Rod (also known as Detroit) is a black-belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Royce Gracie. He creates the curriculum for, and is the instructor of, the No Gi classes at Triangle Jiu Jitsu.

In addition to Jiu Jitsu, Rod has coached kickboxing in the past. He is certified Kru and has an extensive resume in mixed martial arts and currently boasts an unbeaten record in competition.