A professional musician and drum instructor, married, a father of two, Life Long Learner, and a Full Time Educator. Jeff Hennen first heard about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through a martial artist friend who had trained with him in Tae Kwon Do. After seeing the 2nd UFC on pay perview, he was hooked! Jeff became a total believer. He first started learning BJJ by purchasing the Gracie Basic videos, and training with friends on mats in his front yard. He met first Royce Gracie when he went to a Gracie Seminar in San Antonio, TX.

In 1996 he went to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA. to train with Royce Gracie for 7 days. After returning to Texas he joined Allen Mohler’s new found school, where he as trained ever since.

He received his blue belt in 1997, his purple belt in 2002, and his brown belt in 2004. He started teaching in the beginning of 2002 at AMI, where he has over 20 students. AMAI Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are geared for the “average person” who wants to train in a relaxed, laid back, friendly, and safe environment. There is no attitude at AMI. It’s not just for the “MMA fighter” or “hard core competitor” trying to prove something. No one with a chip on their should is welcome here.

Most people don’t want to get hurt while training. That’s why relaxation and control are stressed highly at AMAI. Jiu-Jitsu means the “gentle way”. Anyone can use muscle and aggression to fight, but the BJJ practitioner learns to relax and flow, defeating their opponent with his brain…not muscle. Learning to think moves ahead, much like a chess player. With proper instruction, a good environment, and plenty repetition, one can truly learn how to defend themselves while having a great time and make lifelong friends. Jiu-Jitsu changes lives!