Instructor Bios

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Bios

Fletcher Hoffman

Instructor

I initiated my training journey at Lovato’s in 2004 and have since attained the rank of 1st-degree black belt. In 2014, I began teaching the Jumpstart class, fostering the growth of new practitioners. As a brown belt, I achieved a notable accomplishment by securing a bronze medal at the 2017 IBJJF World Masters.

Beyond the Academy, I find fulfillment in backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. In 2023, I successfully summited Mount Rainier and am currently preparing for the challenge of conquering the Grand Teton this year through dedicated training.
 
 
 
 

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Bios

Jose Roman

Instructor

 

I am honored to hold a brown belt under Professor Lovato. My journey at Lovato’s began in 2012, and I started instructing after achieving my purple belt in 2016. Currently, I am responsible for teaching the 6am Jumpstart class and the intermediate Essentials II class. Having started at the academy as a white belt, I have witnessed numerous students and peers undergo their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Over time, I have taught every level of class that we offer, and it is now my passion to assist others in discovering their inner martial artist and evolving within this art. Whether the goal is to compete, improve health, or learn self-defense, I firmly believe that Jiu-Jitsu can benefit everyone.

Additionally, I have achieved multiple medals at the Okc and Dallas Open in both Gi and No-Gi competitions.
 

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Bios

Doug Kimball

Instructor

In early 2007, I began my Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 42, driven by my dedication and love for the art. Teaching became a natural progression for me during my blue belt journey, and I eventually became a lead instructor at my former school in Illinois. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of training and learning at various schools across the U.S. and beyond.

In late 2020, I joined the Lovato’s family, and in 2021, I achieved the prestigious milestone of earning my black belt from Robson Moura. Currently, I dedicate my time to teaching 2-3 classes weekly at Lovato’s, where I find immense joy in helping students embrace the journey of Jiu-Jitsu.

My teaching philosophy emphasizes the significance of fundamentals, perseverance, and the value of being a lifelong learner. My favorite quote is, “we were all a new white belt at one point,” which reflects the humility and continuous growth that Jiu-Jitsu instills in us.

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Bios

Chris Vanegas

Instructor

I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 and quickly invested as much time and energy as I could to improve. In 2019, I earned my blue belt and began instructing the Little Warriors. In 2023, I earned my purple belt and am continuing to learn and expand my knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu while strengthening the Little Warrior’s program.

I guide our students through the fundamentals that they will utilize throughout their journey. Off the mats, I enjoy cooking, reading, and working on projects with my wife.

 
 
 
 
 

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Bios

Dylan Nguyen

Instructor

I’m Dylan Nguyen, currently holding the rank of Lovato Jiu Jitsu Brown belt. I embarked on my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at Lovato’s in October of 2012 and have been an instructor within the academy since the beginning of 2015. My instructing experience spans teaching every level of the kids jiu jitsu classes to the adult jiu jitsu program, and I currently instruct the Essentials II (Intermediate) Class.

I’ve competed at the highest levels of sport jiu jitsu across the US, achieving notable accolades including being a 3x IBJJF Pan American Bronze medalist (Purple & Brown), No Gi Worlds Bronze medalist (Brown), American Nationals Silver medalist (Blue), Masters North American Silver medalist (Brown), as well as multiple-time IBJJF Open Champion & medalist at all belt levels. My ultimate aim is to become a Black Belt (Adult/Master) World Champion.

Beyond the mats, I find joy in creating art, immersing myself in nature, traveling, and genuinely delving into the study of jiu jitsu as there are always new innovations being discovered & new ways to improve my teaching as well as technical knowledge.

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Instructor

Shiloh Roberts

I am Professor Shiloh, holding the rank of second-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. I started at Lovato’s first affiliate school in Seaside, Oregon back in 2007. In pursuit of my passion, I relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 to train at Lovato’s, with the dream of training full time under the guidance of Professor Rafael Lovato. Over the years, I have competed in various prestigious locations such as the US, Brazil, Abu Dhabi, and Portugal.

Since 2012, I have been honored to share my expertise as an instructor at Lovato’s, where I currently lead the kids program catering to ages 10-15. My dedication to Jiu-Jitsu is further reflected in my personal life, as my wife and I are proud parents of three children, including my oldest son who currently holds a yellow and white belt.

Teaching, training, and competing in Jiu-Jitsu bring me immense joy and fulfillment. My present aspiration is to achieve the title of black belt masters world champion. Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, I find happiness in activities such as skateboarding, swimming, hiking, backpacking, and hunting, embracing a wide range of physical fitness pursuits.

Achievements:

  • IBJJF American Nationals Blue Belt Champion 2009
  • IBJJF Master Worlds Purple Belt Champion 2012
  • IBJJF NoGi Worlds Master Purple Belt Champion 2012
  • IBJJF Adult Worlds Purple Belt Bronze medalist 2012
  • IBJJF Brasileiro Master Brown Belt Champion 2013
  • Black Belt:
  • IBJJF Dallas open gold 2017
  • IBJJF Masters North America gold 2022
  • IBJJF OKC open gold 2023
  • IBJJF Kansas City open gold 2023
  • IBJJF Waco open gold 2023

Additional Instructors Bios

Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Mason Roy

Instructor

In 2014, started at Lovato’s and later became an instructor in 2021. I was honored to receive my brown belt from Professor Lovato in December of the same year. My passion for Jiu-Jitsu was ignited after years of participating in various sports during elementary and high school, including wrestling, football, baseball, and golf. Following a period of feeling like I was just “going through the motions” in college and a corporate job, I discovered the world-class Jiu-Jitsu at Lovato’s in my hometown of OKC, which has since become my true calling. I take great joy in helping new students and teammates uncover their own infinite potential and strength on the mats.

Training at this prestigious academy has not only led to my success in Jiu-Jitsu, both in competition and in personal growth, but has also enriched my life beyond the mats. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I am blessed with a wonderful wife of 12 years, two amazing children, and have even ventured into entrepreneurship by starting a landscaping company. Additionally, I have completed three full marathons and have ambitious plans for further pursuits in the realm of long-distance running.

In terms of my competitive achievements, I am proud to have earned the following distinctions in IBJJF competitions:

Silver medalist at the World Master Championship in the blue belt division (Gi)

World Master Champion at the purple belt level (No-Gi)

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Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Alan-Michael Chow

Instructor

My name is Alan-Michael Chow. I embarked on my Jiu Jitsu journey in 2012 after being introduced to it by a friend, and I currently hold a purple belt. In 2019, I began assisting the Jr. Warriors program, aiming to ensure the next generation of our team’s students find success on and off the mats.

Although I don’t compete frequently, I achieved bronze at the 2021 OKC Open and the 2022 OKC Open in no-gi competitions.

Beyond BJJ, I devote most of my time to baking and spending quality moments with my family.

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Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Josh Hatley

Instructor

I began my Jiu-Jitsu journey with the Lovato family around 2004 and have been a dedicated member ever since. Currently a brown belt, I proudly serve as the co-head instructor of the Lovato kids program. I have achieved multiple victories at the IBJJF Oklahoma City championship at both purple and brown belt levels, excelling in both gi and no-gi competitions. While I do enjoy occasional competition to test myself, my true focus and passion lie in continuously refining my technique to impart the best possible Jiu-Jitsu knowledge to the next generation.

Beyond the mats, I cherish spending time with my family, pursuing interests such as amateur astronomy, gaming, flying planes, and traveling. I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and skills in various areas.

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Lovato Jiu-Jitsu

Kalin Winkler

Instructor

My name is Kalin Winkler, and I began training jiu jitsu at Lovatos in April 2023. While my competition experience is currently limited as I continue to hone my skills, I have been instructing the adult wrestling classes since May 2023 and recently introduced the kids wrestling class in January 2024. I am deeply passionate about sharing my knowledge of the sport of wrestling.

Having dedicated 20 years of my life to competing in wrestling, I culminated my career at the University of Central Oklahoma. Throughout my time there, I achieved top 10 rankings in my sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, and I led my teams in pins during these years. Furthermore, I hold the record at Noble High School for the most pins and was recognized as a 2016 All-State recipient.

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