Brinna Lavelle

Sensei Brinna Lavelle has been a cornerstone of martial arts excellence in Clarksville, TN since she began her journey at age three. Her father, Sensei Dave, introduced her to the disciplines of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, sparking a lifelong passion that has propelled her to remarkable achievements.

Brinna boasts 23 years of martial arts experience, holding a black belt in Judo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her illustrious career in Judo includes titles such as 15-time Tennessee State Judo Champion, 2-time Collegiate All-American, 2-time Junior National Champion, and Senior National Champion (2021). She was recognized as the United States Judo Association’s Outstanding Female Competitor in 2021 and was ranked #2 in the U.S. for the 52kg division for three consecutive years. Most recently, Brinna earned a 3rd place finish at the 2024 U.S. Judo Open, competing against 10 U.S. and international competitors in her division.

During her collegiate years, Brinna represented the U.S. on the national collegiate judo team, competing in prestigious events such as the FISU America Games (2018) and the Collegiate World University Games (2019). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Austin Peay State University and recently achieved her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University.

Beyond her accolades, Brinna’s vibrant personality and dedication shine both on and off the mat. She shares her expertise and passion for Judo and Jiu Jitsu with every Renzo Gracie Clarksville member, helping inspire and elevate our community. Together with Sensei Dave and Sensei Charlene, Brinna leads our Judo Program and Competition Team, offering unparalleled instruction and mentorship.

Brinna is also proudly married to AJ Carter, Renzo Gracie Clarksville’s strength and conditioning coach, creating a powerhouse duo within our family. Sensei Brinna Lavelle is a tremendous asset to our academy, and we are honored to have her as part of the Pride.