Jesse is the owner of Finney’s MMA and also the Head Instructor and Trainer. Personally, he holds a kickboxing record of 23 – 0, a boxing record of 8 – 2, and an impressive Professional MMA record of 6 – 1.He is a 2-time Strikeforce Veteran. His only loss in MMA was to 12-time UFC veteran Josh Neer. He also was the Head Coach of the St. Louis Enforcers who were a part of Chuck Norris’ World Combat League.
Rob is the Program Director for Finney’s MMA. He has been involved from the start of the program in 1998. He is responsible for setting class structure and schedule, as well as creating new classes and training. Rob works in the fitness kickboxing and boxing classes on a daily basis.He specializes in working with new members, helping teach them proper technique, while making sure they feel comfortable in the gym. He also coordinates the strength and conditioning programs for all Finney’s fighters with upcoming fights.
Ezra brings his Jiu-Jitsu knowledge to Finney’s MMA from American Top Team and is a black belt under Francisco “Kiko” France, who received his black belt from Ricardo Liborio. Ezra, who received his black belt in under 5 years, has gone on to win dozens of tournaments and grappling matches. His most notable win so far was against BJJ legend and top-ranked grappler Pablo Popovitch at the Pan-Am’s in New York.Some of Ezra’s other accomplishments include: Pan-Am Best Of The Best Absolute Gi Champion, 4-time Arnold Grappling Championship Advanced Division No-Gi Winner & Absolute winner, 10-Time NAGA Champion, Missouri State BJJ Championship Super-fight Champion, and has won numerous absolute tournaments.
Ezra is a 2014 and 2015 ADCC World Championship invitee. 2014 was held in China and 2015 is being held in Brazil.
Steven Mann comes to Finney’s from Burlington, IA where he was the Head Instructor at the American Pit Fights Academy. Steve has been training in Martial Arts since he was 4 yrs old, and is a 3rd Degree Blackbelt.He started in MMA when he was 17 yrs old and has since became a 7-time MMA Title holder. In 2011, Steve made the move to professional MMA and is one of the Midwest top prospects. In 2012, he moved to Finney’s MMA to expand his MMA training.
Luigi came to Finney’s MMA after starting his career and training at the world class American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL. Luigi received his Jiu-jitsu black belt from Ricardo Liborio while training in Florida.He began his professional MMA career in 2004 and since then is a 9-time UFC veteran. He has also competed in over 10 international fights. He is also a black belt in Pancreas.
Nick Sanders is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who has been training for over 10 years. He heads up the Youth Jiu-jitsu program here at Finney’s. He is a 18-time IBJJF Medalist and a Gracie National Champion.
Adam started with Finney’s in 2003, as a high-school student looking to lose weight and build self confidence. After two years of training, Adam had gone 42-1 as an amateur kickboxer. Adam has also boxed for USA boxing, winning 2- Golden Gloves titles and an Outstanding Boxer Award in 2006.After Kickboxing, Adam turned to MMA, recording a 6-1 amateur record before turning professional in 2010. As a professional, Adam competed in Chuck Norris’s World combat League, a kickboxing league on Versus Network, and he recorded an MMA record of 4-0 before making the cast of UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter season 17 in 2013.
Kevin is one of the stand up and boxing coaches for Finney’s MMA. He has been with Finney’s MMA since 2001. Starting as a kickboxer, Kevin made his way through the amateur rankings, topping it off with a World Title in 2004. He has won more than 4 titles in his kickboxing career. Kevin then moved into boxing where he made it to the Ringside National Tournament his first year. He followed that feat up with his professional debut, starting an impressive 13-0, and has since fought some of the top ranked fighters in the sport.
br/>A blue belt in BJJ, Kevin holds an undefeated 3-0 MMA record and is on his way to big things in the sport of mixed martial arts.
Ryan is the head wrestling coach for Finney’s MMA. Ryan’s wrestling career started in High School as a 3 time State Qualifier and 2 time State Medalist, reaching 130 varsity wins with the St. Louis Blue Chip Team.
Throughout his college career, he held such titles as NJCAA All American, NCAA Division 1 Starter, and 3 time FILA University Greco.
Tony Biondo is no stranger to the sport of MMA and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. A 2-stripe Blue Belt under Ezra Lenon, Tony has been training jiu-jitsu for over 8 years and has been in the sport of MMA from the early 2000’s. As a professional ring announcer, Tony has worked for Strikeforce, the IFC, and is currently the full-time announcer for Shamrock FC.
As a youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Tony develops the fundamental aspects of jiu-jitsu in young martial artists. Utilizing his excellent communication skills and MMA background, Tony is exceptional at breaking down difficult concepts so young students can understand them.