Originally from Ashland, Oregon, Mike Thomas has dedicated his life to the practice of martial arts. It wasn’t until 2018, under the guidance of Professor Ray Morrow, that he discovered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Instantly captivated, Mike found profound value not only in its self-defense techniques but also in the physical and mental well-being it fostered.
While Mike has enjoyed a history of competitive participation, his true passion lies in passing on the wisdom of jiu-jitsu to younger generations. Expanding his teaching repertoire, he now offers foundational classes tailored to both children and adults, in addition to specialized training for competitive pursuits. Assuming the mantle of head instructor in early 2023, he embarked on a mission to spread the practice of jiu-jitsu far and wide.
This endeavor led him to establish not only Gracie Barra South Boise but also Gracie Barra Kuna, with the mission of making jiu-jitsu accessible to as many individuals as possible in Idaho.
Coach Eric was born in Southern California. After serving 12 years as a Deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, he began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Barra Simi Valley under Professor Andre Almeida in 2019.
Since moving to Boise in 2019, he continued training at Gracie Barra Boise under Professor Ray Morrow. In 2022 Coach Eric accepted a position as Program Director at Gracie Barra South Boise. In that same year he competed in 3 local tournaments. Earning 2 gold and 1 silver medal.
Francisco Ochoa, or simply Frisco, embarked on his Muay Thai journey at the age of 7, starting at World Team USA in San Francisco. Over the years, he has trained at various teams in the Bay Area, refining his own personal style of Muay Thai amidst the diverse approaches within the art.
Teaching Muay Thai is Frisco’s true passion. He describes Muay Thai as a form of moving meditation for himself, acknowledging that while it involves pain, it also brings profound bliss. Beyond mere “self-defense” or “fighting,” Muay Thai is seen as embodying its own beauty, representing an art and lifestyle with deep traditions and stories.
Coach Frisco eagerly anticipates the continuation of his journey along this path, viewing himself as an eternal student of the art. While acknowledging the potential cliché, he asserts that Muay Thai has indeed saved his life, a sentiment shared by many practitioners of this remarkable martial art. It’s this belief that drives him to advocate for its widespread sharing across the globe.
AT GRACIE BARRA SOUTH BOISE, OUR BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU PROGRAMS ARE THOUGHTFULLY TAILORED TO DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS, ENSURING AN OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS. REGARDLESS OF YOUR SKILL LEVEL, WE HAVE A PROGRAM THAT CATERS TO YOUR NEEDS AND GOALS.
Searching for “jiu-jitsu near me”?
Gracie Barra South Boise welcomes you to a FREE trial class. Dive into our energetic and interactive sessions, discover the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and immerse yourself in our thriving community.