Instructors

HEAD INSTRUCTOR - James Kelly

The Founder and Head Instructor at the Cincinnati Jiu-Jitsu Academy is James Kelly, a certified Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Master Pedro Sauer. Mr. Kelly has been endorsed to Instruct Gracie Jiu-Jitsu By Master Relson Gracie, Master Pedro Sauer and Grandmaster Flavio Behring.

Mr. Kelly has studied martial arts since 1992. He has traveled the world teaching the art and training with leading experts including the founding father of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. Kelly has studied under Grandmaster Helio Gracie, and Grandmaster's, Flavio Behring, Alvaro Berreto, Master's Relson and Rickson Gracie and Master Ricardo Murgel, Master Silvio Behring and Professor's Royler, Rolker, and Royce Gracie, and Carlos, Rigan, John, Jean-Jacques, and Roger Machado.

Mr. Kelly has competed and won many of the top events in both Gi and No Gi competitions including the Brazilian regional and state championships, Grapplers Quest, The Arnold Classic and the US Open.

Mr. Kelly is a veteran of the special operations community since 1992 and has provide special operations support to US Government Agencies in support of the world wide fight on terrorism.

He is an instructor in several martial arts and self defense systems under world renowned instructors. Mr. Kelly has conducted training at the request of many of the Nations elite special operation units and personnel and government agencies on site world wide.

Mr. Kelly is a highly sought after consultant and instructor for his unique combination of skills, real-world experience, depth of knowledge and his ability to deliver this to his students.

Justin Christopher is a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt under Mr. Kelly

Mr. Christopher has traveled the United Sates and Australia competing and training with the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors including the world famous Machado brothers. He has Studied under Master Pedro Sauer and Master Relson and Rickson Gracie and John Will.

Mr. Christopher has also trained extensively in MMA and Sport fighting with King of the Cage veteran John the “Rev” Jensen. He has competed and medalled in numerous grappling events in Australia and the United States.

Mr. Christopher has also had the privilege to instruct some of the Nations top special warfare operators and Law Enforcement SWAT teams in the combat effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.