Professor Robert Harper
Professor Robert Harper was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in the high school wrestling room and began formal training in BJJ, Muay Thai and Vale Tudo with Rafael Lovato, Sr in 2001. He quickly rose through the ranks as one of the most active and successful team competitors and was awarded his Black Belt by Rafael Lovato, Senior and Junior, in January 2012. He received his first and second degrees from Professor Octavio Cuoto. He has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, submission grappling and judo tournaments and is 1-0 in amateur Muay Thai fights. Prof Harper has over 2 decades of teaching experience and has been recognized for his approachable demeanor, and effective and encouraging teaching style.
Professor Steve Jones
Professor Steve Jones is a first degree black belt and has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2006. He was promoted under Professor Harper in 2019. He has been teaching Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga at The Forge for 9 years. Professor Steve teaches Advanced Gi, Gi, and Krav Maga.
Professor Steve says: “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of The Forge BJJ family since 2014, when our mat space was a fraction of what we have now. I enjoy the opportunity to help our students achieve their goals, whether that be high level competition or just being a competent hobbyist. It’s been a great experience to watch the gym grow and become one of the best places to train martial arts in the state of Oklahoma. When I’m not on the mat, I enjoy spending my time with my family, which includes my wife, Aundrea, our four adult children, and my grandson.”
Professor Livingston McKenzie
Professor Livingston McKenzie was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He briefly trained Tae Kwon Do at a young age, progressing later to Karate in high school. In 2007 he moved to Lubbock, Texas where he began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Sanda at United Martial Arts with USA Team head coach Ian Lee. In 2019, he was awarded his black belt in Sanda from Coach Ian Lee, and was also awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Prof. Robert Harper. To date, he is a first degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has been coaching at The Forge since 2014 where he teaches NoGi Jiu Jitsu and Sanda.
Professor Livingston has accrued a wide array of accolades including:
Multi-Time USAWF National Champion (85kg)
2024 Phoenix Nationals Gold Medalist (90kg)
2023 Worlds Bronze Medalist (90kg)
2018 IWUF Pan American Silver Medalist (85kg)
2016 IWUF Pan American Champion (85kg)
2023 AGF Pro Winner
Seasoned competitor and medalist at AGF and NAGA with experience at Five Grappling Europa and Fight 2 Win Pro.
Professor Luke Woodard
Professor Luke Woodard is a second degree black belt under Professor Harper and has been training since 2006. He has been running the early morning class since 2013 and has been an integral part of developing the amazing culture of 5:30 am training. Professor Luke also has the best shoe game at The Forge!
Professor Austin Morris
Professor Austin Morris was promoted to Black Belt in 2023 by Professor Robert Harper. He has been training Jiu Jitsu for 11 years with 9 years of experience as an instructor. You’ll find Professor Austin teaching Gi, NoGi, our children’s program, and coordinates the training of our Competition Team.
Professor Austin is an Oklahoma City Firefighter, Iron Man Triathlete, and has won numerous accolades in Jiu Jitsu including silver at NoGi Pans, Bronze at NoGi worlds, Gold at American Nationals, and has competitive experience in Gi and NoGi in IBJJF, ADCC, Fight 2 Win, Who’s Number One, and AGF.
Coach Trevor Fullbright
Coach Trevor Fullbright is a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu with 9.5 years of grappling experience. Coach Trevor says: “I’m the guy that will die on the hill that Gi is superior to NoGi, but I’ll admit, I’ve learned to enjoy the NoGi slip-and-slide. I coach the brave souls who train at the crack of dawn, because who doesn’t love waking up before the sun to get choked out?”
In his free time Coach Trevor is an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin.