Coaches

Meet the expert instructors at Legacy BJJ Omaha. Led by Professor Ed Shobe and Professor Matt Lippold, our team brings decades of BJJ and real-world experience to the mats.

At Legacy, you aren’t just a number on a spreadsheet. We are a coach-led academy where our black belts are on the mats every day, rolling with students and teaching classes. We believe in leadership by example.

Coach Profiles

Senior Professor Ed Shobe

Nebraska’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Professor Ed has trained under Master Rodrigo Vaghi since 1998. He earned his Black Belt in January 2012 and is now a 3rd-degree Black Belt under Master Vaghi. You can see his full profile here.

Lead Professor Matt Lippold

A retired Police Lieutenant with 30 years of experience. Matt understands the high-stakes reality of self-defense and focuses on the mental fortitude required to stay calm under pressure. Matt has won gold and silver medals in competitions such as the U.S. Nationals, the Pan American Games, and the IBJJF Worlds Competition. Full profile.

Professor Anthony

Professor Anthony is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Master Rodrigo Vaghi and a Black Belt in Judo under Sensei Mike Penny. He has been a long-time instructor in BJJ and one of the most active and decorated BJJ competitors in the Midwest. See a list of his accomplishments here.

Professor Troy

Professor Troy studied BJJ for well over a decade before receiving his black belt under Master Rodrigo Vaghi. He also studied for years prior to receiving his black belt in Judo under Sensei Mike Penny. As a competitor, he has won several IBJJF championships and is an active instructor. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Marty

A longtime member of Team Vaghi Jiu-Jitsu, Marty has trained alongside Ed Shobe under Professor Rodrigo Vaghi for nearly two decades. Marty achieved his black belt in February 2022, marking significant milestones in his distinguished Jiu-Jitsu career. His dedication and expertise will be invaluable to the Legacy BJJ community. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Jon

With nearly two decades of training under Professor Rodrigo Vaghi as part of Team Vaghi Jiu-Jitsu. Jon brings a rich, competitive background. In September 2023, Jon earned his black belt, a testament to his dedication and skill. His expertise promises to be a tremendous asset to the Legacy BJJ community. You can see his full profile here.

Coach Mike

Coach Mike holds the rank of purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. Mike has competed successfully locally and as an IBJJF competitor on the regional level. His true passion is being active on the mats, learning, sharing, and growing. You can see his full profile here.

Assistant Coach Amber

Assistant Coach Amber is a dedicated BJJ practitioner and competitor. She currently holds the rank of Purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. She has significant coaching and competitive experience in CrossFit and youth sports. You can see his full profile here.

Assistant Coach Matt Dyer

Assistant Coach Matt is a seasoned competitor and long-time wrestling coach. Matt currently holds a Purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe / Team Vaghi. Matt enjoys competing locally, regionally, and nationally as time allows from his family and professional duties. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Matt Davis (Judo)

Professor Matt Davis has been immersed in the art of Judo since 2000, bringing over
two decades of experience as both a dedicated practitioner and an accomplished
competitor.  You can see his full profile here.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re motivated and looking for a gym that values effort, technique and community, then reach out with to one of our team members and let’s talk!

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

Coaches

Meet the expert instructors at Legacy BJJ Omaha. Led by Professor Ed Shobe and Professor Matt Lippold, our team brings decades of BJJ and real-world experience to the mats.

At Legacy, you aren’t just a number on a spreadsheet. We are a coach-led academy where our black belts are on the mats every day, rolling with students and teaching classes. We believe in leadership by example.

Coach Profiles

Senior Professor Ed Shobe

Nebraska’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Professor Ed has trained under Master Rodrigo Vaghi since 1998. He earned his Black Belt in January 2012 and is now a 3rd-degree Black Belt under Master Vaghi. You can see his full profile here.

Lead Professor Matt Lippold

A retired Police Lieutenant with 30 years of experience. Matt understands the high-stakes reality of self-defense and focuses on the mental fortitude required to stay calm under pressure. Matt has won gold and silver medals in competitions such as the U.S. Nationals, the Pan American Games, and the IBJJF Worlds Competition. Full profile.

Professor Anthony

Professor Anthony is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Master Rodrigo Vaghi and a Black Belt in Judo under Sensei Mike Penny. He has been a long-time instructor in BJJ and one of the most active and decorated BJJ competitors in the Midwest. See a list of his accomplishments here.

Professor Troy

Professor Troy studied BJJ for well over a decade before receiving his black belt under Master Rodrigo Vaghi. He also studied for years prior to receiving his black belt in Judo under Sensei Mike Penny. As a competitor, he has won several IBJJF championships and is an active instructor. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Marty

A longtime member of Team Vaghi Jiu-Jitsu, Marty has trained alongside Ed Shobe under Professor Rodrigo Vaghi for nearly two decades. Marty achieved his black belt in February 2022, marking significant milestones in his distinguished Jiu-Jitsu career. His dedication and expertise will be invaluable to the Legacy BJJ community. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Jon

With nearly two decades of training under Professor Rodrigo Vaghi as part of Team Vaghi Jiu-Jitsu. Jon brings a rich, competitive background. In September 2023, Jon earned his black belt, a testament to his dedication and skill. His expertise promises to be a tremendous asset to the Legacy BJJ community. You can see his full profile here.

Coach Mike

Coach Mike holds the rank of purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. Mike has competed successfully locally and as an IBJJF competitor on the regional level. His true passion is being active on the mats, learning, sharing, and growing. You can see his full profile here.

Assistant Coach Amber

Assistant Coach Amber is a dedicated BJJ practitioner and competitor. She currently holds the rank of Purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. She has significant coaching and competitive experience in CrossFit and youth sports. You can see his full profile here.

Assistant Coach Matt Dyer

Assistant Coach Matt is a seasoned competitor and long-time wrestling coach. Matt currently holds a Purple belt under Professor Ed Shobe / Team Vaghi. Matt enjoys competing locally, regionally, and nationally as time allows from his family and professional duties. You can see his full profile here.

Professor Matt Davis (Judo)

Professor Matt Davis has been immersed in the art of Judo since 2000, bringing over
two decades of experience as both a dedicated practitioner and an accomplished
competitor.  You can see his full profile here.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re motivated and looking for a gym that values effort, technique and community, then reach out with to one of our team members and let’s talk!

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: