Professor Curtis Bissell is the head instructor at Caveman Crew MMA in Raytown and the founder of Bissell MMA & BJJ. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rudy Bears, Curtis is both an active competitor and a passionate educator. He regularly competes in high-level tournaments, including IBJJF, Fuji, and super fight promotions, staying at the forefront of the sport and bringing cutting-edge technique to the mats.

Curtis’s journey through martial arts spans over a decade, with deep experience in MMA, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Boxing. He offers a well-rounded perspective to his students—whether they’re looking to compete, learn self-defense, or improve their overall health. His coaching blends technical precision with an emphasis on personal transformation, helping students build confidence, resilience, and strength through disciplined training.

In addition to martial arts, Curtis is well-versed in nutrition, weight cutting, conditioning, and lifestyle coaching, making him an asset to both recreational athletes and aspiring pros. He brings a calm but focused presence to the gym, and his classes are known for being welcoming, structured, and detail-oriented.

Rudy Bears is a seasoned professional fighter and the founder of Caveman Crew MMA. A Kansas City native, Rudy’s career spans some of the most elite fighting platforms in the world, including Bellator, Strikeforce, Titan Fighting Championships, and M-1 Global. Since making his pro debut in 2007, he has built a reputation as a tenacious competitor in the welterweight division, known for his gritty performances, relentless work ethic, and versatile skill set.

What sets Rudy apart is not just his fight record, but his commitment to building a legacy beyond the cage. With deep roots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Rudy has cultivated a training environment that fuses technical mastery with personal development. He’s helped hundreds of students—from hobbyists to future champions—transform physically and mentally. His teaching focuses on character, discipline, confidence, and respect, creating a tribe-like culture where everyone, regardless of experience level, is pushed to grow.

For Rudy, Caveman Crew isn’t just a gym—it’s a movement. It’s about using martial arts to empower the community, shape strong individuals, and uphold the values that have made him one of Kansas City’s most respected MMA figures.

Coach Jesse Pringle is the striking coach at Caveman Crew MMA – Raytown and a multi-talented athlete, trainer, and performer. His foundation in combat sports began with a competitive youth in football, track & field, and street fighting, which evolved into a professional career in MMA, Boxing, and Bare Knuckle Boxing. Jesse brings a fighter’s intensity and an artist’s discipline to every class he teaches.

Jesse is not just a coach of the body—he’s a coach of the mind. He integrates meditation, yoga, and applied sports psychology into his approach, helping athletes strengthen not only their technique but also their mindset. His training style emphasizes the mind-body connection, encouraging students to unlock peak performance through focus, breath, and inner discipline.

Beyond the gym, Jesse has performed in live stage shows and action films, using his training as a foundation for high-level stunt work and physical performance. This blend of athletics and artistry allows him to coach students with a unique perspective—one that promotes confidence, creativity, and mental resilience inside and outside the cage.

Zachary Cockerham is the Kids BJJ Instructor at Caveman Crew MMA – Raytown and a competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete and amateur MMA fighter. A purple belt under Curtis Bissell, Zach has trained for over five years under both Bissell and Rudy Bears, gaining a reputation for his sharp grappling, disciplined mindset, and exciting submission victories inside the cage. With multiple gold medals on the BJJ circuit, Zach continues to grow as both a student and competitor.

As the lead instructor for our youth Jiu-Jitsu program, Zach combines technical knowledge with a natural ability to connect with kids. His coaching style is high-energy yet patient, instilling values of respect, confidence, and perseverance while keeping classes fun and focused. Zach’s ability to break down techniques for young learners helps build strong foundations and a love for martial arts early on.

Outside of kids’ classes, Zach stays active in the gym and competition scene, constantly sharpening his own game through tournaments, training camps, and cage fights. Whether he’s guiding a child through their first takedown or preparing for his next bout, Zach brings heart, hustle, and mentorship to every session, always focused on helping the next generation become strong on the mat and in life.