Our Instructors

Our Instructors

Our instructors and affiliated support team will provide all of the guidance you will ever need.

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Charles Sheeley

 Main Instructor

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Experience: 14 years

BJJ Rank: Black Belt

Martial Arts Experience: 20 + years

Other Practices: Jeet Kun Do, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kali, Kung Fu

Competitive Experience

2021 IBJJF Chicago International Open [Silver], Fuji Springfield IL 2019 [Gold], Naga St Louis 2018 [Gold], C3 2010 [Silver], Missouri State Championship 2009 [Gold], IBJJF Chicago 2008 [Bronze], Froggy's Fight Fest MMA [Win by submission]

Charles is the primary instructor and owner of Fathom Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He started his martial arts journey 20 years ago and built a well-rounded resume in the defensive arts before dedicating his focus to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he has practiced for the past 13 years.

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Charles believes in constantly testing his knowledge and abilities, so he regularly attends seminars and competitions to ensure his skills and instruction are up-to-date, reliable, and effective. 

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He considers it his responsibility to his students to make sure they have the knowledge and ability to defend themselves, and he ensures this by only teaching techniques that have been shown to consistently work against uncooperative opponents.

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His goal is to build happier, healthier humans by providing a safe and welcoming environment to practice the martial art, while cultivating students' confidence and improving their fitness through daily exercise.


Mike Rethmeyer

Head Black Belt

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Experience: 25 years

BJJ Rank: Fourth Degree Black Belt

Other Practices: Judo, Muay Thai

Mike Rethmeyer embodies all of the core philosophies and abilities that make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu such a influential martial art.

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A skilled and dominant competitor, he has proven his abilities time and time again in national and world competitions.

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He is a vocal follower of the Bushido Values of honor, respect, courage, and humility. He doesn't just believe in these concepts, it is a lifestyle for him.

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Mike grew up in Brazil, and began training in 1994 during the time that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was still in it's proving grounds. After moving to the US, he trained under and received his black belt from Rodrigo Vaghi of the Rickson Gracie lineage. He has since opened two schools in the St Louis area, which are considered the preeminent competitive Jiu Jitsu schools in the area.

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