Team Legacy
Senior Professor Ed
Nebraska’s first BJJ Black Belt, Professor Ed has been training Jiu-Jitsu since 1998 under Master Rodrigo Vaghi. Professor Ed received his Black Belt in Jan 2012 and is now a 2nd-Degree Black belt under Master Rodrigo Vaghi.
After a long training, competing, and coaching journey, Professor Ed is pursuing his dream. He is opening a school to provide a platform for all to pursue their martial art goals and dreams through Jiu-Jitsu.
Lead Professor Matt
Professor Matt had 5 years of martial arts training before meeting Professor Shobe in 2000. Shortly after that, he became a student in BJJ under Rodrigo Vaghi. He has won gold and silver medals, in competitions such as the U.S. Nationals, the Pan American Games, and the IBJJF Worlds Competition.
In 2015 he received his black belt under Master Rodrigo and is currently a first-degree blackbelt in BJJ. Professor Matt is a retired police Lieutenant.
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. He also has been 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.
Assistant Instructor Jon
Assistant Instructor Jon is a brown belt in BJJ under Master Rodrigo Vaghi. He has an extensive background in wrestling, MMA training and has a black belt in Tai-Jutsu. Jon is a Masters World Champion in the Ultra Heavyweight division and has won additional tournaments.
Coach Mike
Coach Mike is a welcomed addition to the Legacy BJJ coaching ranks. He 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. Mike came to us with a strong wrestling foundation and enjoys competing. His true passion is being active on the mats learning, sharing and growing. Mike will be a permanent fixture helping with the early bird “very early” BJJ classes.
Assistant Coach Amber
Assistant coach Amber is a dedicated BJJ practitioner and competitor. She currently hold the rank of blue belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. She has significant coaching and competitive experience in Cross Fit as well as youth sports. Amber’s goals are to continue her BJJ journey as a competitor. She will also be growing in her coaching experience by assisting with the BJJ youth classes.
Assistant Coach Matt
We welcome assistant coach Matt. He is a seasoned competitor and long time wrestling coach. Matt currently holds a blue belt under Professor Ed Shobe/Team Vaghi. Matt enjoys competing locally, regionally and nationally as time allows from his family and professional duties. Matt has joined the Legacy team and coaching ranks. This will allow him to pursue his passion for BJJ competition and to gain experience assisting our youth through BJJ.