Instructors
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David McKenzie, Jr.
Mr. David McKenzie started his martial arts career with Judo in 1978. He soon switched to Bill Shaw Karate, then eventually to Tae Kwon Do. By 2002, Mr. McKenzie was awarded his 5th-degree black belt by his mentor, Mr. Ford. He also has a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. McKenzie has been teaching Tae Kwon Do since 1987, and believes that the most valuable element gained from his martial arts experience is the confidence to know that "one owns the ground they stand on." His personal philosophy is that everyone has both their own limitations and strengths, making it impossible to expect uniform methods and results. Mr. McKenzie is currently the head of the Western Tae Kwon Do Karate Association.
Jessica McQuistion
Jessica began her martial arts career when she began learning Tae Kwon Do in 1993. By 2013, she was awarded her 2nd-degree black belt. Jessica enjoys the confidence and the physical conditioning gained from martial arts. Jessica’s personal philosophy is to help others achieve individual growth as well as collective growth as a team. Jessica instructs the kids' classes and the conditioning classes, as well as assists in all other classes at Ice House Athletics.
Grant Gaither
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
“Professor” Grant Gaither began training under Finnie and Tessa McMahon at the McMahon Training Center in the summer of 2007. During that time he completed a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University in Business Administration, Concentrating in Corporate Finance. He has competed successfully at weight and open weight since he was a blue belt. Grant began cross training in Judo in 2014 under Justin Smith at Platte River Judo in Casper, WY. He was awarded his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Finnie McMahon in January of 2016. See notable accomplishments below.
•Three time Black Belt competitor at Fight to Win Pro
•Bronze Medalist at Pan American Championship 2015 (Brown Belt)
•Bronze Medalist at Pan American Championship 2011 (Purple Belt)
•Gold Medalist at Pan American Championship 2010 (Blue Belt)
Josh Albrecht
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Josh Albrecht was introduced to Jiu Jitsu while serving in the US Army with the 173rd Airborne Infantry. After the Army, Josh looked to continue his training, only to find that there were no Jiu Jitsu schools in Casper. After several years of training on his own and at several MMA gyms, Josh began training at the Ice House with Dave and later with Grant. Outside of the Ice House, Josh is a Sergeant with the Casper Police Department and has been CPDs head Defensive Tactics Instructor since 2011. Josh is a Wyoming Law Enforcement Custody and Control Instructor, Gracie Survival Tactics Level 2 Instructor, Sheepdog Response Level 1 Certified, and National Tactical Officers Association Defensive Tactics Instructor. Due to his position with the police department, Josh has had the opportunity to train with some of the top Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world and enjoys sharing the knowledge that he has obtained.
Kyle Endres
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids Class Instructor
Kyle Endres began training BJJ in the summer of 2008, after graduating high school. Shortly after, he moved to Ft. Collins, CO to start attending college at Colorado State University. This is where he began training at Z's Training Gym under Brian Zehler. Kyle frequently competed in BJJ tournaments and eventually transitioned his training to focus on MMA, where he fought as an amateur. Kyle graduated CSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Administration. After graduating college Kyle moved to Casper, WY. This is when Kyle started to train with Professor Grant Gaither and was introduced to Ice House Athletics. Kyle was promoted to Brown Belt by Grant in the Fall of 2022. Kyle is married to his wife Elizabeth and they have 4 kids; Skylee, Slader, Paityn, and Aspen. Kyle is fortunate enough to share his passion for BJJ with his kids and train with them.