Instructors

Ben started training with Team DNA in Erie under Dan "PA Hitman" Swift in 2008.  Ben started assisting with teaching in 2009.  Ben adopted the "Sonic" name during his fighting days in MMA where he won the XFS Featherweight and the XFS Bantamweight Championships.  Along with fighting MMA, Ben has completed in many BJJ competitions, he also has training in Boxing and Muay Thai.  In 2017, Ben opened Sonic Jiu-Jitsu and MMA where it has steadily grown into the areas premier BJJ/MMA gym.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Eric started training with Sonic in 2019, he started coaching the kids wrestling in 2022 and started teaching adult Gi and No-Gi classes in 2023.  Eric was a wrestler in high school and served 8 years in the Air Force Reserve as a Mental Health Technician, he separated as a Staff Sergeant.  Eric has competed in over 60 BJJ competitions, resulting in over 50 wins with minimal losses.  Eric tore his ACL in summer of 2024 requiring surgery, but with perseverance and support from both his home family and gym family, he's back to competing and winning!

Professionally, Eric is a Registered Nurse, currently working as a traveling Emergency Department Nurse.​​

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Devin started training with Sonic in 2020, he started assisting with private lessons in 2022 which then led into teaching adult Gi and No-Gi classes.  Devin was a football player all during high school, he decided to try wrestling his senior year and this instilled in him a real appreciation for grappling.  Devin has competed in several local tournaments, earning silver and gold in all but one in his career.

Professionally, Devin has also been a personal trainer, helping people reach their health and fitness goals.  Devin is an elementary teacher at the Oil City Area School District where he also coaches the golf team.

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Bio coming

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Josh started training in 2021 at Underground BJJ, been teaching fundamentals for 2 years and started leg lock Tuesdays for Fall 2025.  Josh has competed in several major BJJ tournaments and has also fought MMA in the ring.  Josh won the gold at IBJJF in Cleveland and Toronto at 82.3 kg for Gi Purple Belt.  Josh is also an ex-D2 soccer player.  Josh famously says, “Having the ability to physically defend yourself creates unbelievable self-confidence and allows you to feel comfortable in any environment, COME TRAIN!”.

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Magnum started training with Sonic in August 2024, he volunteered to assist with kids classes so he could learn and develop quickly.  Magnum has been a staple at Sonic since joining, routinely attending 5 days a week.  When not competing in a BJJ competition then you can typically find him leading/attending an open mat at the gym.  In high school, Magnum was a standout Cross-Country runner, winning many individual and team titles with Rock Grove High School.  Upcoming, Magnum has his first MMA fight on Thanksgiving Eve 2025.

Professionally, Magnum owns and operates Tattoos and Scars Construction.