CJ began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2006, and shortly after joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he would go on to serve for 10 years. CJ’s time in the Coast Guard afforded him the opportunity to train in various parts of the country, and different parts of the world.
CJ would go on to become a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, NC and teach firearms proficiency and application throughout his time in the Coast Guard. CJ is also an Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veteran having served in the Patrol Forces Southeast Asia (PATFORSWA) theater.
After leaving the military, CJ became a police officer in the greater Boston area of Massachusetts where he continued his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and firearms training as a Firearms Instructor and Armorer for his department. CJ took every opportunity to teach Jiu-Jitsu to his fellow officers and it was there he was able to personally see the practical benefits of Jiu-Jitsu when applied in a professional setting for self-defense.
CJ earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2022 under Bruno Ayolphi Braz, founder and Head Instructor of Submit Your Friend Academy in Boston, Massachusetts before relocating to the Nashville area to be closer to family.
CJ was immediately welcomed at Renzo Gracie Clarksville and looks forward to spreading his passion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while also learning from those around him.