As the founder of Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu, Tavis plays an active role in both the adult and youth programs. He works closely with students of all ages, helping adults build confidence, improve fitness, develop self-defense skills, and become part of a supportive community. He is especially passionate about introducing children to martial arts and helping them develop confidence, respect, focus, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges both on and off the mats. After years of working for larger organizations, Tavis decided to create something of his own—a community-centered academy where people of all ages and experience levels feel welcome. Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu was founded on the belief that martial arts can transform lives, not only through technique and physical fitness, but through the friendships, mentorship, and sense of belonging that come from training together. Whether someone is looking to learn self-defense, improve their health, compete, help their child gain confidence, or simply find a positive community, Tavis is committed to helping every student feel supported and successful on their journey.

Dr. Tim Smith is the Resident Black Belt at Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu and has been instrumental in helping shape the culture of the academy since its earliest days. As the first coach brought on at SVJJ, Tim has helped establish a welcoming, supportive training environment built on strong fundamentals, safety, and lifelong learning. Dr. Tim has spent over 25 years as an Emergency Physician, thriving in the face of high-pressure challenges. His journey into physical fitness began as a dedicated cardio athlete—backpacking in the Sierras, running cross country and track, and competing in triathlons. Over time, his athletic pursuits evolved, leading him to embrace new passions such as surfing, skiing, and diving. As a father, Dr. Smith’s interest in self-defense was sparked when his children took up martial arts. This led him to rigorous training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Sapao, MMA with Kurt Morella, and weapons training. His dedication culminated in earning his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from 3rd Degree Black Belt Michael Stratton Jr. at formerly Esteem Jiu-Jitsu in early May of 2025. Most recently, Dr. Smith has combined his medical expertise and martial arts knowledge by serving as a Ringside Physician for the California State Athletic Commission and CAMO, providing care for professional athletes in both the cage and the boxing ring. Today, Tim shares his passion by teaching a Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals curriculum that emphasizes practical self-defense, correct body movement, and maintaining long-term health while developing a strong, adaptable game. His thoughtful coaching style, attention to detail, and commitment to student success continue to make him a cornerstone of the Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu community.

Josh Goessling began his martial arts training in 1990 at the age of 9 with Sifu Sean Shafer who had Black Belt ranks in Taekwondo and Wing Chun in addition to being the IKBA lightweight Muay Thai champion in 1991. In 1999 Coach Goessling began training in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Shorin Ryu Karate with Sifu Tim McFarland. He achieved a Black Sash ranking for Praying Mantis in 2010 and a Shodan ranking in Shorin Ryu Karate in 2012. He was awarded the title of Sifu in 2013. In 2013 he began his training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Dave Terrell receiving his Purple belt in 2018. His jiujitsu training continues at Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu where he received his Brown Belt from Dr Tim Smith in 2026.

Johnny is currently a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born and raised in Sonoma, California, he grew up wrestling with his cousin and went on to capture the MCAL title for Justin-Siena as their 119-pound wrestler. His obsession with Jiu-Jitsu began in college after taking a class at the University of Oregon. That class led to many of his roommates finding themselves caught in triangles and arm bars, sparking a passion for grappling that continues to this day. When he's not training or coaching at Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu, it's likely you'll find him at a local open mat—yapping a lot more than grappling. Fortunately, he can usually do both at the same time. In No-Gi, Johnny is always hunting for a buggy choke, so don't be surprised if he starts setting traps from positions most people are trying to escape. If you catch him in the Gi, keep an eye on your belt—he just might take it off during the roll and use it to choke you with it. Whether he's talking, laughing, coaching, or grappling, Johnny brings a fun energy to the mats and a genuine love for the sport that is contagious to everyone around him.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tomi is a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with a journey that spans over a decade. He first stepped onto the mats in 2015, developing a deep passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Following the global shifts of 2020, a series of international moves placed his training on a long pause while he relocated and searched for a new academy to call home. Now settled in Sonoma with his wife and two young daughters, Tomi has returned to the mat and is currently a Purple Belt under Black Belt Dr. Tim Smith at Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu. When he isn't training, he applies his discipline to the outdoors as an avid climber and backcountry skier—meaning his training partners should definitely watch out for those Gi grips! Striking a balance between family life, outdoor sports, and martial arts, Tomi is focused on the next chapter of his Jiu-Jitsu journey as both a student and coach at Sonoma Valley Jiu Jitsu.

Brian Casmey started wrestling in middle school and continued through high school before beginning Judo in 2009. He earned his Judo black belt in 2024 and is currently a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brian is an active Judo instructor and dedicated martial artist who enjoys helping students of all ages build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and enjoy the journey of learning martial arts.