Instructors

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     Tyson Kilbey has more than 28 years of experience in law enforcement, consisting of three years as a hotel security supervisor and 25 years as a deputy sheriff for the Johnson County (Kansas)

Sheriff’s Office. He has worked in the detention, patrol, judicial services and training divisions, SWAT and accident investigation units. He is currently a Captain for the Sheriff’s Office.

     Tyson authored “Personal Defense Mastery,” a follow-up to his first book “Fundamental Handgun Mastery.” Tyson is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under UFC Pioneer Royce Gracie. He has numerous defensive tactics and firearms certifications and has received multiple awards in competitive shooting and grappling. He runs Tyson Kilbey Jiu Jitsu which is a popular Jiu Jitsu Academy in the Kansas City area in which many law enforcement officers are members. He is the Match Director for the Brandon Collins Memorial Shootout, a shooting competition named in honor of a deputy who died in the line of duty.

Payton brings 15 years of martial arts experience to the table, with a deep passion for both training and competition. He holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and is a purple belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing his well-rounded expertise in various martial arts disciplines. Currently, Payton is an active competitor in MMA, constantly pushing his limits and refining his skills in the cage. With his diverse background, Payton is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping others grow in their martial arts journey.

With over 10 years of dedicated training in Shitō-ryū Karate and 5 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muriel brings a well-rounded approach to martial arts that blends traditional striking, practical self-defense, and effective ground fighting. Her training philosophy is centered on developing not only technical skill, but also confidence, adaptability, discipline, and mental resilience both on and off the mat.

Classes are taught through a dynamic, problem-solving based approach that emphasizes situational sparring drills and live training scenarios rather than rigid step-by-step instruction alone. Students are encouraged to think critically, adapt under pressure, and discover solutions through experience, helping them build real-world application and a deeper understanding of martial arts principles. This method creates an engaging environment where practitioners of all skill levels can grow through active learning, sharpen their instincts, and develop genuine confidence in their abilities.

Noel is a dedicated martial artist with over 15 years of training experience. He holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Japanese Ju-Jutsu and a Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. As a current law enforcement officer with multiple defensive tactics certifications, he has also had the honor of training international law enforcement groups.

Passionate about sharing his love for jiu-jitsu and martial arts, Noel creates an encouraging and approachable environment where students can build confidence, discipline, and practical skills—both on and off the mats.

Former mixed martial arts competitor and collegiate wrestler bringing more than 25 years of competitive and coaching experience. With over 17 years in law enforcement and experience as a a defensive tactics instructor for an agency of more than 600 sworn officers. Joe is committed to building effective training, leadership, and performance under pressure.