YOUR COACHES
SBG Sparks offers world class martial arts instruction across numerous disciplines with over 80 years combined experience! All of our coaches have passed the SBG Coaches Course certification in order to bring you the best possible training experience.
SBG began over thirty years ago, when its founder, Matt Thornton, opened the first location in Portland Oregon. His goal was to create a university of fighting, where the truth of what does and does not work could be explored – an academy where ‘best practices’ could develop – where form would follow function. Our coaches strive to follow this dream. We welcome you to come join the SBG Sparks community and experience it for yourself!
Ray Price
[3rd Degree Black Belt | Coach]
Ray Price is a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under his coach of twenty years Matt Thornton, the esteemed President of Straight Blast Gym (SBG). Ray holds the distinction of being Matt's 11th black belt recipient.
Before affiliating with SBG in the early 2000s, Ray delved into various martial arts disciplines since his teenage years, honing his skills and passion for combat sports.
With a commendable 25-year tenure in law enforcement, Ray has amassed extensive training experience and expertise in the field. He served as an instructor for the agencies he worked with, specializing in training of high-liability disciplines.
Ray's dedication to sharing his knowledge and skills extends beyond his law enforcement duties. He has conducted training sessions for law enforcement personnel across the United States, a duty he continues to uphold to this day.
Ray's versatile background in martial arts and law enforcement underscores his proficiency in both combat techniques and practical applications, making him a respected figure in both realms.
Mike Sanford
[Purple Belt | Coach]
Travis Christensen | Blue Belt | Coach
[Blue Belt | Coach]
Coach Travis has 15 years of experience in Japanese jiujitsu and 5 years of experience in Brazillian jiujitsu under Coach Ray Price. Coach Travis has worked in private security as a bouncer and a bounty hunter and has 30 years of experience managing private sector businesses.
Olga Teran Penley | Blue Belt | Coach
[Blue Belt | Coach]
Coach Olga is a Fundamentals Coach who began her training and fell in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2019. Since then she has competed in multiple tournaments and has won 1st place in the absolute division and 2nd place as a Master 2 competitor
in the Dublin International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2022. She has also won three gold and one silver medal from Grappling Industries.
In addition to her love for BJJ, Olga holds a Master of Social Work Degree. She is passionate about serving her community by volunteering for multiple organizations and preparing and providing meals to the unhoused.
Jason Trevino
[Blue Belt | Coach]
Coach Jason is the Growing Gorillas and Fundamentals Program Director with a lifelong passion for martial arts. With 28 years of experience in law enforcement, he specialized in teaching weaponless defense, firearms, active assailant response, and other tactical skills at the police academy and within the department. In addition to his law enforcement background, Coach Jason has also taught numerous civilian courses, bringing his expertise and dedication to helping others build confidence and skills.
Jose Perez
[White Belt | Assistant Coach]
Coach Jose, a dedicated Nevada native and Marine Corps veteran, has always held a deep passion for martial arts, with a particular focus on jiu-jitsu. With 19 years of law enforcement experience, Jose has served in various capacities throughout his distinguished career. Currently, he holds the position of Detective Sergeant and also leads his agency’s Defensive Tactics program as its head instructor. Committed to sharing his knowledge and helping others improve, Jose looks forward to continuing his jiu-jitsu journey and further developing his skills as both a practitioner and assistant coach.
