Our Team

Founder of The Base Training Center, Mitch Coats has been a successful Jiu Jitsu practitioner and competitor. Blazed the trail for Jiu Jitsu in the Treasure Valley and established The Base in 2005. Mitch is a third degree black belt under Alexendre “Gigi” Paiva from Alliance Jiu Jitsu. He is currently pursuing his Juris Doctorate and plans on attending law school at the University of Idaho but still drops in on The Base.

Professor BJ earned his Black Belt from Mitch Coats in 2016. He earned his 2nd Degree in 2022. BJ is the Owner of The Base Jiu Jitsu, a Checkmat USA affiliate, and is the Head Instructor. He competes regularly in tournaments throughout the region. Accolades —

• IBJJF American Nationals – 3rd
• IBJJF Portland Open – 3rd
• IBJJF Seattle Open – 2nd
• IBJJF Denver Open – 1st
• Northwest Submission Challenge 1 Co-Main Event Winner
• Northwest  Submission Challenge 2 Main Event
• Northwest Submission Challenge 3 Main Event
• US Grappling Submission Only – 1st

Chris Dealy achieved black belt under Mitch Coats in 2015. He is the owner and head coach of The Base Vancouver. He has grown his academy to over 100 students in Vancouver, OR and competes regularly around the region. He has placed at IBJJF, The Revolution, and Sub League tournaments.

Nick has wrestled since he was 4 years old. He has competed and placed nationally in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a Brown Belt and internationally as a wrestler for Boise State University. Nick runs our Thursday Wrestling & conditioning classes. He achieved his jiu jitsu black belt in 2018 at The Base.

Kyle saw early success in high school wrestling and was able to transition to the collegiate level through the University of Idaho’s NAIA wrestling program. Following college, Kyle was introduced to Jiu Jitsu at The Base in 2014. Kyle has been actively competing in both Regional and IBJJF competitions, placing third at the Long Beach open, and taking 1st at San Diego pro in 2018. Kyle has been actively engaged in the development of the kids program as well as, assisted in coaching the adult classes.

Paul Sondrini is a 1st degree black belt under Checkmat USA and Owner & Head Instructor at The Base Vancouver. Paul regularly competes and coaches throughout the region while coaching his students.

Jessica Knight is a Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt and a Karate Black Belt. She has competed and placed in multiple IBJJF tournaments. She will lead a Women’s Only BJJ class at The Base.