CJ Garza

Professor CJ Garza began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006 and has since dedicated his life to both martial arts and public service. Shortly after starting BJJ, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for 10 years, training across the country and internationally. During his military career, CJ became a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, NC, and specialized in firearms proficiency, eventually becoming an instructor. He is also an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, having served in the Patrol Forces Southeast Asia (PATFORSWA) theater.

Following his military service, CJ transitioned to law enforcement in the greater Boston area, where he continued his passion for Jiu-Jitsu by training fellow officers in defensive tactics and firearms proficiency as a department instructor and armorer. He personally witnessed the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu in real-world law enforcement applications, strengthening his belief in its importance for officer safety.

In 2022, CJ earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Bruno Ayolphi Braz of Submit Your Friend Academy in Boston before relocating to the Nashville area to be closer to family. He quickly found a home at Renzo Gracie Clarksville, where he now teaches both youth and adult BJJ, sharing his expertise with students of all ages. He is also one of the lead instructors for our Combatives for Cops program, where he helps train law enforcement officers in practical and effective Jiu-Jitsu techniques for real-world scenarios.

Passionate about both teaching and continuous learning, CJ brings a wealth of experience to Renzo Gracie Clarksville and is committed to helping students grow on and off the mats.