Instructors
Professor Hernando Thola Jr
Co-Owner Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Alpha Jiu-Jitsu + Fitness is led by Los Angeles native Hernando Thola. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Jean Jacques Machado who worked extensively with revered instructors such as Romulo Barral, Felipe Carsalade Pena, Edwin Najmi, Bruno Antunes, Jay Zeballos and John Danaher.
Now in North Idaho, Hernando shares his valuable lessons, techniques and experiences with his students.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Jean Jacques Machado > Hernando Thola Jr.
Coach Amanda Thola
Co-Owner Head Fitness/Kickboxing Coach
Amanda Thola is the Co-Owner & CEO of Alpha Training Center. She has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2012. She and Hernando have three children together. Amanda is originally from Pullman, WA. Her passion and dedication to following Christ and helping others motivate her every day.
Professor Jeff Walther
Instructor
Professor Jeff Walther was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and settled in Coeur d’Alene in 2002.
He started his jiu-jitsu career in 2007 earning his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt from the legendary Master Pedro Sauer. He is an expert in self-defense and combative jiu-jitsu and has a passion for teaching very technical jiu-jitsu.
He brings with him the largest and most comprehensive, street-relevant, law enforcement jiu-jitsu training program in the region.
In his off time he enjoys living the jiu-jitsu lifestyle with his wife and three boys, hiking, boating, wake surfing, and swimming.
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Pedro Sauer > Jeff Walther
Kru Grant Schwallie
Head Muay Thai Instructor
Kru Grant Schwallie is originally from Graham, Washington. He started Kickboxing in 2009 and began Muay Thai under Kru Yai John Johnston in 2011 after moving to Spokane. His first fight was in 2012. Grant has fought 25 times, obtaining three Muay Thai titles – two of which are with the WBC and one kickboxing title. He briefly fought professionally in 2020 before retiring to a full-time coaching position.
Grant is a certified Kru through the Sports Authority of Thailand as well as a certified referee and judge with U.S.E.A.C.A. (United South East Asian Cultural Association)