Who are we?
Our BJJ Story
The Madden Family has lived in Atchison since 2003. When our oldest son wanted to try a martial art, Jim decided to join a jiu jitsu club with him as a thirteenth birthday present. That’s when our family’s BJJ journey began! Soon after Jen and the rest of the kids were training too. This martial art became a shared project for our whole family. Eventually it brought us to local, state, national, and even international competition. More importantly, BJJ provided us with a community of dear friends, a profound bond as a family, and many lessons about courage, resilience, and humility that have carried over into our lives far beyond the training room. Some of our children still train BJJ as adults, while others have moved on to different challenges. That is fine, because the virtues that jiu jitsu built in them will be there for the rest of their lives! We are now proud to provide the community where we have made our home and raised our children with an opportunity to begin the same journey that meant so very much to our family.
The Madd House BJJ Instructional Team
Jim Madden: Jim is a black belt and oversees the curriculum and takes responsibility for the pedagogical development of the the other instructors. He is dedicated to assuring that all of our members will receive intelligent instruction from leaders who are skilled both as BJJ players and teachers. Jim will be conducting Fundaments, Intermediate, Advanced, Homeschool High School, and Executive classes. Please communicate with Jim regarding any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Beyond the BJJ world, Jim is a Professor of Philosophy at Benedictine College.
Jennifer Madden: Jen is a purple belt, and she will be conducting our Women’s class and leading the administrative side of Madd House BJJ. Jennifer is a former professor of psychology and brings considerable teaching expertise to our program. Please feel free to communicate with Jen about anything we can do to make your participation in this community more rewarding. Beyond the BJJ world, Jen is a marriage and family therapist at Tree of Life Mental Health Services.
Keven Sanchez: Kevin is a purple belt, and he will be conducting Kids II and Fundamentals classes. He is a highly effective teacher and has a background working with young people of a variety of ages. Beyond the BJJ world, Kevin is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at Benedictine College.
Martha Madden. Martha is a purple belt, and she will be conducting Kids I, Kids II, and Women’s classes. Martha has extensive experience coaching and teaching children. Beyond the BJJ world, Martha is completing a degree in Elementary Education at Benedictine College.
Brendan Madden. Brendan is a purple belt, and he will be conducting Kids II and Fundamentals classes. Beyond the BJJ world, Brendan is completing a degree in Architecture at Benedictine College and has interned in construction management.