About Us
There are few training facilities like Blue TIER Solutions. Here, we teach firearm training, first aid work, and Jiu-Jitsu in Kansas City, with our other martial arts programs. Blue TIER combines with Ground Zero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to provide a special self-defense experience. Our vast amount of programs are supported by our highly experienced team of instructors. Their experience is all-around impressive, from dominating on the mat to serving our lives and protecting people at home. So, whether you want first responder training or want to improve in martial arts, this is the place to be in KC!
Start your training journey here
Read About
Our Team!
Our instructors are amongst the most experienced teachers around. Their experience in Jiu-Jitsu and serving the community is second to none. Take a look at their bios and see what makes them special!
Take A Look At
Our Programs!
Few training facilities have as many programs as we do. With a focus on martial arts and firearm training, there are many options to select from. Go take a look and find what self-defense training is best for you!
Check Out
Our Schedule!
Finding the right time to train can always be difficult. We encourage you to check out our schedule to find the right time to add Blue TIER to your week!
One Week Free
Martial Arts Training
We have a great offer for you to take advantage of! Sign up for a martial arts offer at Ground Zero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You can start your first week for FREE, learning how time on the mats can make you better!
Sign up for a free week of Jiu-Jitsu!
Join our BJJ program with a week of training ON US!
Built to Lead:
Your Blue Tier Crew
Our team is built with instructors who are among the most experienced in their crafts. Their expertise has come from on-the-mat experience, great tutelage, and service in Law Enforcement and the military. They all continuously pursue providing a great atmosphere for students to learn martial arts or other ways to defend themselves.
Derek Ruffin
Owner
BJJ Black Belt
Derek brings a diverse skill set and wide range of experience to his clients and business. He is a former Kansas City Police and SWAT team officer and designated marksman with experience in the area of dynamic entry, hostage / barricaded subjects as well as primary response for presidential and dignitary motorcade details.
Derek is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Leo Pecahna as well as a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do & Hapkido. He has served as an ACCT defensive tactics instructor for the National Law Enforcement Training Center, teaching law enforcement & security officers nationwide and from around the globe.
Derek has also worked as a RN-BSN in the emergency department responding to emergency crisis including COVID in hot zones throughout the United States. These opportunities have provided exposure to high level traumas as well as dealing with combative patients under the influence of alcohol, drugs, psychosis.
Derek currently works for a metropolitan department where he serves as a SWAT Team leader / medic among various other duties.
Derek also owns Ground Zero Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self defense which teaches a wide variety of techniques, pulling from his over 30 years of martial arts experience.
Roderick Sherril
Kids & Adult Instructor
BJJ Black Belt
Roderick is the head instructor for our kids BJJ program. His youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction emphasizes confidence, discipline, perseverance, and determination. Having a large family of his own, Roderick is very familiar with intricacies of teaching and guiding children.
Phillip Koontz
Kids & Adult Instructor
BJJ Black Belt
Phil is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and our lead conditioning instructor and kids coach . Phil has been a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years and a former MMA fighter. He has also competed in BJJ on the national level and IBJJF. Phil brings this experience to his students pushing them to reach their full potential.
Amanda
Amanda was first introduced to firearms as a graduate from the Kansas City Missouri Regional Police Academy. Amanda also has experience in security settings ranging from public schools to professional sports venues. As a retired teacher, Amanda brings her teaching experience to the range making the experience for first time shooters positive while building confidence at the same time.
About Our
Team
We are all about productivity and efficiency in our training center. Our facility is equipped with resources for all your training needs. It is backed up by our highly trained staff, led by founder Derek Ruffin. His experience on the mat, in the military, as an ER nurse, and even more, lifts us to be great. We hope you can join Derek and the rest of our community in learning how to defend yourself and help others in real-world situations at Blue TIER Solutions!
What Our Students Are Saying
Everything we do at Blue TIER Solutions is to prepare students for real-world scenarios. With our combination of firearm training and martial arts classes, there is not another Kansas City training facility with the same amount of resources. And don’t just listen to us. See what our community has to say about what makes us special!
“It is a great place for more advanced people to learn alongside complete beginners. I cannot recommend them more highly!”
“Derek has the ability to break down steps to help beginner students quickly pick up tasks in an effective and safe manner. “
“My wife and I took the basic pistol training class and we loved it! Couldn’t recommend a better class or instructor for the beginner out there.”
“The instructors are thorough, patient and passionate about the subjects and the safety of their students. “
“If you want quality training from a quality instructor this is the place to go. This place is also great if you are looking for a conceal carry license and/or firearms training.”
Take a look at our schedule!
Find the right time to add Blue TIER to your calendar!
Contact Us Today!
Blue Tier Training Solutions welcomes everyone in the Kansas City Metro, including those nearby on Wornall, in Brookside and Waldo, and those further away in Olathe, North Kansas City, and Blue Springs. We are located in-between Brookside and Wornall road near the Trolley Trail!