Our Coaches
Professor Casey Bywater started her martial arts journey in January of 1996 at the Pit on the Central coast of California. She started as a competive boxer and kickboxer. She was first introduced to Jiu Jitsu alongside Chuck Liddell in Las Vegas at John Lewis’s school in 1998. Casey transitioned into professional MMA as a young single mom and college student in September on 1999. She mostly trained no Gi and went on to win the No Gi world champion in the purple belt division in 2008. After college at Cal Poly state university she worked in law enforcement. Later she returned to her career as a professional MMA fighter who competed in Belator MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu and professional MMA from 1999-2016. Casey has been teaching kids and adults since 1998 on the central coast of California. Casey retired from her professional MMA career in 2013. After which she turned her focus to Gi Jiu Jitsu. Casey is currently a Gracie Barra Black belt in Jiu Jitsu and specializes in teaching self defense seminars.
Coach Kris Dickenson began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2002, training with then-blue belt Jeff Martinez—who regularly took his back and finished with rear naked chokes. It quickly became clear that he needed to learn the ground game. Like many others, his time on the mats was limited by career and family responsibilities, but he stayed committed.
In 2005, he relocated from California to Bend, Oregon, where he continued training off and on for over 15 years. During that time, he was fortunate to work closely with Jiu-Jitsu/Sambo black belt and professional boxer Shawn Jewell—an incredible source of knowledge—and black belt Marty Moody, under Marcelo Alonso. Their influence shaped much of his early development.
Kris also had the privilege of learning/training from his good friend Denny Dean, a brown belt who was coaching at Connection Rio under 4th-degree black belt Professor Dennis Asche. Professor Asche, a black belt under Professor Gordo. Who helped his progression through private lessons. Thank you Professor.
For many years, he remained a dedicated hobbyist—until about 3.5 to 4 years ago, when he was finally able to commit the majority of his time to training. Under the guidance of Professor Casey, he gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He continues to be amazed by how much there is to learn, and he looks forward to sharing the fundamentals, concepts and principles of Jiu-Jitsu with others on the journey.
Coach Austin Harvanek, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt who started training in 2017. With a strong foundation in wrestling Austin brings a unique perspective to the mats and blends the elements of both to enhance students’ grappling skills. Having also trained in Boxing, Muay Thai and JKD he has a passion for martial arts.
As a devoted family man and Christian, Austin is married and has two children, balancing the demands of family with a commitment to training and teaching. His experience and enthusiasm for martial arts and BJJ not only inspire his students but also foster a supportive and engaging environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner looking to sharpen your skills, Austin is here to help guide you on your martial arts journey, emphasizing technique, perseverance, and respect both on and off the mat.
Professor Casey Bywater started her martial arts journey in January of 1996 at the Pit on the Central coast of California. She started as a competive boxer and kickboxer. She was first introduced to Jiu Jitsu alongside Chuck Liddell in Las Vegas at John Lewis’s school in 1998. Casey transitioned into professional MMA as a young single mom and college student in September on 1999. She mostly trained no Gi and went on to win the No Gi world champion in the purple belt division in 2008. After college at Cal Poly state university she worked in law enforcement. Later she returned to her career as a professional MMA fighter who competed in Belator MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu and professional MMA from 1999-2016. Casey has been teaching kids and adults since 1998 on the central coast of California.
Casey retired from her professional MMA career in 2013. After which she turned her focus to Gi Jiu Jitsu. Casey is currently a Gracie Barra Black belt in Jiu Jitsu and specializes in teaching self defense seminars.
Coach Kris Dickenson began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2002, training with then-blue belt Jeff Martinez—who regularly took his back and finished with rear naked chokes. It quickly became clear that he needed to learn the ground game. Like many others, his time on the mats was limited by career and family responsibilities, but he stayed committed.
In 2005, he relocated from California to Bend, Oregon, where he continued training off and on for over 15 years. During that time, he was fortunate to work closely with Jiu-Jitsu/Sambo black belt and professional boxer Shawn Jewell—an incredible source of knowledge—and black belt Marty Moody, under Marcelo Alonso. Their influence shaped much of his early development.
Kris also had the privilege of learning/training from his good friend Denny Dean, a brown belt who was coaching at Connection Rio under 4th-degree black belt Professor Dennis Asche. Professor Asche, a black belt under Professor Gordo. Who helped his progression through private lessons. Thank you Professor.
For many years, he remained a dedicated hobbyist—until about 3.5 to 4 years ago, when he was finally able to commit the majority of his time to training. Under the guidance of Professor Casey, he gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He continues to be amazed by how much there is to learn, and he looks forward to sharing the fundamentals, concepts and principles of Jiu-Jitsu with others on the journey.
Coach Austin Harvanek, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt who started training in 2017. With a strong foundation in wrestling Austin brings a unique perspective to the mats and blends the elements of both to enhance students’ grappling skills. Having also trained in Boxing, Muay Thai and JKD he has a passion for martial arts.
As a devoted family man and Christian, Austin is married and has two children, balancing the demands of family with a commitment to training and teaching. His experience and enthusiasm for martial arts and BJJ not only inspire his students but also foster a supportive and engaging environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned practitioner looking to sharpen your skills, Austin is here to help guide you on your martial arts journey, emphasizing technique, perseverance, and respect both on and off the mat.