Instructors

JON LAMARCHE

The resident Black Belt, has been training in BJJ since 1998. Jon earned his blue belt at the Gracie Academy while in California and became a student of Aaron Blake and Joe Moreira upon returning to Maine. Jon received his black belt from Joe Moreira in 2008. Jon has competed in sport Jiu-Jitsu at the local and national level. Jon takes on the "old school" role at the club in making sure that students keep their basics solid and refined.

NOEL DANFORTH

Noel is a Black Belt under 3rd Degree Alliance Black Belt and World Masters champion Takeyoshi Ikehara. With over 25 years of Martial Arts training, Noel has amassed a broad and extensive understanding of self-defense, its many benefits, and how to create a fun and responsive learning environment.

Noel has trained and competed all over the country and in Brazil and has won or placed in many competitions. He has medalled numerous times (7x competitor) at the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships in both Gi and No‐Gi. At the age of 38, Noel fought in the Mundial 2008 (World Championships of BJJ), losing on points to the eventual World silver medallist, almost submitting his opponent in the final seconds.

Noel is known for his articulate and thorough teaching style and believes that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for anyone, regardless of age, gender, size or level of athleticism.

MATT SHEDD

Matt holds a Black Belt in BJJ and a Black Belt in Judo. With combined years in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling, Matt brings a dynamic array of grappling experience to the club. This diverse skill set allows Matt to share a mastery of take-downs and positional strength.

SHAWN SMITH

BJJ Brown Belt, Shawn started training with Jon Lamarche and Noel Danforth in September 2003. An avid competitor, Shawn has over 80 matches under his belt and has won and placed in 18 tournaments. He was the 2009 NAGA East Coast Expert Lightweight Champion for Masters No-Gi, 2x Maine Skirmish Lightweight Champion, and has a total of 13 1st place finishes. This past year Shawn has won 3 NAGA silver medals and a bronze at Grappler's Quest in the Advanced Lightweight divisions. Shawn also runs The Foundry Kids program at the Rangeley location.

JOHN MURRAY

John was the clubs first student years ago and is now a Purple Belt in BJJ. Murray's skill represents the years of dedication that he has given to the art. This wisdom sets an example for other students to appreciate the long term benefits of training, and how to stay the course through set backs such as injuries. John has a keen ability when teaching new students a tight controlled game that helps protect us from injuring ourselves.

NATHANIEL CRAIG

Nathaniel has many years training and teaching in various martial arts. He is currently a Purple Belt in BJJ. With an exceptional instruction style that reaches all abilities, Nathaniel teaches many of the Judo classes here at The Foundry.

JUSTIN REED

Justin has put many hours in on the mat since he began training in 2006. He has also played a major role in coordinating and teaching at The Foundry. Justin has competed in sport Jiu Jitsu locally and at the national level. Many of the newer students at The Foundry have been guided by his instruction in the last few years. Justin now lives in D.C and continues to teach BJJ with Noel.

BRIANNE GENSCHEL

With just over 3 years training in BJJ, Bri is a Purple Belt, and this experience shows in her relentless style on the mat. She is the "Club Coordinator" and excels at keeping us focused and on track. Bri has competed locally and at the national level. Overall Bri's training style and club camaraderie continues to remind us that training is about having fun with your team and friends.

SETH HARRIS

Seth is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt, with many years training in BJJ after some time in traditional Jiu Jitsu. Seth's technically smooth style continues to bring a "new school" game to the club, going far to keep us abreast of the ever changing world of Jiu-Jitsu. Seth has competed both locally and at the national level. Seth has naturally stepped into the teaching role, offering a great class experience.