Grindhouse Coaches
Meet Our Knowledgeable & Friendly Coaches
Denise Henry, MAEd
Owner & Head Coach
American Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt 2nd Degree
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt 2nd Degree
In 2005, my son and I stepped onto the mats in Santa Cruz, CA, and began a journey that redefined our lives. Over a decade of training and competing together, I watched him transform from a shy boy into a resilient, confident young man. For me, grappling became a forge for confidence, a lesson in adaptability, and a gateway to a global community. We had the privilege of developing our skills and earning our ranks under the pioneers of Brazilian and American Jiu-Jitsu, immersing ourselves in the highly variable and elite grappling landscape of the Bay Area. On my journey to black belt, I competed often, ran tournaments, designed and facilitated youth camps, cross-trained frequently, and organized fundraisers for community members.
As the Head Coach of Grindhouse Grappling, I’ve merged my background in academic program development, teaching, and mentorship with the cutting edge of motor learning science. Our programming is built on modern theories of sports skill acquisition, moving away from traditional follow-the-leader drills and memorization of details. I am not a Sage on the Stage. Instead, I act as a Guide on the Side, designing practice sessions that challenge students to explore and experiment. I use my extensive background in grappling to be a problem solving partner with my students to help them adapt techniques to their body type, experiences, and personal style. I truly believe that learning never ends and love that grappling offers me infinite opportunities to learn alongside my students.
Driven by a commitment to our Pueblo West community, I organize benefit tournaments and fundraising seminars. These events provide accessible, low-cost opportunities for youth and adults to test their skills, with all proceeds supporting local youth organizations.
Whether you are a child finding your voice or an adult seeking a creative outlet for self-improvement, I am here to facilitate your growth and offer a welcoming, inclusive community where we all shine. ✨
