the squad
At Zero MMA, our coaching staff isn’t just deep — it’s unmatched. There is nowhere around here that offers the level of experience, diversity, and high-level leadership that we do. From seasoned black belts and active MMA fighters to dedicated youth mentors and next-generation competitors, our team is built with purpose. We have coaches who are educators, first responders, fighters, parents, and lifelong martial artists — all unified under one banner. The reason our staff is so strong isn’t luck, and it isn’t coincidence. It’s culture. We are a family. We are bonded by the grind, by the mats, and by the shared pursuit of growth. There’s no drama, no ego-driven agendas — just a tight-knit unit committed to pushing each other forward. That unbreakable bond is what makes Zero MMA different.
HAYDEN MASTIN
Head Coach
Hayden Mastin (The Gilly King) is the Head Coach at Zero MMA, a role earned through more than a decade of dedication, growth, and leadership within the program. Hayden began training at Zero MMA in 2014 as a teenager, where he quickly fell in love with martial arts and the discipline, accountability, and confidence it builds.
Through years of consistent training, competition, and coaching, Hayden rose through the ranks to earn his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on March 13, 2023, and now holds a 1st-degree black belt. His experience extends beyond the gi and no-gi mats, bringing MMA fight experience that gives him a well-rounded understanding of both grappling and striking in real competitive environments.
Active Competition
Hayden remains actively competing in MMA while also taking on high-level jiu-jitsu matches, staying sharp and continuing to test his skills against elite opponents. By continuing to compete, Hayden ensures his coaching remains current, realistic, and grounded in what works at the highest levels of the sport. His students benefit directly from a coach who is still in the trenches—training, adapting, and evolving alongside them.
In early 2024, Hayden officially took over the Zero MMA program, stepping into leadership with a clear mission: to build strong martial artists, develop confident competitors, and create an environment where people of all ages can grow through training. Today, his focus is on developing up-and-coming fighters, refining fundamentals, and helping students reach their full potential—on and off the mats.
Outside of coaching, Hayden lives an active lifestyle centered around training, family, and personal growth. His passion for martial arts extends beyond competition, fueling his commitment to building a culture of hard work, respect, and relentless improvement at Zero MMA.
ETHAN STEVENS
Lead Coach
Ethan Stevens (The No-Gi Gorilla) is a lead coach at Zero MMA and serves as the program’s second-in-command, a position earned through years of loyalty, grit, and relentless work ethic. Ethan began training at Zero MMA as a teenager, where he quickly developed a deep passion for martial arts and committed himself fully to the grind.
Ethan is known for his extremely strong top pressure and grappling, with a style heavily rooted in wrestling, control, and constant forward pressure. While he has cross-trained at many gyms and systems, Zero MMA has always been his home—where he has grown, sharpened his skills, and helped build the program through determination and consistency.
Ethan earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on July 9, 2025, further solidifying his reputation as a high-level grappler. His jiu-jitsu, combined with his wrestling base, makes him especially effective in pressure-based systems and competition-focused environments.
Active Competition
Ethan remains actively competing in grappling, regularly accepting high-profile black belt matches against elite opponents. His continued presence on the competition circuit ensures his coaching stays sharp, realistic, and proven under pressure. Ethan consistently demonstrates that he is a force to be reckoned with on the mats.
Outside of the gym, Ethan serves as a full-time firefighter, bringing discipline, composure, and mental toughness into both his coaching and leadership at Zero MMA.
At Zero MMA, Ethan plays a major role in athlete development and daily operations. You can find him running multiple grappling classes each week, as well as coaching kids striking and jiu-jitsu classes, where he is known for balancing structure, accountability, and encouragement.
Ethan’s leadership, toughness, and unwavering commitment to Zero MMA’s culture make him an essential pillar of the coaching staff and a coach students trust to push them to the next level.
LOGAN SCRIBNER
Lead Coach
Logan Scribner is one of Zero MMA’s lead coaches and a cornerstone of the program, bringing over a decade of experience within the Zero system. Logan has been training in martial arts since childhood, developing a deep, well-rounded skill set rooted in discipline, adaptability, and long-term growth.
Throughout his journey, Logan has trained across multiple disciplines and with a wide range of teams and coaches, giving him a broad and refined perspective on martial arts. While highly skilled across the board, Logan serves as Zero MMA’s primary striking coach, known for his technical precision, timing, and ability to clearly break down complex techniques.
Logan holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, awarded on August 25, 2022, and now holds his 1st-degree black belt. He is an exceptionally well-rounded grappler with strong wrestling fundamentals and a high fight IQ, allowing him to seamlessly blend striking, takedowns, and ground control into a complete MMA-oriented system.
Training, Teaching & Coaching
While Logan is currently retired from competition, he remains fully engaged in daily training—still scrapping it out weekly on the mats and staying sharp alongside his students. He runs multiple classes each week, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA, and plays a major role in athlete development across the gym.
Outside of Zero MMA, Logan works as a professional teacher, bringing a structured, thoughtful, and student-centered approach into every class he runs. His background in education gives him a unique ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and help students progress efficiently and confidently.
Logan’s combination of technical depth, real-world experience, and proven teaching ability makes him an essential leader within the Zero MMA coaching staff.
DANNY VAUGHAN
Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Danny “The Wizard” Vaughan is one of the most experienced and technically refined coaches at Zero MMA. A true martial artist in every sense, Danny brings decades of dedication, precision, and leadership to the program.
Danny holds a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, along with a Brown Belt in Judo, giving him a deep and layered understanding of grappling from both submission and takedown perspectives. While widely respected as a true Gi specialist, his no-gi game is equally sharp — technical, calculated, and highly efficient. His style reflects patience, timing, and a mastery of details that only comes from years on the mat.
Despite being one of the most skilled grapplers in the room, Danny is known for being one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Calm, approachable, and humble — but make no mistake — he is absolutely deadly on the ground.
Before relocating to Texas, Danny successfully ran a large academy in California, building strong programs and developing high-level students. Today, he brings that leadership and experience to Zero MMA, where he runs the Gi program at Zero MMA HQ in Caddo Mills and oversees the entire Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at Zero MMA Rockwall.
Danny’s technical depth, teaching experience, and lifelong dedication to the craft make him a cornerstone of the Zero MMA coaching staff and a true standard-bearer for the art of jiu-jitsu.
VERN SKACH
Jiu-Jitsu CoachVern Skach is one of the original pillars of the Zero system — a true OG who has helped shape the culture from the early days. Vern began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in 2006, joining the team in 2008 when it was still known as ZERO DOJO. His longevity and loyalty speak volumes about his commitment to the program and the people within it.
With nearly two decades in the sport, Vern brings a deep and seasoned understanding of martial arts. He earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on June 28, 2023, marking a major milestone in a long journey built on consistency, discipline, and grit.
In addition to his grappling credentials, Vern is cage-tested in MMA, bringing real fight experience and practical application to his coaching. His perspective is grounded in experience — he has put in the rounds, walked the walk, and helped pave the way for the generations that followed.
As one of the true pioneers of the Zero system, Vern continues to play an important role in developing athletes and growing the culture at Zero MMA. His steady presence, experience, and commitment to the grind make him a respected leader within the team.
Vern represents the foundation of Zero — loyalty, longevity, and relentless dedication to the craft.
SEBASTIAN SCHMIDT
MMA CoachSebastian Schmidt is an MMA coach at Zero MMA, bringing high-level fight knowledge, sharp instincts, and strong technical understanding to the program. Known for his fight IQ and well-rounded skill set, Sebastian plays a key role in developing athletes within the striking and MMA systems.
Sebastian holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, giving him a deep grappling foundation that complements his striking expertise. His ability to blend stand-up, wrestling transitions, and ground control makes him an effective coach for students looking to build a complete and intelligent MMA game.
Having been with Zero MMA for many years, Sebastian is a true staple of the program. Through consistency, loyalty, and dedication to the craft, he has earned the respect of both teammates and students alike. His coaching style emphasizes fundamentals, awareness, and smart decision-making under pressure.
Sebastian continues to dedicate himself fully to martial arts, both as a coach and lifelong student of the game. With long-term goals of eventually running his own Zero MMA academy, he represents the next generation of leadership within the organization.
Sebastian’s commitment, technical depth, and forward-thinking mindset make him a valued part of the Zero MMA coaching staff and a trusted mentor to athletes at every level.
CARLISE MOTT
Assistant Coach
Carlisle Mott serves as an Assistant Coach at Zero MMA and is a true embodiment of the Zero mindset. More than just a coach, Carlisle lives and breathes the culture of the gym—his dedication, work ethic, and consistency are a direct reflection of what Zero MMA stands for.
Carlisle runs the Homeschool Program and assists with all kids classes, playing a major role in shaping the next generation of athletes. His energy, leadership, and ability to connect with younger students make him an invaluable part of the youth development system at Zero.
A longtime member of Zero MMA, Carlisle’s journey is a testament to the organization and the fighters being built within it. He is an active MMA fighter with significant cage experience and continues working his way up the rankings through grit, discipline, and relentless improvement.
In addition to MMA, Carlisle actively competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and super fights, holding a competition blue belt. His continued presence in competition reflects his commitment to growth and his determination to sharpen his skills against tough opponents.
Outside of martial arts, Carlisle is also a high-level pianist and piano instructor, bringing creativity, discipline, and precision into every aspect of his life. That same dedication carries over into his training and coaching.
Carlisle represents the future of Zero MMA—committed to the grind, loyal to the program, and constantly pushing forward.
KAYDENCE SISCO
Junior Coach
Kaydence Sisco may only be 13 years old, but don’t let her age fool you — she is an absolute force on the mats and in the ring. Known for her respectful attitude and kind personality, Kaydence flips the switch the moment competition begins.
Kaydence has been part of the Zero MMA family since she was a little kid, growing up inside the program and developing into one of its most promising young athletes. She currently holds a Brown Belt in the Zero Kids Kickboxing Program and a Yellow Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting her steady progression across multiple disciplines.
Competition Highlights
Kaydence is an active and highly decorated competitor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning medals at numerous tournaments — including competing at ADCC events. Her composure, aggression, and technical ability consistently set her apart from her peers.
In striking, she continues to sharpen her skills in Kickboxing and Muay Thai, actively competing and building experience against tough opponents. She is a two-time IKF Grand Champion, a major accomplishment that speaks to her work ethic, discipline, and competitive mindset.
Coaching & Leadership
In addition to her competitive success, Kaydence serves as a Junior Coach at Zero MMA, assisting with all Homeschool Kids Classes and evening kids classes. Having grown up inside the program, she understands the culture, expectations, and standards of Zero MMA better than most. She leads by example, showing younger students what consistency, respect, and hard work look like in action.
Kaydence has big goals for her future. She aspires to take her MMA career as far as possible, potentially serve in the military, and one day own her own Zero MMA academy.
Kaydence represents the next generation of Zero — disciplined, driven, and fearless in pursuit of growth.
HANNAH MASTIN
Assistant CoachHannah Mastin is an Assistant Coach at Zero MMA who began her martial arts journey in 2018, primarily focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while also training in kickboxing. What started as training quickly became a passion, and over the years she has fully embraced the discipline, growth, and community that martial arts creates.
Hannah is currently a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt and remains actively competing, continuing to test herself and grow through the challenges that come with competition. She believes deeply in the personal growth that happens on the mats — the resilience built through adversity, the confidence earned through hard work, and the lifelong friendships formed through shared struggle.
Outside of the gym, Hannah is a Registered Nurse (RN) working as a postpartum nurse, caring for mothers and newborns during one of the most important seasons of their lives. Her profession demands compassion, patience, composure, and strength — qualities that also define her presence on the mats and in her coaching.
As an Assistant Coach in the kids program, Hannah helps mentor young athletes, sharing both technical knowledge and life lessons learned through her own journey. She credits much of her happiness and balance in life to the trials and tribulations experienced through jiu-jitsu and the strong sense of family built within Zero MMA.
Hannah represents the heart of the program — service, resilience, and growth through community.
CORBIN LACKEY
Assistant CoachCorbin Lackey joined Zero MMA in 2022 after stepping back onto the mats following an eight-year hiatus from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Life pulled him away for a season, but once he returned, he never looked back.
Since rejoining the sport, Corbin has fully rededicated himself to training and growth. He now holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt and continues to sharpen both his grappling and striking skills. His steady progression reflects discipline, maturity, and a commitment to constant improvement.
Corbin jokingly refers to himself as the team’s “Casual Extraordinaire,” often poking fun at his own consistency — though anyone in the room knows he is one of the most reliable and committed athletes on the mats. His humility, sense of humor, and work ethic make him a respected and trusted member of the team.
In addition to his own training, Corbin assists in the kids program, helping mentor young athletes and contribute to their development. His calm demeanor, patience, and steady presence make him a valuable asset both as a coach and teammate.
Corbin continues to grow not only as a martial artist, but as a leader within the Zero MMA community.
MEGAN DAWSON
Assistant CoachMegan Dawson is a growing leader within the Zero MMA family and a testament to the life-changing power of martial arts. Now two years into the program, Megan initially walked through the doors seeking self-defense after experiencing real-world altercations. What she found was far more than just protection — she found confidence, strength, and a community she now calls family.
Since joining Zero MMA, Megan has fully embraced the martial arts lifestyle. She trains consistently, continues to sharpen her skills, and has developed a deep love for the process. Training alongside her partner, Ethan Stevens, she has become a familiar and supportive presence both on and off the mats.
Megan has recently taken on a larger role within the gym, frequently helping behind the scenes and serving as an Assistant Coach in the kids program. Her journey from beginner to mentor makes her especially relatable to new students, and she leads with encouragement, resilience, and authenticity.
Outside of the gym, Megan serves as an EMS First Responder, bringing real-world composure, courage, and compassion into everything she does. That same steady mindset carries over into her training and coaching.
Megan’s story reflects what Zero MMA is all about — growth through adversity, building confidence through discipline, and finding a lifelong passion in martial arts.
devon woods
Assistant CoachDevon “Kane” Woods joined Zero MMA with one clear goal — to chase his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition dreams in an environment that would truly push him. After beginning his jiu-jitsu journey in 2019 and cross-training at multiple academies, Kane found his home at Zero MMA — a place that matched his intensity, ambition, and hunger to improve.
Now a Zero MMA Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kane remains highly active on the competition circuit, regularly stepping into high-level matches and delivering dominant performances. He brings technical depth, creativity, and a relentless submission mindset to every round.
Kane assists in multiple classes throughout the week, helping develop athletes while continuing to refine his own game. His knowledge of modern jiu-jitsu, especially in leg locks and aggressive submission chains, makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Behind the dry humor and eccentric personality is a disciplined, hardworking competitor who shows up consistently and performs under pressure.
Catch him on the mats ripping ankles and bringing home medals on a regular basis.
Kane represents the competitive edge of Zero MMA — sharp, relentless, and always evolving.
FELICIA SISCO
Zero Mini’s Coach
Felicia Sisco is one of the foundational pillars of Zero MMA, often referred to as the gym’s “Dojo Mom.” A proud mother of three of Zero’s top youth athletes, Felicia has spent years working behind the scenes to help keep the gym running smoothly, organized, and on time. Simply put — Zero MMA would not operate the way it does without her.
Now serving as the Head Coach of the Zero Minis Program, Felicia leads one of the most unique and impactful initiatives within the gym. She developed the program to give children ages 2 to 4 years old the opportunity to begin their martial arts journey earlier than most gyms allow.
While many academies avoid teaching very young children due to the challenges involved, Felicia saw it differently. She believed those early years were critical for building coordination, discipline, listening skills, and confidence. Determined to create an opportunity where others saw difficulty, she built her own curriculum specifically designed to prepare young athletes for a smooth transition into Zero’s main kids programs in Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.
Her program gives young students a true head start — not just physically, but mentally and socially as well. Through patience, structure, and care, Felicia creates an environment where even the youngest students can begin learning the fundamentals of the martial arts lifestyle.
Felicia is a true embodiment of the Zero mindset — seeing obstacles as opportunities and refusing to accept “it’s too hard” as an answer. Her passion lies in giving every child a chance to grow, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked.
At Zero MMA, she is more than a coach — she is the glue that helps hold everything together.
TIFFANY SKACH
Assistant Coach
Tiffany Skach has been part of the Zero family since the very beginning. She joined Zero in 2008, when the doors first opened, alongside her husband Vern — making her one of the longest-standing members of the program.
Over the years, Tiffany has consistently sharpened her skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showing steady dedication to growth, discipline, and the long journey that martial arts requires. She currently holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, a reflection of her years of commitment and technical development on the mats.
Beyond her personal training, Tiffany gives back to the program by assisting with the kids classes, helping guide and support the next generation of Zero athletes. Her calm presence, patience, and long-term perspective make her a valuable asset within the youth program.
Tiffany represents the heart of Zero MMA — loyalty, perseverance, and the understanding that martial arts is a lifelong journey.