MIKE & Barb CIESNOLEVICZ
Owner Mike Ciesnolevicz, is a UFC veteran. Him and his wife are the only Professional Fighter & BJJ Black Belt couple in the state of Colorado
Head Coach: BJJ Blackbelt/UFC Veteran
Mike C. teaches the majority of adult classes at Cies MMA, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the mats each day. To start Mike earned his blackbelt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the world renowned Jiu Jitsu legend, 8th degree Coral Belt, Master Sergio Pehna back in 2015. Before this, he had earned his blackbelt in the Miletich Fighting System, from UFC Champion & Hall of Famer, Pat Miletich.
Mike fosters a learning environment for all skill levels, but if the aspiration is competition he truly walks the walk. He is the only instructor in Colorado Springs, who is both a blackbelt in BJJ and has fought and won in the UFC. Mike won his UFCdebut via heel hook (BJJ Submission). Mike's MMA record at retirement was 20-4-1, proving his knowledge and expertise in a practical application.
Come learn straight from a UFC Vet!
Program Director/Manager: Barb C
Barb C., is the wife and business partner of Mike Ciesnolevicz. She spent 14 years perfecting her martial arts craft obtaining a 3-1 professional MMA record and BJJ Black Belt. Her BJJ career is the most successful in the gyms history obtaining multiple major titles from the prestigious IBJJF. Her current role is managing the academy while raising her and Mike's children. Barb was the head coach of the extremely successful youth program for 6 years before becoming the program director. On top of her martial arts background Barb also is a NCO in the Colorado Air National Guard and has served faithfully for 13 years, with one deployment under her belt. Her commitment to military service, her faith background and her love of family shines when she steps on the mats to coach when her schedule allows.
ASSISTANT COACHES
Kyle Kirk, BJJ Purple Belt Head Kids/Youth BJJ Coach: Kyle has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2020 and is an integral part of our program. He has competed in multiple professional grappling matches and local tournament brackets. More than often coach Kyle walks away victorious, and shares his wealth of knowledge with our kids. He chose to help coach over 2 years ago because he saw the value of jiu jitsu and wanted to pass it on to kids in hope it changed their life too.
David Rivera, 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt & 3rd Degree Judo Black Belt: David Rivera occasionally teaches our brunch and evening BJJ/No Gi classes, and our members have a blast each time. David has competed at the highest levels in BJJ, Greco, Sambo and Judo. Most notably he is a 3x National Champion in Judo. Everyone has benefited greatly from having David as an assistant coach, making Cies MMA truly one of the truest gems in the area.
Tyler McGuire, 12-2 Professional MMA Fighter and Former One FC title contender. Tyler is a military veteran who teaches combative arts at the Air Force academy. Tyler specializes in wall wrestling and ground/pound for MMA. You can find him coaching special classes for No Gi and our prestigious Fight Team.
Robby Spinella, BJJ Brown Belt, Professional Grappler and holds the record for the most matches in the gyms history with a record of 96 wins, only 19 loses. Robby is hands down the most technical BJJ practitioner in our academy and his coaching highlights this. He has a very unique style. You can find Robby subbing in for Brunch classes and some night classes.
Jacob Cochran is a 7x Greco Roman National Champion, WCAP Wrestler, 2x Amateur MMA Champion (Undefeated). Jacob is a star in MMA already, but has an extremely prestigious Wrestling pedigree. You can find him subbing in for No Gi Grappling nights, teaching special classes for our members. It truly is rare to have someone like Jacob on a coaching roster, come learn how to wrestle with him!