The People of IJEF
Executive Director – Sue Bentley
Founder/President – Professor Erik Klinger (Black Belt)
Vice-President – Professor Ishmael Bentley (Black Belt)
Professor Ishmael Bentley is originally from Kentucky where he grew up Boxing and learning Karate. In 1999, he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has never looked back. From 2000-2006, he dedicated to training BJJ 6 days per week (twice a day). In 2006, he earned his black belt.
Please checkout an interview featuring IJEF’s influence on Prof. Bentley
Director of Business Development – Dr. Megan Michael (White Belt)
Since 2017, Dr. Megan Michael has been training Jiu-Jitsu in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has been an avid supporter of foundations that help those in need utilize Jiu-Jitsu as a form of physical and emotional therapy. Having served as the Director of Development for other foundations, Dr. Michael is honored to bring her significant fundraising experience to help further the mission of IJEF. Both of her younger daughters train Jiu-Jitsu avidly at M Theory Martial Arts. Believing that our children are both our future in this world and our legacy, the mission of serving underprivileged children in foreign countries through imparting the art of Jiu-Jitsu fits Dr. Michael’s ethos perfectly.
It’s time to bring IJEF’s mission from grassroots to the forefront as an example of helping children in third world countries change their lives and futures through developing discipline, self-confidence, respect, integrity, and dignity.
Dr. Michael is a board-certified chiropractor and acupuncturist with 15 years experience in clinical practice. She focuses on treating athletes, both professional and amateur, and active individuals of all ages. Dr. Michael is also the Founder and CEO of MM Candle Company, a unique collaboration with veterans, based in North Carolina. Additionally, her passions include jumping horses, traveling with her family, Muay Thai, and showing dogs at the highest AKC national level.