Prof. Cody Hier.

Roots & Wrestling

A Davison, MI native, Cody wrestled for Davison High School under Roy Hall — where he helped the team win four State Championships. That foundation became the engine for everything that followed. He took his competitive wrestling career to Eastern Michigan University, competing at 149 pounds.

Pittsburgh to Philly

After his collegiate career, Cody began training Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Pittsburgh, PA under Renzo Gracie black belt Warren Stout — a coach who trained alongside Daniel Gracie in the same Renzo lineage. Cody fought several amateur MMA bouts and earned his blue belt in BJJ.

He continued his MMA career in Philadelphia, PA under Daniel Gracie himself — making his professional MMA debut at 135 pounds and eventually earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He fought professionally on the East Coast circuit, including under the Cage Fury Fighting Championships banner — the same promotion that DGTM coach Miguel Diaz competed in.

Back to Michigan

Cody now heads Daniel Gracie Team Michigan out of Grand Rapids, with locations in Holland and Kalamazoo. He shares the same in-depth knowledge, and the same secrets of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that were passed to him — plus an extensive competition résumé in wrestling, BJJ and MMA, and experience training alongside champions from around the world.

The Mission

Build champions. Not just at the highest level — but champions of their own discipline. The student who walked in having never thrown a punch. The kid who learned to stand up for themself. The blue belt who finally saw the path to black.

You could be the next one.