Owner & Head Trainer at Absolute MMA
- Owner of and Head Trainer at Absolute MMA
- Head Coach of Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu USA
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd Degree Black Belt
- Senior Instructor in Muay Thai
- Judo Black Belt
- Taekwondo Black Belt
- MACP Combatives Instructor LVL 3
- AKC Kettlebell Athlete, Sport Coach and Master Fitness Trainer
Owner and Head Trainer Rob Handley’s vast experience in teaching MMA, MMA training workouts, and MMA strength training makes him one of the best coaches in Utah. Rob has coached and taught many top-level athletes that range from UFC fighters Josh Burkman, Former UFC Middlewieght Champion Evan Tanner and “The Ultimate Fighter” winner Court “The Crusher” McGee as well as local fighters like WFC World Champion Steven “Razor” Sharp, Camrann Pacheco, Ben “Maniac” Fuimaono and Robert “The Wrecker” Densley and many, many others.
Professor Handley is a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Grand Master Flavio Behring (9th degree) and Master Sylvio Behring (7th Degree) who are some of the world’s most decorated BJJ artists in history. Rob began his BJJ training in 1993. He has trained and competed in Brazil several times. He is a national, international and world BJJ competitor and was a member of the first Team USA in the USA VS Brazil challenge in 2003. His status as a BJJ competitor and teacher has earned him the head coaching position of Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu USA and is the highest-ranking Flavio Behring Jiu Jitsu student in America.
Rob is a Senior Muay Thai Instructor under Sakasem “The Punisher” Kanthawong of Bangkok, Thailand. He is also a Muay Thai Trainer under Master Toddy‘s Muay Thai International Association (MTIA). Absolute MMA is a registered Muay Thai gym with the MTIA. In his pursuit of knowledge he continues to train regularly with many other top Thai trainers and coaches in the US and Thailand. He continues to teach Muay Thai in its tradition for sport, fitness and self defense but also has a keen eye to translate it to striking for MMA.
In addition to his expertise in BJJ and Muay Thai, he is also a black belt in Taekwondo and Judo; he is a three time national medalist in the US Judo Nationals (3rd 2003, 1st 2005, 2nd 2017).
His example, skills, and talents, along with his ability to teach and coach, make him one of the most sought-after coaches and trainers in America. Rob continues to teach seminars and clinics regularly and works extensively with local and federal Law Enforcement and Military. He has also trained many Professional Athletes in several sports, such as former Utah Jazz stars Paul Milsap and Deron Williams, former University of Utah and Tennessee Titans Keith Embray, Kevin Dyson and Andre Dyson and many other current and former MLB, NBA, and NFL players.
Additionally, he is a member of the American Kettlebell Club and is a Kettlebell Sport Coach, Master Fitness Trainer and Kettlebell athlete and competitor.