John Ower

John crossed paths with jiu-jitsu a few times over the years and even tried a class here and there. In 2021, he finally signed up for good, training alongside his oldest son, Nate. The joy and challenge of grappling came rushing back from his wrestling days in Jr. High, and sharing that with his son, and eventually his wife and daughter, made him a grateful member of this community ever since.

John describes himself as a passionate jiu-jitsu hobbyist and practitioner of "dad-jitsu," training mostly with the "Early Bird" crew at Rolling Oak under Black Belt Kevin Escher. Early mornings became his window for training around a busy work and family schedule, and in 2023, as a white belt, he pitched the idea of an early class to Coach Kevin. Kevin jumped at the opportunity and has led the Early Birds ever since.

John earned his Purple Belt in February 2026 and has stepped up to lead classes for Coach Kevin whenever work keeps Kevin off the mats. Looking to add extra training time, sharpen his own game, and build more "sparring friends," John now leads a No Gi Fundamentals class in the open Early Bird slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Outside the gym, John treasures time with his wife, Hartlyn, and their two kids, Nate and Maggie. He loves hosting friends, a good whiskey or IPA, burritos, reading, surfing, and ice cream in every flavor

No Gi Fundamentals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 am