Coach

Ben Rader began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2014 after years of being interested in martial arts. He was drawn to Jiu-Jitsu because it offered something different — a discipline that was beneficial, deeply challenging, and incredibly rewarding. From the moment he stepped on the mats, he knew he had found something worth committing to.

With no previous martial arts background, Ben built his game through consistency, humility, and steady progression. That experience shapes how he teaches today — understanding firsthand what it feels like to start from the beginning and work your way forward.

On the mats, Ben appreciates the effectiveness of the guillotine and enjoys working from half guard — positions that reward patience, timing, and control.

What Ben loves most about coaching is sharing his insight and experience to help others improve. He takes pride in helping students fine-tune their skills so they can build belief in themselves. He’s never afraid to pause, adjust, and give someone the attention they need to progress. For Ben, positivity goes a long way — and growth starts with confidence.

To anyone nervous about starting, Ben offers reassurance rooted in experience:

“We all felt the same way when starting out. I’m glad I made the choice to try it — it’s become one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

For Ben, Union Jiu-Jitsu is family, friends, and community all tied into one club. No matter what kind of day you’re having, walking through those doors shifts the energy. It becomes positive. It becomes focused. It becomes supportive.

What makes Union different? The atmosphere. It’s second to none. Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and genuinely wants to see others succeed in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Outside the gym, Ben’s greatest passion is his two children. Whether he’s training Jiu-Jitsu alongside them, supporting their activities, or simply spending quality time together, his family is at the center of everything he does. Sharing the mats with his kids and watching them grow through Jiu-Jitsu makes the journey even more meaningful. 

At Union Jiu-Jitsu, Ben represents steady growth, positive leadership, and the belief that when one person improves, the whole team grows stronger.