalyn has been training and competing in the striking arts since she was a child. Jonalyn has fought Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. Jonalyn is also a BJJ purple belt recently winning Silver at the 2021 IBJJF Master's World's tournament.

Coach Elliot has been boxing and kickboxing since high school. Coach Elliot fought in Arkansas, Ohio, New York, Texas, Colorado, and Hawaii. He loves training fighters and teaching the concepts he’s learned over the years.

In addition to training, Coach Elliot is a certified USA Boxing judge and referee.

Abdul is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and certified Muay Thai instructor. Abdul coaches BJJ classes, Kickboxing/Muay Thai classes and helps with the Kid's Classes.