Our Story
When Nader Tannir returned to Columbia for a Ph.D. in Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina, he wanted to find the perfect Jiu-Jitsu spot. After trying out different schools, he realized he needed a place with the right vibe, training, and coaching.
So, Coach Nader decided to open his own gym. It’s not just a place to work out – it’s a community where everyone feels like family. The goal is to create an atmosphere where you can grow both in Jiu-Jitsu and as a person.
After the success of his initial venture in Columbia, Lycan MMA, Coach Nader was inspired to seek out another exceptional community for establishing a second Jiu-Jitsu gym. This led him to the exciting decision to open Basilisk Martial Arts in Camden, SC.
Lycan Mixed Martial Arts aims to help everyone reach their full potential, whether on the mats or in their personal lives. Joining means becoming part of a community that supports each other. No matter what your goals are, the gym offers a place to excel and connect with others.
Meet the coaches
Nader Tannir
Owner and Founder
Our Founder and Head Coach Nader Tannir started training kickboxing at the age of 6. He has over 20 years of competitive kickboxing experience, including 10 years representing the Lebanese National Team. Coach Nader has trained various forms of striking including Muay Thai (10+ years), Shotokan Karate (Black Belt), and Kusikian Karate (Black Belt). He has won multiple international competitions. Nader began training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in December 2011. Nader was ranked the number one pound for pound and number one heavyweight Master 1 Brown Belt in the world by the International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation between September of 2020 and August 2022. He won an impressive 16 gold medals in international competitions in 2021 alone! On August 19th, 2022, he was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by Kristian Woodmansee.
Nader has over 10 years of coaching experience between strength and conditioning, personal training, kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Coach Nader is currently working on his Ph.D. in Sports Science at the University of South Carolina. He has a Masters in Sports Psychology from the University of Missouri (2015) and a Masters in Exercise Physiology (2012) as well as a Bachelor of Science (2011) from the University of South Carolina. Nader is also a proud veteran.
Lauren Kyle
Kids' Coach
Coach Lauren recently relocated to the Columbia area in pursuit of a better school district for her three beloved daughters. Her journey in mixed martial arts began in 2016, but she took a brief hiatus in 2018 following the birth of her youngest daughter. Undeterred, Coach Lauren made a triumphant return to the MMA world in 2020. Her passion and dedication led her to attain her blue belt in March 2021, marking a significant milestone in her martial arts journey.
Coach Lauren’s commitment to the sport extends beyond her personal achievements. She has become a role model for aspiring young martial artists by teaching kids’ jiu-jitsu. Her skills and expertise have not gone unnoticed, as she has notched notable accomplishments in the grappling world, including competing twice in the Toro Cup on FloGrappling. Furthermore, Coach Lauren’s talent shines brightly on the local circuit, where she has clinched numerous gold medals at various tournaments.
In addition to her achievements in grappling, Coach Lauren is no stranger to the MMA cage, having courageously participated in four amateur MMA fights. Her unwavering dedication to both her family and her passion for martial arts exemplifies the spirit of a true martial artist and coach.
Brandon Olsen
Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Brandon Olsen embarked on his martial arts journey at the tender age of 4, commencing his tutelage in Karate alongside his father, JD. Throughout his formative years, he dedicated significant time to training, although Karate failed to capture his heart. The true turning point came during his freshman year of high school at the age of 14 when he delved into the world of Jiu-Jitsu. However, it took an additional 3 years for him to genuinely grasp and cultivate a profound appreciation for this martial art.
During his early years, Coach Brandon demonstrated an innate inclination for instruction, assisting JD in teaching both Karate and Jiu-Jitsu. Remarkably, by the age of 18, he had assumed sole responsibility for instructing their BJJ fundamentals program.
For the subsequent 3 years, teaching and training became constant fixtures in his life. In 2020, he temporarily paused his training due to personal reasons and an aspiration to enlist in the military. When the military plan did not materialize, he relocated to Columbia to pursue full-time work, marking the first period in his life when he wasn’t training at all.
In March of 2023, Coach Brandon had an epiphany. He realized that the best version of himself involved a commitment to training. With renewed determination, he sought out a local academy that would align with his schedule, leading him to Lycan MMA. The level of training offered at Lycan MMA resonated deeply with him, reigniting his passion for the sport. In just a matter of months, Brandon’s Jiu-Jitsu skills reached new heights, building on everything he had previously achieved.
Jack Meehan
Owner and Founder
Coach Jack is a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who has invested a remarkable 8 years of his life in mastering this art. Jack’s journey has been nothing short of impressive, marked by his promotions to purple and blue belts under the guidance of the renowned Greg Sirico at Odyssey Jiu Jitsu. His Jiu-Jitsu lineage can be traced back to legends like Renzo Gracie and Marcelo Garcia.
Not confined by borders, Jack’s passion for BJJ has taken him around the world. He’s trained in gyms in Germany, Bulgaria, Belgium, and Austria, gaining a global perspective on this martial art.
Coach Jack’s dedication to Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond the mats; he’s a valuable contributor to the BJJ community as well. Jack actively blogs for the website Jiu Jitsu Legacy. Jack’s dedication to Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond the mats; he’s a valuable contributor to the BJJ community as a blogger for the “Jiu Jitsu Legacy” website. Currently, he plays an active role in the community by providing insightful product reviews and keeping enthusiasts updated about the latest developments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events.
As Coach Jack continues his journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his passion, experience, and dedication promise to inspire and benefit the community for years to come.
Ben Smith
Kids' Coach
Coach Ben is a dedicated kickboxing and MMA coach with an impressive background in combat sports:
🥊 Amateur XFS MMA Champion: a major highlight of Ben’s journey in MMA was an Amateur XFS MMA title win, showcasing his skill and determination in the cage.
🏆 Commanders Cup Victory: Coach Ben played a pivotal role in securing victory for his team, the Commanders, demonstrating his leadership and strategic prowess in the world of combat sports.
🪖 Marine Martial Arts Instructor: Ben’s expertise extends to the military, where he serves as a trusted Marine Martial Arts instructor, imparting his combat knowledge to the next generation of warriors.
👊 MMA Record: Coach Ben boasts a remarkable MMA record of 3 wins and 1 loss. What’s even more impressive is that his opponents had a combined record of 40 wins and only 13 losses, highlighting his ability to take on formidable adversaries and emerge victorious.
Coach Ben’s passion for kickboxing and MMA, along with his extensive experience, make him a valuable asset to the world of combat sports and an inspiring coach for aspiring fighters.
Coach William
Jiu-Jitsu Coach
Coach William, our dedicated wrestling coach since September 2023, not only boasts an impressive wrestling career, but he is also deeply passionate about growing the sport and sharing his love for wrestling with others. He was a D1 wrestler at the Citadel following a high school career with two placements and a State Championships win.
Wrestling, known for its rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, is a physically demanding and mentally challenging sport that requires discipline, technique, and perseverance. William’s expertise and commitment to wrestling make him an invaluable asset to our team, where he instills these essential qualities in our athletes, helping them reach their full potential on and off the mats. He is committed to nurturing and developing skills in aspiring athletes, ensuring that the spirit and techniques of wrestling continue to thrive among the next generation of enthusiasts.