Instructors
Lucas Flores
Professor Lucas Flores, born in Brazil, started training Jiu Jitsu in his hometown in 1996, at the age of 15. At 10, he started training and representing the Gracie Barra team. He became a black belt in November 2013, under Professor Maurício Melo, and received his 1st and 2nd degree on his black belt at the hands of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. This year he completed 9 years as a black belt, receiving his 3rd degree. As a competitor, Lucas has fought in regional, national, and world competitions, winning notable titles and participating in refereeing in Jiu-Jitsu championships. He’s participated in seminars led by some of the world’s greatest professors and masters of the gentle art form, widely increasing his knowledge in the area. Currently, Professor Lucas sets his goals towards strengthening the team of Gracie Barra teachers in the state of Kansas.
Silvana Flores
Professor Silvana Flores, born in Brazil, is a 1st-degree black belt, who started her journey with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2004. In 2019, she graduated from a brown belt to receiving her black belt from her Professor and husband Lucas Flores. Professor Silvana is the first woman Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt instructor in the state of Kansas and throughout the Midwest. Graduating in self-defense courses through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program (ICP), she teaches classes for children and exclusive classes for women, proudly leading the school’s female team. Professor Silvana is passionate about raising awareness for how women are increasingly seeing the benefits of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson began his martial arts career in 1976, starting in karate lessons and receiving brown belts in both Isshin-ryu and Shotokan Karate styles. He later receive his black belt in Tae Kwon Do, winning many karate and Tae Kwon Do competitions along the way. Tim tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra in O’Fallon, MO in 2011, and he hasn’t looked back. He has now opened three Gracie BJJ academies — the latest here in Overland Park — and hopes to open another one in the Kansas City area soon. Tim’s greatest accomplishments in martial arts are: changing people’s lives in a positive way, providing bully prevention for kids and empowering women through martial arts training.
Jonamie Thompson
Affectionately known as Coach Jo or Coach Jonamie by the parents and kids, she has a bachelor’s in elementary education and an associate’s in medical office management. She has a true love for the youngsters in Gracie Barra Overland Park’s kids programs and is complimented regularly on how she manages the kids’ focus while in class. Coach Jo started training Jiu Jitsu at the Gracie Barra Tyler, TX location in 2015 and is a three stripe blue belt. We are very excited to have Coach Jo on the mats with us, both as a coach and a student, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Austin Cameron
Austin Cameron began his journey with martial arts at the age of 13. His interest for the art of Jiu Jitsu grew into a passion when he met and was trained by his best friend’s father, who was a Jiu Jitsu and martial arts instructor. After pursuing his passion for music and obtaining a degree in jazz studies, Coach Austin began training here at Gracie Barra Overland Park in part to help maintain his personal fitness. His passion to educate has since led him to teach and lead his peers here at GB Overland Park. Outside of the gym, his hobbies include fitness, health and wellness, music and training his dogs.
