OWNER & HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Professor Jamie is the owner and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu – J3 Academy. A second-degree black belt under Master Pedro Sauer, he opened J3 in March 2014. Known as a “Jiu-Jitsu encyclopedia,” Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class. A devoted family man, he has dedicated his life to building a welcoming environment where both competitors and dedicated hobbyists can train, grow, and support one another on and off the mats. Through his exceptional leadership and teaching style, Jamie helps students embrace Jiu-Jitsu as a lifelong practice—one that can be safely enjoyed well into old age.

WOMENS SELF DEFENSE & KIDS COACH

Coach Erica’s first experience with combat sports started at age 10 when she placed fourth in state (Colorado) in Wrestling. Erica has competed on the international stage as a member of the U.S. Junior Olympic Developmental Luge team. In 2002, Erica left college and joined the Navy to become a FMF Corpsman with the Marines and served until 2011 when she was medically evacuated from Afghanistan. Erica worked as a nurse until pursuing a life dedicated to supporting the growth of everyone in the J3 family.

Professor James is a black belt and has been training Jiu Jitsu since 2012. James has appeared on stages such as Finishers Sub Only, Rise Invitational, and Kasai pro. James has competed in many tourneys where he collected wins in both his weight and open weight divisions.

At purple belt, James opened the first 10th planet school on Long Island,NY where he was a co-owner and instructor all while working a full time job.

James enjoys teaching Jiu-Jitsu and sharing the techniques and principle’s that have helped him achieve his goals on and off the mats.

ADULT BJJ COACH

Professor Matt began his martial arts journey in 1988 with Muay Thai and then transitioned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he found his true passion and worked his way to earning a black belt.

While competition was a major part of his path, the most fulfilling chapter is the one he is on now: teaching. Helping others achieve their goals on the mat has brought new meaning to his journey.

Matt is also a husband and proud father of two amazing daughters.

KIDS BJJ COACH

Coach John began his martial arts career with Kenpo Karate and later Judo where he has also earned his brown belt. John started Jiu-Jitsu to become a more well-rounded Martial Artist and to learn and become more confident in all ranges of combat. John believes teaching has been an avenue to give back to his community and to help mold people in the skills and values he has learned through Martial Arts. As he says, "Teaching allows me to become a better student, and to further increase my own knowledge and help others in their pursuits on and off the mat."

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Brenden is a brown belt and has been training since the age of 7 years old. Brenden has won two teen IBJJF championships in addition to winning the juvenile championship for the Atlanta Opens. Brenden graduated from Cambridge High School in 2022 where in his sophomore year placed fourth at state at 160lbs. Off the mats, Brenden builds custom homes in his families longstanding business.

You can learn more about him here: https://homebuildersgroup.com/brentboydhomes/

MUAY THAI & MMA COACH

Coach Jacob was brought up training MMA striking from a young age and has loved to refine his technique over the years. He is a student of the art, always watching film and analyzing the intruiqete details of his and others' sparring footage.  Jacob defines his training methods by the following quote from the martial artist Bruce Lee: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who had practiced one kick 10,000 times." Jacob hopes to continue to improve in all aspects of martial arts as he is also a blue belt in BJJ aspiring to one day coach in both arts. here

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Robert discovered the art of Jiu-Jitsu later in life and has since earned his purple belt. Driven by a passion for continual improvement, he trains consistently and is always seeking to expand his knowledge of the art. His Friday morning classes are known for their high energy and focus on situational rolling—along with some of the best playlists on the mats (at least, according to Robert!).

ADULT BJJ COACH

Jacmel is an electronics and telecom engineer by training, program manager by profession, and entrepreneur at heart. He’s 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.

As BJJ purple belt, Jacmel blends technical precision, creativity, and presence on the mats. As a Reiki Master and lifelong vegan, he brings a mindful, respectful approach to training—seeing Jiu-Jitsu as both art and inner work.

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

Learn more about him here:

https://www.ruggeda.com/

ADULT BJJ COACH

Coach Mike is dedicated practitioner who began his journey in October 2017. Holding a purple belt, Mike's analytical mindset shines through in his approach to Jiu-Jitsu, offering a unique perspective to his training partners. A former high school teacher, Mike's passion for teaching and witnessing those 'light bulb' moments in his students remains a driving force in his study of Jiu Jitsu. Mike has competed over a dozen times and is a proven competitor in the BJJ community, but still considers his style “laid back”. Beyond the mats, Mike and his wife Emily are the proud owners of Beau Vinci Violins in downtown Alpharetta.

You can learn more about him here: https://beauvinciviolins.com