ABOUT US

Michigan Grappling Co Gym Trainers & Team Members

Christopher Fisher




Professor Chris started his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2008. Competing in many tournaments, even fighting amateur mma for a time. He earned his purple belt in late 2012 before meeting his wife Marie on the mats, moving across the Midwest and starting a family. Chris stopped training consistently to focus on his family and career. Then in 2018 he relocated downriver eventually picking up his Jiu Jitsu journey where he left off.

Training and competing very successfully Downriver for many years Chris earned his Blackbelt in late 2023 and is now a Blackbelt under Walter “Cascao” Vital thru Matheus Veloso De Brito. Chris has been an avid competitor many years winning and medaling in many Jiu Jitsu competitions.
Most Notable ;
-Double gold 🥇 🥇at the very first IBJJF Detroit open in 2021
-Double silver 🥈🥈at IBJJF Pans in Florida,
-Earning first place gold🥇 and becoming an IBJJF Master Worlds Champion in 2021.
-In 2022 he did it again winning
Double gold 🥇🥇at IBJJF Austin Open.
-Gold 🥇 and open weight bronze 🥉at IBJJF Chicago open.
-Then earning a bronze 🥉medal at 2022 IBJJF Master Worlds.
-First place gold 🥇at the 2023Arnold Classic
-Double gold in gi 🥇🥇and double gold 🥇🥇in no gi at 2023 IBJJF Atlanta Open.
-Second place 🥈in gi and double Silver 🥈🥈in no gi at the 2024 IBJJF Chicago open.
-Second place 🥈in gi and Double bronze 🥉🥉in no gi at the 2025 IBJJF Indianapolis open.
-First place gold 🥇in gi first place 🥇 in no gi and second place 🥈 no gi open weight at the 2025 IBJJF Chicago open
-Double silver 🥈🥈in gi and Double gold 🥇🥇in no gi at the 2025 IBJJF Detroit open.

“I’ve learned many of life’s lessons from Jiu Jitsu. It’s helped me to overcome adversity, taught me confidence, how to never stop grinding. Jiu Jitsu has amplified my value of hard work and determination. Through this beautiful art I’ve learned that the only limitations are the ones you place on yourself.”

Jiu Jitsu is a Fisher family affair. Chris’s wife Marie is also a high level instructor. Their son and daughters also train and enjoy their time on the mats.

My goal is simple. To give back what Jiu Jitsu gave me. See you on the mats 🤙

Gene Funds

Gene began his martial arts journey at 18, starting with Isshin-Ryu Karate in 1976. He earned his black belt in 1980.

In 1994, Gene began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie in Hawaii. After moving to Michigan, he continued his jiu jitsu training at Royce Gracie Academy, where he earned his black belt in 2019 under Royce Gracie.

Gene’s dedication, passion, and commitment to teaching have left a lasting impact on every student fortunate enough to train with him.

His embodiment of the 753 code shines both on and off the mats, and his legacy continues to inspire us all.

Gene challenges us to improve every day not only as practitioners, but as individuals.

 

Chris Wisniewski

Blackbelt under Walter “Cascao” Vital thru Victor Torres & Matheus Veloso De Brito

Business Owner: Entrepreneur in Mortgage, Real Estate & Auto Industry …as well as owner/partner in multiple Cascao Jiu Jitsu affiliate schools in Michigan.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications/Public Relations from Wayne State University 2002

Masters IBJJF World Champion 2019
Masters IBJJF Worlds Bronze Medalist 2018
Multiple IBJJF Pan Am Champion 2018, 2021, 2023
IBJJF Silver Medalist 2020
Multiple IBJJF Chicago Open Champion
Multiple Buckeye Open BJJ Champion
Multiple Modern Flow BJJ Champion

Christopher is married with 3 children that train in Jiu Jitsu and he also enjoys coaching and giving back to the community in the art that changed his life forever!!

Marie Fisher

I am a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with over 10 years of experience on the mats. For the past two years, I have had the privilege of helping teach children’s classes, which has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I enjoy working with our “little minion grapplers,” as I believe they embody the true spirit of the sport. My goal is to help them build confidence, learn self-defense, and understand that jiu-jitsu can be both serious and fun—especially when shared with teammates, friends, and coaches.


I believe that training should be a place of growth and humility. As I often say, “I’d rather lose on the mats of my home gym to a teammate than on the streets with a stranger. Stay humble, and never be afraid to say uncle.”