Mark Plavcan

Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach

Mark Plavcan is the Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach at Twisted Fitness and brings over three decades of grappling and combat sports experience to the mat.

Mark began training in judo at the age of seven and was drawn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1990s after seeing its effectiveness firsthand in the early UFC events. He is a third-degree black belt under Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and an IBJJF-registered black belt, representing one of the most respected lineages in the sport.

In addition to his accomplishments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mark competed professionally in MMA, finishing his career undefeated. He has also coached numerous athletes who have gone on to compete at the highest levels, including fighters who have reached the UFC.

What sets Mark apart is not just his competitive pedigree, but his ability to develop capable, confident students—from beginners stepping onto the mat for the first time to seasoned competitors and professionals who expect precision, structure, and purpose in their training.

As a firearms and combatives instructor, Mark also teaches the CHAOS curriculum, giving him a unique perspective on the differences between sport Jiu-Jitsu and real-world self-defense. His coaching emphasizes control, decision-making under pressure, and responsible use of force—skills that extend far beyond competition

Sonya Plavcan

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Sonya Plavcan is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Twisted Fitness and one of the most accomplished female black belts in the sport.

Sonya began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1999 and is a third-degree black belt under Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti. She is an IBJJF-registered black belt and was the first woman in the state of Wisconsin to earn a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, as well as Master Jacare’s second female black belt in the United States—achievements earned during a time when women’s Jiu-Jitsu was still in its earliest stages.

Over the course of her career, Sonya has become the most decorated female masters black belt in the world, earning 16 IBJJF Master World Championship titles and 9 IBJJF Master Pan Championship titles at black belt. She is currently the #1 ranked female black belt in the world at Master 6, demonstrating that elite performance is built through consistency, intelligent training, and long-term commitment.

In addition to sport Jiu-Jitsu, Sonya is a firearms and combatives instructor and teaches the CHAOS curriculum, where she helps students understand the critical differences between competition and real-world self-defense. Her coaching emphasizes efficiency, control, and calm decision-making under pressure.

Sonya’s approach to teaching reflects her belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about more than winning—it is about building capable, resilient individuals who can perform under stress and continue progressing for a lifetime.

Mike Rakauskas

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Mike Rakauskas is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Twisted Fitness and a dedicated competitor with over a decade of experience training and competing at a high level.

Mike began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Twisted Fitness in 2011 as a blue belt and developed his game entirely within the program. He earned his black belt under Professor Mark Plavcan after a highly accomplished competitive career at the colored belt levels.

Before receiving his black belt, Mike finished his brown belt career ranked #1 in the world at Master 1, a reflection of consistent performance, disciplined preparation, and a deep understanding of competition strategy.

As an instructor, Mike brings a technical, detail-oriented approach to the mat and is especially passionate about helping students understand how to apply techniques effectively under pressure. His coaching draws heavily from his own competition experience, with a focus on timing, efficiency, and sound decision-making.

Mike is known for his ability to translate competition concepts into practical instruction, helping students sharpen their skills, build confidence, and raise their overall level of performance.

Andy Acker

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Andy Acker is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Twisted Fitness and a highly respected technician with more than a decade of experience in the art.

Andy began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Twisted Fitness as a white belt in 2009 and earned his black belt in 2017 under Master Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti. He is a second-degree black belt and an IBJJF-registered black belt, reflecting years of continued study and development.

Earlier in his competitive career, Andy was regarded as one of the top grapplers in the state at purple belt, earning a reputation for technical precision and positional understanding. While he no longer focuses on competition, his approach to Jiu-Jitsu reflects the depth gained through years of high-level training.

As an instructor, Andy is known for his ability to break down techniques with exceptional clarity. His teaching emphasizes mechanics, timing, and problem-solving, helping students understand not just what to do, but why it works.

Andy’s classes are especially valued by students who appreciate a thoughtful, technical approach and are committed to long-term development and mastery.

Bren Mochocki

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Bren Mochocki is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Twisted Fitness and a dedicated coach who brings approachability and enthusiasm to the mat.

Bren earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021 under Professor Mark Plavcan and has developed his coaching style through years of consistent training within the program. Bren is deeply invested in teaching and helping students enjoy the process of learning Jiu-Jitsu.

As an instructor, Bren focuses on creating an encouraging and welcoming training environment. His classes emphasize fundamentals, repetition, and confidence-building, making him especially effective with newer students and those looking to train hard without unnecessary pressure.

Known for his sense of humor and easygoing teaching style, Bren plays an important role in fostering the positive, community-driven culture at Twisted Fitness.