Coach Deven’s passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began in 2001 during college when he attended his first class and was quickly humbled by the art’s complexity and effectiveness. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong love for martial arts.
During his 12 years of service as a U.S. Army Military Police officer, Deven became a certified Level 2 Modern Army Combatives Instructor, where he taught soldiers how to navigate real-world combat scenarios effectively.
After moving to Huntsville in 2017, Deven immersed himself in the local BJJ community, as well as coaching classes. Under Coach Dave’s mentorship, Deven earned his blue belt in 2021 and his purple belt in 2023, continuously refining his skills and deepening his understanding of the art.
In addition to his martial arts expertise, Deven is the owner and head Strength Coach at Core Strength & Performance Gym in Huntsville, Alabama.
With years of experience as a performance coach, he specializes in strength training and movement mechanics, helping individuals build solid foundations and achieve their fitness goals.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes proper body mechanics and intelligent progressions tailored to each person’s needs, making him a sought-after expert in both martial arts and strength training.