Meet the Coaches

Professor Daniel Fredell, affectionately known as "Coach Daniel," was awarded his black belt from Karel "Silver Fox" Pravec in October of 2024.

Beyond the mats, Daniel is a Certified Fitness Professional and holds a RYS-200 Yoga Certification, allowing him to seamlessly integrate principles of flexibility, balance, and body awareness into his BJJ curriculum. As a published author and avid kettlebell enthusiast, Coach Daniel possesses a deep understanding of human movement and biomechanics, empowering his students with a comprehensive and insightful training experience.

His passion lies in fostering not only skilled grapplers but also well-rounded individuals who move with intention and strength.

JD grew up in Pennsylvania, where he started wrestling in the fourth grade, building the foundation for a lifelong journey in grappling. After high school he joined the United States Army and served for 20 years while completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

During his time in service, he deployed twice to Iraq and once to Egypt, finishing his career as a combat advisor. He also served as a combatives instructor, teaching a system that blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and kickboxing.

JD holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Luta Livre. His competitive accomplishments include a silver medal at the IBJJF Pan American Championship, Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour U.S. National Champion, and seven-time IBJJF Open gold medalist. He has also taught seminars throughout the United States.

His teaching philosophy focuses on strong fundamentals, safety, and helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, and real-world skills through a structured, system-based approach to training.

JD lives in Maiden, North Carolina with his wife, Deanna. They own a farm where they raise sheep and Highland cattle, and they have four adult sons.

Angela started training Jiu-Jitsu in October 2016 in Lakewood, Colorado at Mile High Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Nova Mente Jiu-Jitsu in Englewood, Colorado. What began as a personal fitness and self-defense goal quickly grew into a passion for the art and the community of Jiu-Jitsu.

Born and raised in California, she spent 17 years in Colorado before moving to North Carolina in 2021. Angela is a personal trainer with the goal of helping people find functional fitness for the life they want.

She also proudly serves as a full-time firefighter in Newton and is a mother to two amazing grown children who are both creative, smart, and — as she puts it — annoyingly taller than her.

Jonathan was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, where he developed a strong connection to his community that continues to shape both his personal and professional life.

He began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in May 2021, initially driven by curiosity and a desire to challenge himself with something difficult. Since then, the journey has become a meaningful part of his life.

Professionally, Jonathan serves as the VP of Operations for Hickory FC, where he focuses on building a strong, community-driven club both on and off the field.

Above all, his most important roles are being a dad and a husband — responsibilities that define him and will always come first.