OWNER & HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Professor Jamie is the owner and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu – J3 Academy. A second-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Master Pedro Sauer, he opened J3 in March of 2014 with a vision of creating a strong, welcoming academy rooted in tradition, respect, and community.

Often described as a “Jiu-Jitsu encyclopedia,” Jamie brings deep technical knowledge, passion, and clarity to every class he teaches. A devoted family man, he has dedicated his life to building an environment where both competitors and committed hobbyists can train safely, grow together, and support one another on and off the mats.

Through his leadership and teaching philosophy, Professor Jamie helps students embrace Jiu Jitsu as a lifelong practice—one that builds confidence, character, and can be enjoyed well into old age.

WOMEN & KIDS COACH | OWNER

Coach Erica brings a lifetime of experience in athletics, service, and leadership to J3 Academy. Her journey in combat sports began at the age of 10, when she placed fourth at the state level in wrestling in Colorado. She later competed internationally as a member of the U.S. Junior Olympic Developmental Luge Team.

In 2002, Erica left college to join the United States Navy, serving as an FMF Corpsman with the Marines. She served until 2011, when she was medically evacuated from Afghanistan. Following her military service, Erica worked as a nurse before dedicating her life fully to supporting the growth and well-being of the J3 family.

As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Erica is especially passionate about empowering women and guiding children through positive, confidence-building training. Her approach emphasizes safety, resilience, and character—on and off the mats.

ADULT BJJ INSTRUCTOR

Professor Matt is a first-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with a lifelong dedication to martial arts. He began his journey in 1988 training Muay Thai before discovering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he found his true passion and ultimately earned his black belt through years of hard work and discipline.

Competition played an important role in shaping his path, but the most rewarding chapter of his journey has been teaching. Guiding students, helping them grow in confidence and skill, and supporting them as they pursue their goals on the mat has brought new purpose and fulfillment to his training.

Outside the academy, Matt is a devoted husband and a proud father of two amazing daughters.

ADULT BJJ INSTRUCTOR

Professor James is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who has been training since 2012. An accomplished competitor, he has appeared on prominent stages such as Finishers Sub Only, Rise Invitational, and Kasai Pro, earning victories in both his weight class and the open weight division across numerous tournaments.

At purple belt, James made history by opening the first 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu school on Long Island, New York, where he served as a co-owner and instructor—all while maintaining a full-time career outside the academy. This experience shaped his disciplined, well-rounded approach to both training and teaching.

James is passionate about coaching and enjoys sharing the techniques and principles that have helped him succeed not only on the mats, but in everyday life. Outside of Jiu Jitsu, he is also an avid bowler.

ADULT BJJ INSTRUCTOR

is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who has been training since the age of seven. A highly accomplished competitor, he is a two-time IBJJF Teen Champion and a Juvenile Champion at the Atlanta Open.

Brenden graduated from Cambridge High School in 2022, where he also competed in wrestling, placing fourth at the state championships at 160 lbs during his sophomore year. His background in grappling across multiple disciplines brings a well-rounded approach to his instruction.

Outside the academy, Professor Brenden works in his family’s long-standing business, building custom homes.

KIDS BJJ INSTRUCTOR

Professor John is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with a diverse martial arts background. He began his journey training Kenpo Karate before transitioning to Judo, where he earned his brown belt. Seeking to become a more complete and confident martial artist across all ranges of combat, John found his way to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and committed himself fully to the art.

Teaching has become a meaningful way for John to give back to his community and to help shape others through the skills, discipline, and values he has gained through martial arts. He believes that coaching is a two-way path of growth, often saying, “Teaching allows me to become a better student, deepen my own understanding, and help others in their pursuits both on and off the mat.”

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Robert discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu later in life and has since earned his brown belt through consistent training and dedication to the art. Driven by a passion for continual improvement, he is always looking to expand his knowledge and refine his skills.

His Friday morning classes are known for their high energy and strong emphasis on situational rolling—along with some of the best playlists on the mats (according to Robert, at least).

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Mike is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt who began his training journey in October 2017. Known for his analytical mindset, Mike brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to Jiu Jitsu that offers a unique and effective perspective to his students and training partners.

A former high school teacher, Mike is passionate about coaching and thrives on helping students experience those “light bulb” moments on the mat. While he has competed over a dozen times and is a proven competitor within the BJJ community, he still describes his style as relaxed and approachable.

Outside the academy, Mike and his wife Emily are the proud owners of Beau Vinci Violins, located in downtown Alpharetta.

Learn more about their work at beauvinciviolins.com.

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Jacmel is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt who brings a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach to the art. An electronics and telecommunications engineer by training, a program manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart, he is the founder of Ruggeda—gear made by and for grapplers—and the upcoming Bohio Brew, a Caribbean-rooted coffee venture focused on craft and sustainability.

On the mats, Jacmel blends technical precision, creativity, and presence in his Jiu Jitsu. As a Reiki Master and lifelong vegan, he approaches training with mindfulness and respect, viewing Jiu Jitsu as both a physical discipline and a form of inner work.

His mission is simple: to help build better humans—one choke, one breath, or one cup of coffee at a time.

Learn more about his work at ruggeda.com.

MUAY THAI & MMA COACH

Coach Jacob has trained in MMA striking from a young age and has dedicated himself to refining his technique over the years. A true student of the art, he is constantly studying film, breaking down details, and analyzing both his own sparring footage and that of other athletes to better understand the nuances of striking.

Jacob’s training philosophy is well captured by a quote from Bruce Lee: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” This mindset guides his focus on precision, repetition, and continual improvement.

In addition to his striking background, Coach Jacob is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt and aspires to continue growing in both disciplines, with the long-term goal of coaching in Muay Thai, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu.