About Rough Hands BJJ

Rough Hands BJJ is an independent, boutique, training center specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Submission Grappling. Founded and forged in Louisville, Kentucky.

Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members in Louisville. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.

We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Whether your goals are fitness related, to expand your social circle, to learn self-defense, or to become a world champion, our instructors will help you achieve them and have a great time in the process.

Jesse Walker

HEAD COACH
CO-OWNER
Jesse has been coaching since 2007 and co-founded Rough Hands in 2017. He is a black belt under 6th-degree black belt, Chris Haueter. Jesse is also a Krav Maga black belt, a featured TEDx speaker, and has an academic background in psychology, learning, and developing expertise. SafeSport Certified
Jesse is available for Private Instruction. Contact him.
Shelby York

YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR
CO-OWNER
Shelby has been coaching since 2016 and co-founded Rough Hands in 2017. She is a BJJ Blue Belt, a Krav Maga brown belt, and a 500 E-RYT YACEP yoga instructor. She has a diverse background in dance, Thai boxing, BJJ, wrestling, Shamanic arts, & Krav Maga.
Shelby is available for Private Instruction. Contact her.
Jim Mahanes

COACH
Jim has studied martial arts since he was 14 years old. He began his study of Japanese-based ju jitsu in 2000 and holds the rank of fifth-degree Black Belt. Jim also holds a black belt ranking in Wado Ryu Karate and Chito Ryu Karate, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and was a high school wrestler.
Jim is the head coach on Rough Hands JJJ
Jeff Brown

COACH
Jeff has been involved in martial arts for over 20 years. He has black belt rank in Japanese jujutsu, karate and aikido. He started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 but could not find a school that was a good fit. In 2018 he found Rough Hands and has been training with Coach Jesse Walker since that time. He is presently a blue belt and helps out with our no-gi foundations classes. He is an also yoga instructor at our sister school Rough Hands Yoga.
Shane Wallen

COACH
Shane has been training with Jesse since 2015 and coaching since 2016. He has a background in wrestling, boxing, and Krav Maga. He will round out the “think street” mindset by adding some standup tools.
Sarah Heimbrock

ASSISTANT YOUTH COACH
Amulya Ankem

CONTENT MARKETING COORDINATOR