Our instructors are some of the best operators, medics, fighters, and law enforcement in the country. Come learn from the best!

Gracie Humaita Cedar Park

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu, which literally means the gentle art, is a famous form of self-defense that does not rely on physical strength and power.

Using techniques of strikes, holds, locks, chokes, throws, and evasions it employs mechanics through leverage and knowledge of human anatomy to overcome any attacker with minimal effort and strength.

Jiu-Jitsu teaches self-confidence, improves self-esteem, relieves stress, and increases the ability to focus.

Instructors

Tim Kennedy
Kennedy has black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Modern Army Combatives. He is also one of the top-ranked mixed martial arts fighters in the world, a position he achieved while simultaneously serving his country at the highest levels of special operations. Prior to his retirement from professional mixed martial arts, he was ranked among the top Middleweights in the UFC.
Paulo ‘Coelho’ Brandão
Paulo Brandão, also known by his nickname "Coelho", is a historic competitor for the Gracie Humaitá academy, having been a black belt world champion at the very first World Jiu Jitsu Championship (1996). Graded by Royler Gracie, the Manauara Paulo "Coelho" became a reference in the sport as a fighter, and also as an instructor, having moved to the United States in 2012 to pursuit his coaching career.
Patrick Miller
Patrick Miller is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a professional Jiu-Jitsu competitor, and a former professional MMA fighter. He also recently retired from the Army after serving 20 years, being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan for 5 of them. He has competed all over the United States in some of the biggest competitions, including winning the Nogi Pans in 2023, the PBBJJF world championships, and the All Army Combative Championship in 2018.
Giancarlo Bodoni
Giancarlo Bodoni is a professional jiu-jitsu competitor and a black belt under Lucas Lepri, who worked extensively with Bernardo Faria, and is best known for being the 88kg 2022 ADCC World Champion. Bodoni earned his reputation as one of the sport’s top athletes after his performances in IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships.

Combatives vs Jiu Jitsu

At Sheepdog Response we train Combatives in our Protector 1 and Protector 2 classes. Based on Army combatives, where many of our instructors hold the rank of Black Belt. Combatives focuses on practical techniques for real-life combat scenarios, incorporating strikes, throws, joint locks, and chokeholds with an emphasis on simplicity and adaptability. Within our training we focus on how to deal with an attacker who has a weapon, how to reduce the threat and how to survive the situation. We integrate it into our training programs to prepare our students mentally and physically for combat situations while instilling confidence and discipline.

Then there is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the "gentle art." Jiu Jitsu was originally developed for self defense with the intention of allowing smaller individuals to defend themselves against larger opponents. Many of what we teach in combatives have foundations in jiu jitsu and other forms of martial arts. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the few martial arts where you can train at full speed and force while also remaining safe and don't have to worry about getting hurt. We think it's one of the best ways for the people to practice how to defend themselves in a safe environment and build practical skills.

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