Meet Our Team

Our team at Real Movement & Martial Arts is made up of experienced martial arts instructors and dedicated movement teachers who are passionate about helping people train, move, and feel better. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking to yoga and mobility, each teacher brings their own background and expertise to support students of all levels. Together, they create a welcoming environment focused on growth, learning, and community.

PROFESSOR JOEY DIEHL

Owner, Head Professor
​Joey “The Real” Diehl is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under mixed martial arts pioneer and 5th Degree Black Belt, Jeff “Big Frog” Curran, who is under 8th Degree Black Belt and legendary instructor, Pedro Sauer.
Joey is an MMA veteran having competed in over 30 fights and hundreds of grappling competitions. Joey has an extensive background in boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing, and is also a certified yoga instructor, mobility specialist (FRCMS), and manual therapist (FR and Thai yoga therapy). At RMMA, Joey synthesizes all sides of grappling; including self-defense, sport BJJ, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. He teaches adult and kids jiujitsu as well as adult MMA classes. He is a co-host of the Keep it Rollin Podcast.

Professor Kyle Perkins

Head Kids Coach

Kyle "Dawg Face" Perkins is a 1st-degree black belt with over 15 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience, having started his journey in 2009. A seasoned competitor, Kyle has tested his skills in prestigious events like the ADCC Trials and Midwest Finisher. His deep knowledge and passion for Jiu-Jitsu shine through in his teaching, making him an excellent guide for students of all levels. He teaches 6am jiujitsu classes, kids jiujitsu and kids striking. He is also the co-host of the Keep it Rollin Podcast!

TayLa Meredith

Head Women's Coach

With her energetic spirit and hard-earned purple belt, Tayla represents perseverance and commitment within the REAL team. What began as curiosity quickly became a true passion, fueled by grit, resilience, and relentless dedication.
Her mission is to inspire more women to step onto the mats and experience the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Tayla believes the sport can impact every walk of life and is committed to helping shape strong, confident individuals both on and off the mat.

Jay Perez

Tuane Brewer
Jay Perez is a dedicated fitness professional and mobility expert who has made it his mission to empower individuals on their journey to improved health and vitality. With a diverse background in sports, particularly baseball, Jay's passion for movement and wellness has evolved over the years, leading him to become a sought-after personal trainer and mobility coach at RMMA.
J​ay's dedication to his clients goes beyond the gym. He is committed to helping individuals make lasting lifestyle changes that extend beyond the training session. His motivational coaching style and unwavering support have inspired countless individuals to achieve their fitness goals and embrace a healthier way of life.  Jay is always learning and prides himself in being a student. 
​Fueled by sweat and driven by challenge, Tuane Brewer is a CrossFit and HIIT training enthusiast and personal trainer with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science who brings high energy, embraces every challenge, and thrives on motivating others to rise stronger, fitter, faster, and more confident every day, one workout at a time. 
Tuane is committed to constant growth and inspiring others to push limits, build confidence, and become their best selves, mentally and physically.

Carrie Ann

Miguel Mallatanes

Amy Dexter
Carrie Ann is a Chicago-based yoga teacher and movement educator with over a decade of experience. With an athletic background, she specializes in mobility, alignment, and intelligently sequenced classes that build strength, balance, and resilience.
At RMMA, she blends mindful movement with functional training in a supportive community, empowering students to cultivate confidence, strength, and sustainable wellness both on and off the mat.
I started practicing yoga in 2013. It completely changed my life in such a great way. I fell in love
with the “art” of yoga and being able to move so confidently on my mat. I started teaching yoga
in 2015 and ever since its been a pretty crazy ride of so many different studios and students of
all shapes and sizes and ages. I am not a “flowery” teacher. I am terrible at setting intentions
before class or instructing students to find their “third eye”. But I love yoga. I love what it can
do for people mentally and physically. It's one of my greatest joys in life to watch other people progress and advance on their mats. Being able to see the little “victories” people have
is a gift.
Amy’s journey with yoga began as a deeply personal path of self-discovery and healing, eventually growing into a calling to support others in reconnecting with their bodies, breath, and inner stillness. She is a certified RYT-200 instructor and started teaching at RMMA in the spring of 2025. 
Her classes blend mindful movement, breath work, meditation, and restorative asana in a calm, supportive environment. She aims to help students slow down, release tension, and leave feeling grounded, renewed, and connected both on and off the mat.