Royce Miller — Head Coach, Ann Arbor BJJ
Ann Arbor BJJ · Head Coach

ROYCE
MILLER

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Margot Ciccarelli ↗.
Structured coaching. High standards. Long-term development.

Get Started · 13+ Get Started · Kids

Hit Get Started to book your first class.

Rank

BJJ BLACK
BELT.

Earned July 2023 in Japan under Margot Ciccarelli ↗, after 17 years on the mat.

Royce began training in 2010 and relocated to Florida in 2012 to train at the renowned American Top Team under Ricardo Libório ↗ — earning his blue belt. He earned his purple and brown belts under brothers Kevin Mahecha ↗ and Brian Mahecha ↗, who promote together, before earning his black belt under Margot Ciccarelli ↗ in 2023.

Belt Rank BJJ BLACK BELT Awarded July 2023 · Japan · Under Margot Ciccarelli ↗
Royce Miller BJJ black belt
Adult BJJ coaching at Ann Arbor BJJ
Adults

ADULT
COACHING

Modern Teaching Methods

Coach Royce offers modern and up-to-date scientific teaching methods for learning submission grappling. Every class is structured, intentional, and built for real skill development.

He teaches the adult curriculum — noon and evening All Levels classes — and training is available seven days per week: morning, midday, evening, and weekend options. Classes are designed to be challenging, productive, and safe for all experience levels.

Learn About Adult Training →
Kids BJJ coaching at Ann Arbor BJJ
Kids

KIDS
COACHING

Early Childhood Education

A degree in Early Childhood Education — structure families can trust. Royce's academic background shapes every kids class: clear expectations, age-appropriate progressions, and intentional instruction.

Two classes: Little Kids 4–7 (Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM, starting September 15) and Kids 8–12 (Monday through Thursday at 5:45 PM), which Royce teaches himself. He designs and oversees both. Task-based learning keeps kids engaged while building real skill, and confidence is built on what they can actually do. At 13, kids move up to the adult program — or stay in kids a little longer with coach approval if that's the safer fit.

Kids 8–12 → Little Kids 4–7 →
Royce Miller coaching at Ann Arbor BJJ
About Royce

A LONG-TERM
STUDENT OF
THE ART.

Royce began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010, and his passion for the art quickly flourished. In 2012, he made the pivotal decision to relocate from Michigan to Florida to train at the renowned American Top Team.

Under the tutelage of Ricardo Libório ↗ — the inaugural IBJJF 1996 Heavyweight World Champion — Royce earned his blue belt.

He later trained primarily with brothers Kevin Mahecha ↗ and Brian Mahecha ↗, who together awarded his purple and brown belts.

Beginning in 2020, Royce started mentoring under Margot Ciccarelli ↗, ultimately earning his black belt from her in July 2023 in Japan.

For Kids & Adults

STRUCTURE
YOU CAN
TRUST.

Royce holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. That background shapes how Ann Arbor BJJ runs its kids classes: expectations are clear, progressions are age-appropriate, and instruction is intentional.

  • Clear structure and safe progression at every level
  • Task-based learning to keep kids engaged while building real skill
  • Confidence built on what they can actually do
Get Started · Kids
Kids BJJ training at Ann Arbor BJJ

COACHING
PHILOSOPHY.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is problem-solving under pressure — the teaching has to reflect that reality.

At Ann Arbor BJJ we train using the Constraints-Led Approach and Ecological Dynamics. Students develop skill by solving real grappling problems against resisting partners — from day one. Learn more about our method →

01
Train live against resisting partners.
02
Solve real grappling problems through focused tasks.
03
Develop problem-solvers who can adapt.
04
Culture matters.

Every class is coached with clear instruction, focused rounds, and high standards — while maintaining a professional, respectful training environment.

Your First Class

HOW TO
GET STARTED.

From your first click to your first class — here's how it works.

HIT GET STARTED

Adults and teens 13+ or kids 4–12 — each has its own start page with everything you need to know about training here.

SIGN UP ONLINE

Sign up online in a few minutes — your first month is just $49. You'll get a welcome text with everything you need for your first class.

SHOW UP & TRAIN

Arrive a few minutes early in athletic clothes. Your first class is in our all-levels group — beginners welcome, no experience needed.

Get Started · 13+ Get Started · Kids
Ann Arbor BJJ

TRAIN WITH
PURPOSE.

Train under clear instruction, high standards, and a system built for long-term progress.

Get Started · 13+ Get Started · Kids

Downtown Ann Arbor · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Adults and Kids · Serving Washtenaw County