Instructors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ERNEST “WAFFLE” ELLENDER // Head Instructor

Ernest “Waffle” Ellender, PhD – born and raised in Houma, Ernie spent his time hunting, fishing, and skiing in local bayous. He traveled extensively throughout his education, living in Europe, California and New York while obtaining his PhD in Clinical Psychology. At age 27, he started studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Ralph Gracie in Mountain View, CA. By 30, he had started his CrossFit training (getting certified a year later) and had earned both his blue belt in Jiu Jitsu and the nickname “Waffle” due to his love of fine dining like that found at Waffle House. He continued his training under Dave Camarillo, earning his black belt in 2008 after 8 years of heavy training. In 2007, “Waffle” finished his studies and headed home to open the doors (in February of 2008) to his Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu and CrossFit gym called Evolution Training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCOTTY “BREEZE” SMITH, JR. // Instructor

Scotty “Breeze” Smith, Jr – began studying Tang Soo Do (Karate) in 2002 at the age of 18. At 22 years of age, he began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and started competing in MMA a year later. In 2008, Scotty started training under “Waffle” and has since earned his purple belt in Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu. Scotty has put his MMA competitions aside (Current record: 6-0) and has been focusing intensely on advancing his Jiu Jitsu game through regular training, competitions, teaching, seminars, and traveling to train with whoever he gets the opportunity to train with. His rapidly growing list of competition accolades includes 2 LA State championships (at blue and purple belts) and 6 amateur MMA fights (all were first round submissions). Scotty’s progression as an instructor is as impressive as his competition record. Far from simply reiterating moves he has learned, Scotty consistently reworks and innovates new techniques and training drills.

 

 

 

 

KATIE PRESTENBACH // CrossFit Trainer

Katie Prestenbach – became famous among local CrossFitters when she was still doing handstand pushups while 8 months pregnant! Katie started her CrossFit training in November of 2008 and has not looked back.  After two years of training, Katie got CrossFit Level 1 certified.  She currently oversees classes at both Evolution Training and at CrossFit Houma (Waffle’s brother’s gym), spreading fitness across Houma with a devious smile.  She also currently works at CIS (Cardiovascular Institute of the South) since 2008.  Katie is a proud wife and mother one future CrossFitter born August 31st, 2009!

Vandebilt High School – 2001

Nicholls – BA in General Studies – 2005