Meet Our Instructors

Absolute MMA’s coaching method

The goal of our coaching method is to maximize the potential of every student and athlete. We focus on teaching proper technique and developing good skills.

We direct all students and athletes through basic exercises and drills while addressing each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. This gives the student an opportunity to develop a strategy based on their skill while teachers critique form to ensure continued improvement.

Our coaching philosophy utilizes positive encouragement so our students and athletes can maintain the mental clarity and the drive necessary to succeed.

Rob Handley

Professor Rob has been training in the Martial Arts for nearly 35 years.  A lifetime dedicated to striking and grappling arts. His experience and knowledge form the backbone of Absolute MMA.  

A true pioneer in the development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in Utah.  He is the highest ranking practitioner of Jiu Jitsu born in Utah.  The first to represent the USA in International competition against Brazil. He is the highest ranking American born student of Grand Master Flavio Behring.  

A coach and instructor to many celebrities, professional athletes in the NFL, NBA and Major Leagues.  Employed by Department of Defense as a contractor to instruct Special Forces units for nearly 10 years. One of only a few civilians that were certified in the United States Armies “Modern Army Combatives Program”

Rob’s vast experience in coaching MMA, MMA training workouts, and MMA strength training make him one of the top coaches in Utah. He’s coached everything from the first time entry level fighter to the highest level of MMA and the UFC for nearly 20 years. Rob has coached and taught many top-level athletes, including UFC fighters Josh Burkman, former UFC Middleweight Champion, Evan Tanner, and “The Ultimate Fighter” winner, Court “The Crusher” McGee. He’s also trained many other local Amateur and Pro Utah fighters.

After nearly four decades in the martial arts, its safe to say that he is truly one of a kind and an expert in his field.

Kevin Kopaunik 

Kevin is known for his friendly demeanor and delivery of constructive criticism that translates to his teaching style.  He has a combined 35+ years of martial arts experience including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo,  Karate Shin Toshi, Akido and Wado Ryu Karate. 

Enjoying all martial arts, his focus has been on self-defense and styles that exemplify this combat quality.  He believes that the true test of any combat style is being able to put a full 100 percent effort into training live without hurting your training partner. 

That is where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo shine and where his passions lie.  Training at Absolute MMA and with Professor Rob Handley and Grandmaster Flavio Behring has added a level of technique, competence, family and friendship that he had no idea he could obtain. 

Samir Dzanic

Samir has been training at Absolute for many years but has been a member of Absolute for almost 15 years. He has raised his two sons in our program from the time they were 5 years old. He has been a consistent and positive influence on our team for many years. 

He is the strength behind our Friday evening Youth classes, a class in which he is 100% responsible for the organizing, coaching, instructing, educating and  motivating our junior members and athletes.  You’ll also find him filling in for our Adult classes when needed. He often gives up his Saturday’s to be matside coaching at every tournament that he is available to help with. 

Discipline, Hard work and Respect are the pillars upon which Samir shares his knowledge and experience with our youth BJJ program. He feels these virtues form the foundation of their martial art journey but also their lives outside the Academy. 

“As an Instructor, witnessing the students demonstrate the technical perfection we teach is no greater pleasure. It confirms that my time and effort are invested in something that I do with great pleasure and honor.” -Samir Dzanic

Yanni Tsilis

Yanni has been training off and on at Absolute since 2006. He has been training in Muay Thai for nearly 18 years. While living in Washington DC he had 4 amateur MMA fights and did some Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Yanni has become our go to coach to help with the onboarding process of new students and our beginners for Muay Thai and MMA. 

He is known for his positive attitude towards life, training in the martial arts and the effect it has in our personal life. He is often complimented for his consistency and dedication to improve himself and everyone around him at Absolute. 

Yanni is a true Spartan. His Greek heritage and culture are part of who he is and what makes him special as a coach, instructor and teammate at Absolute.

Josh Jamias

Josh started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 and has earned his Purple Belt with one stripe under Professor Rob Handley. He loves seeing people grow into the best versions of themselves through combat sports and feels lucky to be part of Absolute MMA’s positive, team-first environment. Whether it’s jumping in as a training partner, cornering at a tournament, or just being a listening ear, Josh is always ready to support his teammates. For him, it’s simple—we take care of each other, we get stronger together, and we get better every day.

Robert Jamias

Robert Jamias is the other Robert and the other Jamias. A brown belt under Professor Robert Handley. He’s known for his contagious laughter and listening to yacht rock. Robert enjoys making new BJJ friends, exploring and trying new techniques, and getting food after a great training session. He is also know for his dislike for untrimmed nails, smelly Gi’s, and when people think his brother Josh is younger than him. Robert loves Absolute’s world-class instruction, facilities, and all the awesome people that make up Team Absolute. 

Corey Jefferson

Corey began training Muay Thai in the early 2000s under the Deth Ko Sin Combat Muay Thai system while stationed in San Diego, CA. A U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and molecular biologist, he brings discipline, adaptability, and an analytical approach to both coaching and fighting. Corey emphasizes honor, respect, and tradition, leading from the front by training alongside his students.

A lifelong student, he continues to refine his craft through seminars, training camps, and training at gyms across the nation while traveling for work. Corey is dedicated to growing the Muay Thai community in the Salt Lake Valley through collaboration and shared passion for the art.

    •    2× CSA Coaches Clinic Alumnus

    •    2003 US Muay Thai Open Amateur Champion (C-class, 40+)  

Chris Sanders

Chris has been training Muay Thai with us for a few years now. He’s become one of most dedicated members of Absolute.  Chris’s focus on Skill, Technique and Consistency have helped him become one of our most trusted members of the Coaching staff at Absolute.  His keeps his practice simple, honors the traditions of Muay Thai and leads from his experience. He’s attended the CSA Coaches Clinic a few times, a regular practice of continuing education for our Coaches at Absolute. Chris takes every opportunity to train with current and former legends of the sport.