Katie Egan is a First Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and an internationally ranked professional competitor as well as a kids, adults, and womens coach. At Black Belt she is a Pan Gi and Nogi Champion and American Nationals Champion along with a Worlds, Brazilian Nationals, and Europeans medalist and multiple time IBJJF Open Champion. She ended the 2023 Nogi season as the 6th ranked IBJJF Adult Female Black Belt, the 2024 Nogi season at 8th, and is also a previous Flograppling 115 pound ranked grappler. What started off as an escape, became her passion and livelihood. With almost 12 years of training, Katie loves sharing her passion and drive for Jiu Jitsu whether it be teaching, coaching, competing, or reffing. She knows first hand the impact Jiu Jitsu can have on someone's life, and strives to share that with others.

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Katie is the head instructor at Vanguard.

Brian Baker is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt and active competitor both on the local and national level. He is a United States Air Force Veteran and has prior training in other martial arts disciplines. Eight years ago, Brian decided to try Jiu Jitsu to find a positive outlet in his life. Over time it became much more than that, and led him down the path he is on today. While training under Professor Bingo Crook, he developed a passion for teaching, especially with the kids, the Juniors and Littles classes. His primary goal in Jiu Jitsu is to provide the example and be the role model to his students that he never had growing up. Brian wants to help others reach their full potential and show them how Jiu Jitsu can change their lives if they let it.

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Brian is the head kids instructor at Vanguard.

Born and raised in the Tacoma area, Justin Palanca has dedicated nearly two decades to the art and discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A Second Degree Black Belt with 18 years of experience on the mats, Justin has built his reputation through consistent competition, technical skill, and a lifelong passion for combat sports.

Over the past 18 years, he has competed extensively throughout the local circuit, earning respect for both his toughness and sportsmanship. Known for his pressure, experience, and deep understanding of grappling, Justin continues to train, evolve, and share his knowledge with the next generation of martial artists.

For Justin, martial arts is more than competition—it’s a lifestyle rooted in discipline, resilience, and community.

For the past five years, Dez has dedicated herself to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, primarily training under Coach Abdul. Upon the opening of Vanguard BJJ, she began working with both Coach Katie and Coach Brian, achieving her purple belt through their guidance. She actively competes in local tournaments, where she has secured multiple gold medals in her division. Beyond competition, Dez serves as an ambassador and mentor for the WeDefy Foundation, supporting combat veterans in their transition to civilian life through Jiu Jitsu. Although she discovered Jiu Jitsu later in life, she believes it arrived at the perfect time. As a first responder, she deeply appreciates the physical and mental benefits that martial arts provide, and she is passionate about encouraging more women to join the mats and experience those transformative rewards.

Michaela has never known life without Jiu Jitsu, having grown up mat side watching her mom. She officially started training at five, and now at 13 she's an Orange Belt with almost a decade of experience that shows every time she steps on the mat.

She competes both locally and nationally, bringing the same heart to tournament day that she brings to every practice. But Michaela is more than a competitor, she's become an important part of the Vanguard community. You'll find her helping coach the Littles and Juniors classes with patience, enthusiasm, and fun, and then turns right around to hold her own in the Adults class.

She is kind, hardworking, and quietly fierce. The kind of athlete who leads by example without making a big deal of it.