Carlson Gracie Green Valley
Instructors
Carlson Gracie Green Valley will build your strength and BJJ knowledge from the ground up. Starting with a strong foundation is the key to success in martial arts. We’ll progress at your pace and even modify classes to emulate the feeling of a private Jiu Jitsu lesson. Together we’ll adapt and accommodate to achieve your goals!
In addition to our adults and kids programs, the women’s Jiu Jitsu program at Carlson Gracie Green Valley is a force to be reckoned with. You can train comfortably from top-quality instructors in any program. The course is led by owner Mike Garwood’s daughter and wife. With his daughter being a world champion and his wife being a black belt, rest assured that you’re in great hands.
Carlson Gracie Green Valley
Instructors
Here Carlson Gracie Green Valley, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Owner/Black Belt
Heidi Garwood
Biography
Heidi Garwood is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt under Romulo Caiado. She began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2012. Heidi has a passion for teaching kids self-defense and competition Jiu-Jitsu. She is excited to begin this new chapter at Carlson Gracie Green Valley.
Accomplishments
2019 IBJJF Masters Worlds Bronze Medal
2019 IBJJF Long Beach Open Gold Medal
2019 IBJJF Long Beach Open Absolute Gold Medal
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Owner/Brown Belt
Mike Garwood
Biography
Mike Garwood is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Romulo Caiado. He began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2013. Prior to Jiu-Jitsu Mike had an extensive wrestling background and MMA. He has a passion for teaching and coaching all aspects of combat sports.
Accomplishments
2015 CBJJD Rio Gold Medal
2019 IBJJF Long Beach Open Bronze Medal
2019 IBJJF Phoenix Open Gold Medal
2019 IBJJF Phoenix Open Absolute Bronze Medal
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Purple Belt
Esther Garwood
Biography
Esther Garwood is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt under Romulo Caiado. She began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2011. She is an active competitor traveling to competitions throughout the United States. She enjoys teaching the kids programs and looks forward to this new journey.
Accomplishments
2018 IBJJF Las Vegas Kids International Bronze Medal
2019 IBJJF Las Vegas Kids International Gold Medal
2019 IBJJF Long Beach Kids International Gold Medal
2021 IBJJF American National Gold Medal
2021 IBJJF American National Absolute Gold Medal
2021 IBJJF American National No-Gi Silver Medal
2021 IBJJF American National No-Gi Absolute Gold Medal
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Brown Belt
Michael Laci
Biography
Michael Laci is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Romulo Caiado. He began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2010. He has been teaching kids for the last four year. Michael is an active competitor. He looks forward to learning by teaching as he competes at the highest levels of Adult Jiu-Jitsu.
Accomplishments
2019 IBJJFLong Beach Open Bronze Medal
2019 IBJJF Phoenix Open Bronze Medal
2021 IBJJF American Nationals Bronze Medal
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Learn More About Our History:
Mike Garwood opened Carlson Gracie Green Valley in February of 2021. He has taught BJJ classes for over seven years, including a previous role at the Carlson Gracie Henderson location. With his entrepreneurial spirit, opening a Jiu Jitsu academy was always the end goal. During Mike’s training, his professor requested that he and his wife open a Carlson Gracie location in Green Valley, it was a no brainer. In a short time, the academy has already grown from zero to 105 students and counting. While Mike continues to live out his dream he remains most proud of the success of his students.