Instructors
Kru Rex Terpstra
Muay Thai / BJJ
Rex is the owner, operator, and lead instructor of Octō Alliance Combat Sports. Rex began wrestling at Chippewa Hills High School (Remus, MI) and carried these lessons with him throughout his enlisted years in the United Stated Army. Rex was enlisted from June 2001 to February 2006 and was stationed at 3rd Ranger Battalion/75th Ranger Regiment. He was exposed to experts in multiple martial arts disciplines to include Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), American Style Boxing, and Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). Since leaving the military, Rex continued to train in BJJ, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Muay Thai. Rex is a Purple Belt in BJJ and is a certified instructor under the World Thai Boxing Association in Muay Thai.
Rex continues to expland his knowledge in BJJ and Muay Thai by attending multiple seminars, and instrutor's courses. He has been honored to train in Thailand, and has dedicated this as a staple to his continued development as a student, instructor, and owner of OACS.
Kru Michael Moreno
Muay Thai / BJJ
Michael first started his martial arts journey 26 years ago by taking a Muay Thai course taught at Cornell University by Sifu Kevin Seaman. He quickly found it to be his passion and trained at Sifu Seaman’s academy over the next three years while at university. Upon graduation Michael continued to train and began competing at the amateur level in both Muay Thai and USA Boxing in the New York and Pennsylvania area. Michael relocated to Southern California where he trained at the Inosanto Academy. From 2013 - 2018 Michael taught Muay Thai in Grand Rapids, Michigan, turning the program over to Kru Rex when returning to Southern California.
In addition to Muay Thai, Michael has studied Filipino martial arts, Wing Chun, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Michael is a brown belt in BJJ and an Associate Instructor under Sifu Kevin Seaman and Ajarn Chai in the World Thai Boxing Association.
Kru Ryan Ganss
Muay Thai
Ryan is a WTBA certified Apprentice Instructor under Kru Rex Terpstra with a Thai Boxing lineage including Khun Kru Michael Moreno, Ajarn Kevin Seaman, and Ajarn Chai. Ryan has 10+ years of martial arts training with a strong interest in self-defense. Ryan's background includes Krav Maga, where he earned a Level 3 Green Belt from Krav Maga Detroit via Krav Maga Worldwide. Ryan's interest in self-defense and striking lead to Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu when he moved to West Michigan – with a focus on Muay Thai over the past 6 years with Kru Rex Terpstra and the Octō Alliance family.
James DeWitt
Muay Thai
Began training MMA in 2009. He has trained at Lightning Kick, GRBJJ, and Octo. He got started after watching an MMA match on TV. He has trained MMA, Sanshou, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, traditional boxing, and is a blue belt in Jiu Jutsu. He was 7-3 in MMA around MI as an amateur MMA fighter.
Professor Matt O'Laughlin
BJJ
Began training at Tarpeins Martial Arts in Bettendorf Iowa in May 2009, continued there until he moved to Hastings MI in April 2012, and then trained at GRBJJ until Covid hit in March 2020. Took a few years off, then began coaching at Octo in summer of 2023. Notable match was 2018 in Vegas at Masters World IBJJF chamionshop against Alex Atala - a popular chef out of Brazil. Received Black belt in December 2018.
Eddie Kosta
BJJ
Eddie has been doing Jiu Jitsu for 4 years. He started in Chicago, training at Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club, then moved back to Grand Rapids 2 years ago and trains at 10th Planet. He is a blue belt. Trains No Gi.
Anthony Sharp
BJJ
Began training in 2017. He has trained at Keweenaw BJJ, Rol Academy in Chicago, Tracks BJJ in MN, GRBJJ, Carlson Gracie Grand Rapids, and Octo. He got started because of his interest in UFC Fights. He grew up wrestly with his brother and cousins, and has also trained Muay Thai. Anthony has competed a lot as a White Belt and Blue Belt, and was recognized and promoted to his Purple Belt in January 2024 under Octo.
Joe Koscielski
BJJ
Bio coming soon…